Vet visits, weekends away, the drive to the bach: a good pet travel bag makes every trip calmer for you and your pet. The right one fits your pet comfortably, suits the way you travel, and is easy to carry and clean.
This guide covers the main styles of pet carrier bag, what to measure, how our carriers compare, and what to check before you travel by car or plane.
Pick a Style That Suits How You Travel
| You mostly... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Make short trips to the vet or groomer | A shoulder carrier bag |
| Walk, hike or use public transport | A backpack carrier |
| Want your pet close to you on outings | A front carrier |
| Travel through airports or long walkways | A wheeled carrier backpack |
| Drive with your pet | A carrier that sits securely on the back seat |
| Need to store the carrier flat | A foldable carrier bag |
What to Measure Before You Buy
- Length: from the tip of your pet's nose to the base of the tail, standing.
- Height: from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips if they stand up), standing.
- Weight: many carriers list a weight range, which is often the clearest guide.
Your pet should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably inside. If they're between sizes, size up.
Our Pet Travel Bags and Carriers
Shoulder Carrier Bags
Fashionable and Comfortable Pet Travel Bag. The Fashionable and Comfortable Pet Travel Bag is made from pure cotton stripes with a soft, padded interlayer, so it feels warm and cosy. It measures 36 cm wide, 28 cm high and 13 cm deep, is lightweight and breathable, and can be machine or hand washed (gentle cycle recommended). Choose from coffee, grey or pink. Best for: small, calm pets on short outings who love a snug, soft bag.
Travel-Friendly Pet Carrier Bag. The Travel-Friendly Pet Carrier Bag has a "space capsule" design, medium-soft structure and a geometric pattern, in small, medium and large. Best for: vet visits and day trips, with a choice of sizes.
Foldable Pet Carrier Bag. The Foldable Pet Carrier Bag is made from lightweight EVA with a hard top and an extra bottom board to hold its shape. It has a zipped mesh door and ventilation holes, folds flat for storage, and comes in small, medium and large for small to medium-sized pets such as cats, puppies and rabbits. Best for: owners who want structure while travelling and a carrier that stores flat at home.
Backpack Carriers
Convenient and Breathable Pet Backpack. The Convenient and Breathable Pet Backpack has a hard nylon and PC exterior, a breathable design and adjustable shoulder straps. At 40 x 30 x 25 cm, it suits small and medium-sized pets, and comes in seven colours. Best for: walks and public transport with a cat or small dog.
Portable Pet Dog Carrier Backpack. The Portable Pet Dog Carrier Backpack is a polyester backpack with double shoulder straps, in sizes S to XL and four colours. Best for: a wider size range when you need a larger pet travel bag in backpack form; check the listing for each size before ordering.
Portable Small Pet Wheel Carrier Backpack. The Small Pet Wheel Carrier Backpack can be carried as a backpack or wheeled like a trolley case. It's made from Oxford fabric, measures 34 x 25 x 44 cm, and suits small and medium-sized dogs and cats. Best for: longer journeys where carrying the weight on your back the whole way isn't practical.
Front Carrier
Cat/Dog Front Carrier Backpack. The Cat/Dog Front Carrier Backpack is made from breathable canvas in a striped pattern and holds pets from about 2.5 to 12 kg. It includes a safety hook inside to clip to your pet's harness. Best for: small dogs and cats who like to be close to you on walks, shopping trips and light hikes.
Car Seat Carrier
Pet Carrier for Travel and Car Seats. The Pet Carrier for Travel and Car Seats is an Oxford-cloth carrier for transporting small pets on car journeys. The small size measures 45 x 24 x 28 cm, and it comes in black, dark grey or light grey. Best for: regular car trips with a small pet.
Large Pet Travel Bag or Compact Carrier?
A large pet travel bag gives more room to turn and lie down, which matters on longer trips. A compact bag is lighter to carry and easier to fit under a seat or on your lap. Choose the smallest bag your pet can stand, turn and lie down in comfortably; any bigger and they may slide around.
Travelling by Car
- Secure the carrier on the back seat or floor so it can't slide or tip when you brake or turn.
- Never leave your pet in a parked car, even on mild days; cars heat up quickly.
- Take breaks on long drives for water and a toilet stop (on a lead or harness).
- Keep the carrier closed while the car is moving.
Travelling by Plane: Check With Your Airline First
Every airline sets its own rules for pets, and they can change. Before you book, check directly with your airline about:
- Whether pets can travel in the cabin, and which animals and sizes are allowed.
- Maximum carrier dimensions and weight, including your pet.
- Carrier type, such as soft-sided or hard-sided, and ventilation requirements.
- Any documents or health checks needed, especially for international travel; your vet can help with these.
Once you have the airline's limits, measure the carrier and your pet carefully and compare. Don't rely on any carrier label saying it's "airline approved"; your airline has the final say.
Getting Your Pet Used to a Travel Bag
- Leave the bag open at home with a familiar blanket inside, so it becomes a normal resting spot.
- Reward your pet for going in with treats and praise.
- Practise short trips, such as a lap around the house or a quick drive, before the real thing.
- Stay calm. Pets pick up on your mood.
Keeping the Bag Clean
- Wash fabric bags following the care instructions.
- Wipe down hard shells and mesh after each trip.
- Use a washable liner or towel inside for easy clean-ups.
- Check zips, straps and seams regularly, and replace a bag that's damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pet travel bag do I need? Measure your pet's length from nose to tail base and height from floor to head while standing, and note their weight. Your pet should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably inside. Compare those numbers with the carrier's listed dimensions and weight range, and size up if your pet is between sizes.
What is the best pet travel bag for cats? Many cats feel most secure in a carrier with some structure, good ventilation and a familiar blanket inside. Shoulder bags with a hard top or base, or a hard-shell backpack, suit many cats. Choose a size that lets your cat turn and lie down, and practise at home before travelling.
Can I take my pet's carrier on a plane? It depends on the airline. Each airline sets its own rules on whether pets can travel in the cabin, the maximum carrier size and weight, and the type of carrier allowed. Check directly with your airline before you book, then measure your carrier and pet carefully to make sure they meet those limits.
How do I travel safely with a pet in the car? Keep your pet in a closed carrier that's secured so it can't slide or tip, ideally on the back seat or floor. Take breaks on long drives for water and toilet stops, and never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Practise short drives first to help your pet get used to travelling.
How do I get my pet used to a carrier? Leave the carrier open at home with a familiar blanket inside so it becomes a normal place to rest. Reward your pet for going in, then practise closing the door for short periods and taking short trips. Building up gradually helps travel feel routine rather than stressful.
Find the Right Carrier for Your Next Trip
The right pet travel bag fits your pet, suits how you travel and is easy to keep clean. Browse our carriers and crates collection to compare styles and sizes. Same-day dispatch is available, with 30-day returns; see our shipping policy for delivery details.
