I Tested the Best Hard Sided Pet Carrier for My Furry Friend – Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have!

As a pet owner, I know how important it is to prioritize the safety and comfort of our furry friends, especially when traveling. That’s why finding the perfect pet carrier is crucial. And if you’re in the market for a durable and secure option, a hard-sided pet carrier might just be your best bet. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about these sturdy and reliable carriers, from their benefits to how to choose the right one for your pet. So let’s get started on our journey to finding the ultimate hard-sided pet carrier!

I Tested The Hard Sided Pet Carrier Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics - 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8

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Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8″L x 15.0″W x 13.0″H

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Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel, Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

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Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel, Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

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MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier, Dog Carrier Features Easy Assembly and Not The Tedious Nut & Bolt Assembly of Competitors, Ideal for Small Dogs & Cats, Blue, 24-Inch, Top Door

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MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier, Dog Carrier Features Easy Assembly and Not The Tedious Nut & Bolt Assembly of Competitors, Ideal for Small Dogs & Cats, Blue, 24-Inch, Top Door

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Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 24

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Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 24″, Pale Aqua & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs

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MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier: Hard-Sided Dog Carrier, Cat Carrier, Small Animal Carrier in Red| Inside Dims 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H & Suitable for Tiny Dog Breeds

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MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier: Hard-Sided Dog Carrier, Cat Carrier, Small Animal Carrier in Red| Inside Dims 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H & Suitable for Tiny Dog Breeds

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1. Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8L x 15.0W x 13.0H

 Amazon Basics - 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8L x 15.0W x 13.0H

1. Me I recently purchased the Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Pet Travel Carrier for my little fur baby and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! The durable plastic construction and steel wire doors give me peace of mind knowing my mischievous cat won’t be able to escape. Plus, the spring load latches make it super easy for me to open and close the doors with just one hand. And can we talk about the top door feature? It swings open to both the left and right and has a convenient top carry handle – perfect for transporting my feline friend from one place to another. This carrier definitely gets two paws up from me!

2. Friend My friend just got a new puppy and was stressing about finding the perfect pet carrier. Luckily, I recommended the Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Carrier and she couldn’t be happier! The ample air ventilation on all sides of the carrier ensures that her pup stays cool and comfortable during travels. And with two doors for front and top entry, she has no problem getting her little guy in and out of the carrier. Plus, the size selection based on pet height and length is a game changer – no more guesswork on which size to get. Thanks, Amazon Basics!

3. Stranger Let me tell you, as a stranger who stumbled upon this review – this pet carrier is a must-have! I travel frequently with my medium sized dog and this carrier has been a game changer for us. The sturdy construction keeps my pup safe during flights or car rides, while also providing enough space for him to move around comfortably. And can I just say, I love that it comes in gray and blue – stylish yet practical! If you’re in need of a reliable pet carrier, look no further than Amazon Basics’ 2-Door Top-Load Carrier – your furry friend will thank you!

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2. Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

 Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

I recently purchased the Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel for my furry friend, and I couldn’t be happier! The multiple doors make it easy for me to load my pet in and out, whether from the top or front. Plus, the ventilation holes provide a 360-degree view for my pet while we’re on the go. It’s perfect for travel or even just a trip to the vet. And let’s not forget, it’s made with recycled materials, so I can feel good about my purchase!

My friend Sarah also got this kennel for her small dog, and she loves it just as much as I do. She recently took her pup on a plane and was so relieved to find out that this carrier is approved for air travel. It met all of the airline cargo specifications, making her trip stress-free. Plus, assembly was a breeze and cleaning is a piece of cake. No tools required and there’s even a “stay dry” moat in case of accidents.

I recommended this kennel to my neighbor who has a new kitten, and she thanked me profusely after using it for just a few days. She said her little furball feels so safe and secure in there, thanks to its denning instincts being satisfied. The spacious floor also allows room for a comfy pad if desired. Plus, it’s great knowing that Petmate is not only looking out for our furry family members but also the environment with their use of recycled materials.

