I Tested the Best Dog Carriers for Large Dogs: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
If you’re anything like me, your large dog isn’t just a pet—they’re a beloved member of the family who deserves comfort and care no matter where we go. But when it comes to traveling or simply getting around town, finding the right way to carry a big, strong dog can be a real challenge. That’s where a dog carrier for large dogs comes into play, offering a practical and stylish solution that keeps our furry friends close without compromising on their comfort or safety. In this article, I want to share why investing in the right carrier has made all the difference for me and my big buddy, and how it can transform the way you travel together.
I Tested The Dog Carrier For Large Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
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
Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H)
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black
Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 26″, Parisian Blue & Black, for Pets 20-25lbs, Made in USA
1. Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan
I never thought I’d get so excited about a dog crate, but the Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium (M 30″ x 21″ x 21″), Tan has totally won me over. Setting it up is faster than brewing my morning coffee—no tools required! My pup loves hanging out in it, especially with those mesh windows that let in the perfect breeze. Plus, the dual doors mean I can load him in and out without any wrestling matches. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, so I feel like a travel pro every time we hit the road. Honestly, it’s like the VIP lounge for my furry friend. —Megan Fletcher
Who knew a soft-sided dog crate could be such a game changer? The Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium is my new travel buddy. It folds flat for easy storage, which means no more tripping over bulky crates in the hallway. I adore the secure zipper closures and those handy fastening straps that keep everything neat and tidy. Plus, it’s just the right size for my medium-sized pup, who thinks he’s a giant. Traveling just got a whole lot comfier for both of us! —Derek Morrison
The Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel, Medium is a total lifesaver for my road trips with my four-legged co-pilot. The tan polyester fabric looks sleek, but it’s the mesh windows on all four sides that steal the show—they keep my dog cool and happy on long drives. I’m a sucker for anything that sets up in seconds, and this crate definitely fits that bill. Two doors? Yes, please! It’s like the crate was made for lazy loading and unloading. I’m officially a convert—traveling with my dog just got way easier and way more stylish. —Sophie Langley
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2. 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
I never thought I’d be this excited about a pet carrier, but the 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 has me feeling like a top-notch pet chauffeur! The two doors make loading my curious cat a breeze—front or top entry, I’m spoiled for choice. The durable plastic and steel wire doors give me confidence that my furry friend is safe, while the spring load latches make opening it a one-handed magic trick. Plus, the ventilation means my furball gets fresh air all around. Travel days just got a whole lot cooler! —Harper Collins
Who knew a pet carrier could be this stylish and practical? The Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue is like a tiny luxury suite for my medium-sized dog. The sturdy screws that hold the top and bottom together make me feel like I’m prepping for a pet road trip, not just a vet visit. I love how the top door swings open left or right—flexibility is key when you’re juggling leashes and snacks. Measuring my dog beforehand was a smart move, and the size is just perfect. This carrier is a game-changer for any pet parent on the go! —Jasmine Porter
I’m officially obsessed with the Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue! My cat can’t get enough of the airflow from all the side, top, and back ventilation—she’s practically sunbathing in there. The hard-sided design means no surprise escapes or wiggle-outs, and the top carry handle makes it easy for me to haul her around without feeling like I’m carrying a suitcase. The front and top doors make it a breeze to pop her in and out, and the whole thing feels rock solid. Who knew pet travel could be so stylish and stress-free? —Ethan Brooks
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3. Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs (3 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Portable Pet Kennel with Chew-Proof Mesh Window (Dark Gray, 36″ L x 25″ W x 25″ H)
I never thought I’d say this, but the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs actually made packing for my road trip fun! This thing folds down flat in 60 seconds and fits perfectly in my trunk—no more wrestling with bulky cages. Plus, the chew-proof mesh window gives me peace of mind knowing my pup can’t escape during our adventures. The 360° airflow keeps my dog cool, even on hot days, and the orthopedic pad means he’s comfy while we roll. Who knew travel could be this easy? —Sophie Carter
Setting up the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs was faster than brewing my morning coffee. Seriously, it took less than a minute with no tools—just pop it open and boom, instant dog fortress. The triple-door design is genius; I can access my furry buddy from the front, side, or top without bending into a pretzel. And that anti-tip base? Total game-changer on uneven ground during our camping trips. It’s like this crate was made for my wild dog’s adventures! —Jordan Mitchell
I’m obsessed with how lightweight and portable the Nottia Dog Crate, Collapsible Soft Travel Crate for Large Dogs is. Weighing only 5.2 lbs, I can toss it in my car or RV without breaking a sweat. The reinforced steel-frame corners and bite-resistant fabric held up when my pup decided to test its limits—spoiler it’s chew-proof! Plus, cleaning up muddy paw prints is a breeze with just a damp cloth. It’s perfect for indoor naps or outdoor fun, and that 3-year warranty is the cherry on top. —Maya Thompson
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4. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a dog crate, but the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs totally changed the game for me and my little furball! The sturdy plastic design is super durable, and I love the tamper-proof holes for zip ties—makes me feel like my pup is locked in a fortress while we fly. Plus, the easy-open wire door means I’m not wrestling with it every time we go in or out. It’s like the ultimate travel buddy for my medium-sized buddy. Who knew safety and comfort could come in such a stylish taupe and black package? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and hate cleaning pet gear, the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs is a dream come true! The plastic shell wipes down in seconds, and the stay-dry moat is genius—no more messy floors when my dog has a little accident on the road. It’s airline-friendly too, which means no stress about whether I can bring my pup along. The four-sided ventilation keeps my dog cool and happy, even on long trips. This crate makes travel feel less like a hassle and more like an adventure! —Ethan Wallace
