Best Dog Soft-Sided Carriers of 2025

"For the price, you can't go wrong. I was looking for a new carrier since my old one was breaking down. I chose this Amazon Basics carrier based on the reviews, and I’m glad I did. It’s well-constructed and has plenty of space for my cat. The double straps are convenient, and I love the machine-washable soft layer. The mesh openings provide great visibility for my cat, which has helped reduce her carsickness. Overall, this carrier is perfect for occasional trips!"

"I find this carrier to be an excellent timeout space for my cat, Tenzin. It’s durable and easy to carry. I can quickly zip him in without any hassle. The zippered top allows him to peek out during car rides, which he enjoys. Although he doesn’t love it, he doesn’t mind it either, and he even sleeps in it sometimes. I’m impressed by the affordable price and how it has held up over time!"

"La calidad parece buena, y aunque me llegó un poco más tarde de lo prometido, estoy muy satisfecho con la compra."

"I was looking for something more convenient than my old hard-side carrier, and this carrier was just perfect. I've used it about 12 times for my 10-pound cat, and it's much lighter and easier to handle. Charlie can see us through the large windows, and the multiple openings make it so easy to get him in and out. The material has held up nicely, and the bottom mat is cozy and washable!"

"Flying with my 13-pound Maltese mix was a breeze. This carrier fit perfectly under the seat on both flights. It's easy to carry and super sturdy, and I've even used it on the train. I couldn't be happier!"

"I was honestly surprised by how well this carrier performed. I had low expectations for the price, but it turned out to be sturdy and spacious for my 7-pound puppy. I loved being able to pet him through the top opening during our flight, and it squished just enough to fit under the seat without any issues!"

"I found this crate to be extremely lightweight and very easy to set up. My dog has plenty of space to move around comfortably, and it folds down flat for storage. The tan color fits perfectly with our home decor. However, I did notice that the zippers could be stronger, as they tend to stick occasionally."

"When I purchased this 36-inch folding soft crate, I was pleasantly surprised by its quality. While I believe a determined dog could eventually chew through it, it seems ideal for my pup who doesn't fight the crate. It's a wonderful backup crate for road trips and vacations."

"I wish I had more specific reviews before buying this crate! We got the large size for our 70 lb. dog, but it feels a bit snug for him to lie comfortably over long periods. It's great for road trips, and I appreciate that it fits well in the car. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the purchase!"

“I found this carrier to be really sturdy and the cost was very reasonable for the size. I was able to put two of my cats in it for travel along with a small litter box, and there was plenty of room for them to be comfortable together. The zippers were easy to use, and I preferred putting my cats in from above.”

“I used this carrier for my puppy's vet visit. I got a medium size for my 12 lbs. dachshund mix, and it worked great. She had plenty of room and it was fairly easy to assemble. The design allowed her to lay down comfortably, and the mesh windows were a nice touch.”

“We transported two cats together during an evacuation. They really dislike traditional carriers, but this one was very sturdy and well worth the money. I wouldn’t recommend putting more than two small animals in it since it can get a bit heavy to carry, but the benefit of keeping them together was worth it!”

"I needed a carrier for a vet emergency and found this one locally. It’s the perfect size and structure for my cats. They enjoy resting in it, and it’s easy to transport in the car. The removable pads are great for cleaning, and I love that it collapses for storage. My cats are comfortable, and I have no complaints!"

"I purchased my second Sherpa carrier and I’m thrilled with its features. I can load my cat from the front or the top, which is a huge help. The sturdy bottom and cozy Sherpa cover keep my cat comfortable. I added a small pad for easier removal at vet visits, and I can't believe how durable this bag is; my first one has lasted nearly four years!"

"I traveled with my puppy in this carrier, and it worked like a charm. It fit perfectly in my suitcase and provided ample space for her during the flight. She found it comfortable and I appreciated the extra pockets for essentials. The removable shoulder strap was a great bonus for navigating the airport!"

"I really love this carrier! It's so comfortable and spacious, and the wheels are a game changer. I can roll my luggage in one hand and my pet in the other, making it very convenient. I would definitely recommend it!"

"I purchased this carrier for my cats, and it has been a lifesaver. I don't have to carry them through the airport anymore, and it fits airline guidelines perfectly. The dolly that comes with it is also great! It has side pockets and an overall fantastic design."

"I ordered this for my elderly dog who struggles with walking. He enjoyed it so much during our beach outing, and I didn't have to carry him, which was a relief. It’s perfect for him, and I appreciate that it has room for snacks and a collapsible water bowl!"

"I bought this for my large cat, weighing 16 lbs, and he fit nicely inside, seeming quite comfortable. It was easy to carry him, and the carrier felt sturdy."

"As someone who does kitty rescue, I've purchased at least 15 carriers, and these are by far my favorite. The high quality and sturdiness provide plenty of room. I appreciate that the sides can be closed for darkness or fully opened for visibility. I highly recommend this and would give it 10 stars!"

"My cat, about 13-14 lbs, is quite long, and I wanted a carrier that wouldn’t cramp him. This one fits the bill perfectly, and after leaving it out, he has started using it on his own for napping. I'm confident he'll be much more comfortable during our next vet visit!"

"I purchased this carrier for our first airplane trip with my 18-pound dog. After much research, I found that the length and girth of the dog mattered more than weight. My dog was able to lay down comfortably, although he preferred to keep his head out. The carrier is 10.5 inches tall, fitting nicely under the seat. It has a great design for letting his head out, which was important for us. Carrying him over the shoulder made him calmer, and overall, I think it’s a great option for pets under 20 pounds."

"This carrier is well-made and fits perfectly within airline measurements. My pet can move easily, and the side curtains provide extra air when needed. I am really pleased with this excellent choice!"

"I find this carrier a bit expensive, but I’m hopeful it will be worth it when I need it. So far, it has proven to be sturdy and robust, and I’m considering getting another one, but I just can’t justify the cost at the moment."

"I transport my 14-pound cat with ease. He loves the comfortable cushion and the ample mesh windows for visibility. The options for handles and a collapsible water dish are great too!"

"I switched from an old plastic carrier to this one and I'm impressed! It’s sturdy and the cushion is much nicer. My cats have more room than in other carriers, especially in height. I highly recommend it for vet trips!"

"This carrier was perfect for my foster kittens. The top entry keeps them from jumping out, and it’s easy to assemble. I can fit two kittens comfortably. The reflective silver edging is a nice touch too!"

"I absolutely love this pet carrier! It's incredibly roomy and soft, making it very comfortable for my dog. She had enough space to stretch out and sit up. The zipping feature from the top is great for easy access, and the wheels roll smoothly. It fits perfectly under seats too. Highly recommend this carrier!"

"I got this carrier for my old chihuahua mix and it fits under the seat, but it's a tight squeeze. The wheels are convenient, allowing me to roll it through the terminal without straining my back. However, I had to remove the wheels to fit it under the seat. Overall, it did what I needed it to do!"

"I had a difficult travel day, but this stroller was a game changer. My dog felt comfortable and secure, allowing her to relax while I navigated through the airport. I even received compliments on how nice it looked. Definitely a great investment!"