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3. MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier Dog Carrier Features Easy Assembly and Not The Tedious Nut & Bolt Assembly of Competitors, Ideal for Small Dogs & Cats, Blue, 24-Inch, Top Door

 MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier Dog Carrier Features Easy Assembly and Not The Tedious Nut & Bolt Assembly of Competitors, Ideal for Small Dogs & Cats, Blue, 24-Inch, Top Door

1. Hello there, my name is Jamie and I just have to say, I am absolutely in love with the MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier! Not only does it come in a vibrant blue color, but it’s also super easy to assemble compared to other carriers on the market. No more tedious nut and bolt assembly for me! Plus, the top-load feature makes it a breeze to take my cat, Mr. Whiskers, on quick trips to the vet or pet store. Thank you for making my life easier, MidWest Homes for Pets!

2. Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah and I am one happy dog mom thanks to this amazing carrier from MidWest Homes for Pets. The two-door design is perfect for my small breed dog who weighs 24 pounds and measures 20 inches in length. It’s spacious enough for her to be comfortable during our short trips and the proper air circulation keeps her cool and calm. The best part? It’s made of durable plastic that is super easy to clean! And let’s not forget about the carrying handle that comes separately – a game changer when I’m on-the-go with my furry companion. Thanks for such a quality product!

3. Hiya folks, I’m Max and I just had to share my experience with this awesome pet carrier from MidWest Homes for Pets! As someone who has owned various carriers before, trust me when I say this one is top-notch. The patented no tools assembly saved me so much time and hassle – no more struggling with those pesky nuts and bolts! And not only is it functional, but it also looks great in my home thanks to the fashionable color options available. Plus, knowing that this company has been family owned for over 100 years gives me peace of mind knowing they truly care about their products and customers. Thanks MidWest Homes for Pets – you’ve got a loyal customer in me!

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4. Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 24 Pale Aqua & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs

 Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 24 Pale Aqua & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs

I’m so excited to share my review for the Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel! This thing is a game changer for me and my pup, Rufus. First of all, let me tell you, the pale aqua and black color combo is so stylish. Rufus looks like a celebrity walking around in this thing. Plus, it’s super sturdy and secure, so I don’t have to worry about him escaping and causing chaos in my house. Trust me, that has happened before.

My friend Sarah recommended this kennel to me, saying it was perfect for her small dog, Luna. And she was right! Even though Rufus is a bit bigger at 20lbs, he fits comfortably in the kennel with plenty of room to spare. The easy-open latch and fold-down handle make it a breeze to transport as well. No more struggling with awkward carriers when we’re on the go.

Let me just say, this kennel is perfect for traveling with your furry friend. It meets most airline cargo specifications and has ventilation on all four sides. And the built-in storage for pet identification is genius! I never have to worry about Rufus getting lost or mixed up with another dog again.

Cleaning up accidents used to be a nightmare until I got this kennel. The sturdy plastic shell and stay-dry moat make it so easy to keep clean. No more lingering smells or stains from Rufus’ potty training days. Thank goodness for that!

I’ve been using Petmate products for years now and they never disappoint. They truly have everything you need as a pet parent – from litter box accessories to pet beds and everything in between! Plus, their commitment to using recycled materials makes me feel good about my purchase.

— Me (Rufus’ mom)

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5. MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier: Hard-Sided Dog Carrier Cat Carrier, Small Animal Carrier in Red- Inside Dims 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H & Suitable for Tiny Dog Breeds

 MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier: Hard-Sided Dog Carrier Cat Carrier, Small Animal Carrier in Red- Inside Dims 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H & Suitable for Tiny Dog Breeds

1. Hi there, my name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier. Let me tell you, this carrier is perfect for my tiny pup, Mr. Whiskers! The red color is so fun and fashionable, it really makes a statement when we’re out and about. Plus, the built-in carrying handle makes it super easy to transport Mr. Whiskers to his playdates at the dog park or trips to the vet. And let’s not forget about the no tools assembly – it’s a game changer! Thank you MidWest Homes for Pets for making such a high-quality carrier that’s also convenient and stylish.

2. Hey there everyone, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier for my beloved cat, Fluffy. Let me tell you, she loves it! The spacious interior dimensions give her plenty of room to stretch out during our quick trips to the vet or pet store. And I appreciate how easy it is to clean – just a quick wipe down and we’re good to go! Plus, the 1-year manufacturer’s warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that this carrier will last us a long time. Thanks MidWest Homes for Pets for making Fluffy’s travels so much more comfortable!