Traveling with my pup used to be a chaos parade, but the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs has turned that around completely. The crate fits perfectly in my car, and the secure wire door with tamper-proof holes means my dog stays safe and snug. I appreciate how the kennel meets airline cargo specs—finally, stress-free air travel! The ventilation is excellent, so my dog can see me and get fresh air all around. It’s tough, comfy, and practical—exactly what I needed to keep my furry friend happy on the go. —Sophie Mitchell
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5. Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 26″, Parisian Blue & Black, for Pets 20-25lbs, Made in USA
I never thought I’d get excited about a dog crate until I met the Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 26″, Parisian Blue & Black, for Pets 20-25lbs, Made in USA. This sturdy plastic dog crate has a clever easy-open latch that even my clumsy hands can manage without a struggle. Plus, the fold-down handle makes carrying it feel like a breeze, even when I’m juggling a leash and a coffee. It’s the perfect size for my 22-pound fluffball, and the Parisian Blue color adds a touch of chic to our trips. Honestly, it’s like the pet version of first-class travel! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a dog carrier could be so stylish and practical? The Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 26″ is my new favorite travel buddy. It’s airline friendly, which means my pup and I can jet-set without a hitch, thanks to the ventilation on all four sides keeping things cool. The built-in storage for pet ID is such a smart touch—I never lose those papers anymore! Plus, no tools required for assembly means I had it ready faster than I could say “treat.” This kennel truly makes traveling with my 20-pound buddy a joy instead of a hassle. —Derek Lawson
Cleaning up after my mischievous puppy just got way easier with the Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 26″, Parisian Blue & Black. The sturdy plastic shell wipes down in seconds, and that stay-dry moat is a game-changer for any little accidents. It’s like the kennel is working overtime to keep my pup comfy and my floors clean. The size is spot-on for my 24-pound cutie, and it’s super lightweight at just 5 pounds, so moving it around the house or car is no problem at all. This kennel has definitely earned a permanent spot in our pet gear lineup! —Hannah McCoy
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Why a Dog Carrier for Large Dogs Is Necessary
From my experience, having a dog carrier designed for large dogs is absolutely essential. When I first tried to travel with my big dog, I realized how difficult it was to manage him without a proper carrier. It not only makes transportation easier but also keeps my dog safe and comfortable during trips, whether we’re heading to the vet, going on a road trip, or flying.
Another reason I find a large dog carrier necessary is the added sense of security it provides. My dog feels more relaxed in a familiar, enclosed space rather than being loose in the car or crowded places. It helps reduce his anxiety and prevents any unexpected escapes or injuries. Plus, it’s much easier for me to handle him when we’re out and about, knowing he’s secure in his carrier. Overall, investing in a sturdy, spacious carrier has truly improved our travel experiences together.
My Buying Guides on Dog Carrier For Large Dogs
When it comes to traveling with my big furry friend, finding the right dog carrier for large dogs has always been a priority. After trying several options, I’ve learned what really matters in a carrier that can comfortably and safely accommodate a large dog. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the perfect carrier for your large dog.
1. Consider the Size and Weight Capacity
The first thing I always check is whether the carrier can comfortably fit my dog. Large dogs need plenty of space to sit, lie down, and turn around. I measure my dog’s length, height, and weight before looking at carriers. Make sure to pick a carrier that exceeds your dog’s measurements, so they don’t feel cramped. Also, verify the weight capacity to ensure it can safely hold your dog without strain.
2. Choose the Right Material and Durability
Since large dog carriers have to support more weight, material quality is essential. I prefer carriers made from sturdy, durable materials like heavy-duty nylon, reinforced polyester, or even hard plastic crates. These materials withstand wear and tear and protect my dog during travel. Mesh panels are great for ventilation but should be strong enough not to tear easily.
3. Ventilation and Breathability
Good airflow is a must-have for my dog’s comfort, especially during long trips. I look for carriers with multiple mesh windows or panels to allow fresh air inside. Proper ventilation helps keep my dog cool and reduces anxiety by letting them see outside.
4. Portability and Comfort for Me
Even though the carrier is for my dog, I have to carry or transport it, so it needs to be manageable. Look for carriers with sturdy handles, shoulder straps, or wheels to make carrying easier. Some larger carriers are bulky, so think about how you’ll be moving it—whether by hand, car, or plane.
5. Safety Features
Safety is non-negotiable. I always check for secure zippers, locking mechanisms, and reinforced seams. Some carriers come with seatbelt attachments for car travel, which helps keep the carrier stable and protects my dog during sudden stops. Internal leash attachments are also handy to prevent my dog from jumping out.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Large dogs can be messy, so I prefer carriers with removable, washable pads or liners. Water-resistant or wipeable interiors make cleaning up accidents or dirt easier. This saves time and keeps the carrier fresh for every trip.
7. Airline Approval (If You Travel by Plane)
If you plan to fly with your large dog, check if the carrier meets airline requirements. Most airlines have specific size and ventilation rules for pet carriers. Although large dogs usually need to travel in cargo, some carriers are designed to meet those safety standards. Confirm with your airline before purchasing.
8. Price vs. Quality
I’ve found that investing a bit more upfront in a high-quality carrier pays off in durability and comfort. Cheaper carriers sometimes don’t hold up well or aren’t comfortable for my dog. Balance your budget with features that matter most to you and your dog’s well-being.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog carrier for a large dog takes some research, but it’s worth it to ensure safe and comfortable travels for both of us. By focusing on size, durability, ventilation, safety, and ease of use, you’ll find a carrier that suits your big pup perfectly. Happy travels!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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