If you get only one thing right when you start traveling with a small dog, make it the carrier. It’s the single most important purchase you’ll make — the difference between a calm, happy pup and a stressful trip for both of you. When I first started traveling with Oliver, I bought the wrong carrier twice before I understood what actually matters. This guide is everything I wish I’d known from the start.
Step 1: Measure your dog (don’t guess)
Carrier sizing is based on your dog’s measurements, not just their weight. Before you shop, grab a soft tape measure and note three numbers:
- Length — from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
- Height — from the floor to the top of the head or ears when sitting.
- Weight — most carriers list a weight limit, but use it as a guide, not the deciding factor.
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside. A carrier that’s slightly roomy beats one that’s snug — a cramped dog is an anxious dog.
Step 2: Decide how you’ll travel most
The best carrier depends on where you’re headed. If you’ll mostly fly, you need an airline-approved soft carrier that fits under the seat. If you’re a road-trip family, a carrier that anchors to a seatbelt matters more. And if you just want easy day trips and errands, comfort and portability win. Be honest about your real travel life before you buy.
Step 3: Know the airline rules
If flying is even a possibility, choose a carrier that meets in-cabin requirements so you’re never caught off guard at the gate. Most airlines require a carrier that:
- Fits fully under the seat in front of you (typically around 18" x 11" x 11", but always check your specific airline).
- Has mesh panels on at least two sides for ventilation.
- Is leak-proof on the bottom.
- Lets your dog stay fully inside with the zippers closed for the whole flight.
Airline rules vary, so confirm the exact under-seat dimensions with your carrier before you book.
Step 4: The features that actually matter
Once sizing and airline-approval are sorted, these are the features worth paying for:
- Plenty of ventilation — mesh on multiple sides keeps air flowing and lets your dog see out, which reduces anxiety.
- A sturdy, supportive base — a flimsy floor makes dogs feel unstable. Look for a firm, padded bottom.
- An internal safety tether — clips to the harness so your dog can’t bolt when you open the zipper.
- A washable, removable liner — accidents happen; you’ll want to toss it in the laundry.
- Comfortable carrying options — padded shoulder straps and a luggage strap that slides over a suitcase handle are game-changers in an airport.
Soft-sided vs. hard-sided
For small dogs, a soft-sided carrier is usually the better pick: it’s lighter, more comfortable, and flexes to fit under an airline seat. Hard-sided carriers offer more protection and are easier to clean, but they’re bulkier and rarely necessary for a pup who rides in the cabin or the car. For most small-dog travelers, soft-sided wins.
Red flags to avoid
- No mesh ventilation, or mesh on only one side.
- A collapsing, unsupported floor.
- No internal safety clip.
- Zippers that feel flimsy — a determined small dog can escape a weak zipper.
- Sizing based on weight alone with no listed dimensions.
How Oliver travels
Oliver’s carrier checks every box above: soft-sided, airline-approved, mesh on three sides, a firm base with a washable fleece liner, and a luggage strap so it rides on top of my suitcase through the airport. He hops in on his own now — which tells me we finally got it right.
Once you’ve got the carrier sorted, it’s worth packing the rest of your kit too. Take a look at our 9 travel essentials we never leave home without for the full checklist. Happy trekking! 🐾