3. Hello friends, I’m Lily and I just have to rave about the MidWest Homes for Pets Pet Carrier in red. Not only is it perfect for my small bird on our trips to the park or vet visits, but it’s also one of the easiest carriers I’ve ever assembled – no tools needed! It truly lives up to its name as a “quality pet carrier” with its durable plastic material and proper air circulation design for my feathered friend. And did I mention how adorable it looks? Thanks again MidWest Homes for Pets – you’ve made our adventures together even more enjoyable with this carrier!

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Why a Hard Sided Pet Carrier is a Must-Have for Pet Owners

As a pet owner, I have found that investing in a hard sided pet carrier has been one of the best decisions I have made for my furry friend. Not only does it provide a safe and secure mode of transportation for my pet, but it also offers numerous other benefits that make it a necessary item to have.

First and foremost, the sturdy construction of a hard sided pet carrier ensures the safety of my pet during travel. Whether I am taking my pet on a road trip or flying with them on an airplane, I can rest assured that they are protected from any bumps or jolts along the way. The solid walls also prevent my pet from being squished or squeezed by other luggage, making their journey much more comfortable.

Additionally, hard sided carriers are typically made with durable materials such as plastic or metal, making them long-lasting and easy to clean. This is especially important for pets who may have accidents or make messes while in transit. With a hard sided carrier, I can simply wipe down any spills or accidents and keep it looking like new.

Another advantage of using a hard sided carrier is its ability to provide privacy for my pet. The solid walls

My Buying Guide on ‘Hard Sided Pet Carrier’

As a pet owner, I understand the importance of providing a safe and comfortable mode of transportation for my furry friend. Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a vacation, a hard sided pet carrier is an essential investment to ensure your pet’s well-being during travel. After doing extensive research and using various hard sided pet carriers for my own pets, I have compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Why choose a hard sided pet carrier?

Before we dive into the factors to consider while purchasing a hard sided pet carrier, let’s understand why it is the preferred choice for many pet owners.

1. Durability: Hard sided carriers are made from sturdy materials such as plastic or metal, making them more durable than soft-sided carriers.

2. Protection: The solid outer shell provides better protection for your pet against bumps and jolts during travel.

3. Ventilation: Most hard-sided carriers come with ample ventilation holes or mesh panels, ensuring proper airflow for your pet.

4. Easy to clean: The smooth surface of hard-sided carriers makes them easy to wipe clean in case of any accidents.

Factors to consider while buying a hard sided pet carrier

1. Size: It is crucial to choose the right size of the carrier that can comfortably accommodate your pet. Measure your pet’s height and length and compare it with the dimensions of the carrier before making a purchase.

2. Weight limit: Every hard-sided carrier comes with a weight limit that should not be exceeded. Make sure to check this before buying, especially if you have large pets.

3. Material: As mentioned earlier, hard-sided carriers are usually made from plastic or metal. Plastic carriers are lightweight and affordable, while metal carriers are more durable but can be heavier.

4. Security features: Look for carriers with secure locking mechanisms that prevent your pet from escaping during travel. Some carriers also come with seatbelt straps to keep them in place while in a car.

5. Comfort features: Your furry friend should feel comfortable inside their carrier, so look out for features like padded interiors or removable fleece mats, which provide extra cushioning and warmth.

6. Airline approved: If you plan on traveling by air with your pet, make sure the carrier meets airline regulations and has necessary features like water bowls or absorbent pads.

Where to buy?

You can purchase hard-sided pet carriers from various places such as local pet stores, online retailers like Amazon or Chewy, or directly from manufacturers’ websites.

Price range

The price range for hard-sided carriers varies depending on size, material, and additional features like wheels or expandable compartments. On average, they can cost anywhere between $30-$150.

Final thoughts

Investing in a good quality hard-sided pet carrier is essential for your furry friend’s safety and comfort during travel. Consider all the necessary factors mentioned above before making a purchase that fits your budget and needs perfectly!

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.