A good carrier makes every trip easier, from the drive to the groomer to a weekend away. A great one is something your cat or small dog walks into on their own. Soft carriers are popular because they are light, easy to carry, and comfortable to sit in, but they vary a lot in how they open, how much room they give, and how they carry. Here is what to look for.

Start with how your pet gets in and out

Getting a pet into a carrier is often the hardest part of the trip, so the openings matter more than anything else. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) suggests that a soft carrier should have a large opening at the top, plus one or preferably two door openings on the ends. A top opening lets you lower a reluctant cat in gently, and it lets a vet or groomer reach your pet without pulling them out through a small front door. Side openings give your pet a doorway they can walk through on their own.

Give them enough room

Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your pet from nose to the base of the tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing, then compare those numbers with the carrier's interior. The AAFP specifically notes that backpack-style carriers often don't leave cats enough room to move around comfortably.

If you plan to fly, check your airline's under-seat size limits before you buy, since every airline sets its own.

Look for airflow and a view

Mesh panels keep air moving and let your pet see you, which many pets find reassuring. Some prefer a darker, more enclosed space, so a carrier with several mesh areas gives you options. You can drape a light towel over one side for a pet who likes privacy and leave another side open for airflow.

A firm, flat base

A soft carrier still needs a solid floor. A reinforced base keeps the bottom from sagging when you lift it, so your pet isn't sliding toward the middle with every step. A padded layer on top of that base adds comfort for longer trips.

Think about how you'll carry it

Picture the trips you actually take. For quick errands, a tote with padded handles that also works over the shoulder is easy to grab. For airports and train stations, a strap that slides over a rolling suitcase handle lets you travel hands-free. Outside pockets for treats, waste bags, and a leash mean you don't have to open the main compartment mid-trip.

Make the carrier part of home

The AAFP recommends keeping the carrier out in a place where your cat already likes to spend time, rather than bringing it out only for trips. Put a favorite blanket or bed inside so it smells familiar, and add a few treats now and then. Over time the carrier becomes a cozy spot instead of a signal that something unusual is about to happen. The same approach works well for small dogs.

Keep it steady in the car

According to the AAFP, the safest place for a carrier in the car is on the floor between the front and back seats, and the carrier should be secure so it can't slide around. An internal safety clip that attaches to your pet's harness adds another layer of security when you open the carrier.

FAQ

Should I choose a hard or soft carrier?

Both have their place. The AAFP notes that hard plastic carriers are the easiest to clean, and they recommend choosing one with a removable top. If you prefer a soft carrier for its lighter weight and comfort, look for a large top opening and one or two door openings, as described above.

How do I know the carrier is big enough?

Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. If they have to crouch or curl tightly just to fit, size up.

Can a carrier double as a bed at the destination?

Some can. Expandable carriers with zip-out side panels open into a larger, ventilated space, which gives your pet a familiar spot to rest once you arrive.

Our Pick: The ZEZE Travel Carriers

ZEZE 3-Panel Mesh Opening Nice Expandable Dog & Cat Travel Carrier opens from three directions: a top mesh sunroof plus zippered left and right side panels. At the destination, unzip both sides and it expands from 15.7 inches to 39.3 inches long, turning into a ventilated tent your pet can stretch out in. An internal safety clip, a reinforced hardboard base, and raised anti-slip bumpers on the bottom keep the ride steady, and multi-layer outside pockets hold treats and toys. A rear luggage strap slides over a rolling suitcase handle for hands-free travel. The colorway is pure fun: sky-blue gingham, warm pink, and golden-yellow trim. The carrier measures 15.7 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches.

ZEZE Maillard Brown Color Traveling Block Dog & Cat Carrier is a structured cotton canvas tote in color-blocked caramel brown, sky blue, and green. A top mesh sunroof with a full-panel zipper lets you offer a treat or a reassuring pat without opening the main compartment, and a U-shaped side window lets your pet peek out along the way. Inside, a safety clip and a reinforced padded hardboard base keep things secure and stable. An outside pocket holds the essentials, and the padded handle with a hook-and-loop fastener works for carrying by hand or over the shoulder. It measures 16.9 x 10.2 x 11.4 inches.

Sources

American Association of Feline Practitioners. Visiting Your Veterinarian: Getting Your Cat to the Veterinary Practice.