Best Pet Carriers for Travel Canada: 7 Top Picks for 2025

If you're a Canadian pet owner looking for a reliable travel carrier for your cat or small dog, you know the struggle: finding one that's airline-approved, comfortable for your pet, and easy for you to carry. We've tested and compared seven top-rated carriers based on Canadian weather, airline rules (like WestJet and Air Canada), and real owner feedback. Our picks range from budget-friendly soft carriers to premium rolling options, so you can find the right fit for road trips, flights, or vet visits.

Quick Comparison

Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

Guaranteed airline-approved for most Canadian carriers.

The Sherpa Original Deluxe is a top pick for Canadian travellers because it's one of the few carriers with a guarantee from major airlines (like Air Canada and WestJet) that it will fit under the seat. The padded shoulder strap and mesh panels keep your pet comfortable and cool. However, the bottom isn't waterproof, so moisture can leak through on wet days. Best for frequent flyers who want peace of mind. Pricing is around CAD $70–$90.

• Pros: Airline guarantee, lightweight (2 lbs), machine-washable liner.
• Cons: Not waterproof bottom, limited to 16–22 lbs weight limit depending on size.
• Best for: Cat and small dog owners flying domestically in Canada.
• Pricing snapshot: CAD $70–$90, available at PetSmart and Amazon Canada.

Petmate Sky Kennel

Tough hard-sided carrier for cargo hold or long road trips.

If your pet needs to travel in the cargo hold, the Petmate Sky Kennel is a sturdy choice. It meets IATA airline cargo specifications and features a bolt-together design for extra security. The kennel has ventilation on all four sides and a recessed handle for easy carrying. On the downside, it's heavy (about 10 lbs) and bulky to store. Best for medium to large dogs flying in cargo or for rugged car travel. Pricing is around CAD $60–$80.

• Pros: IATA-approved, durable plastic, easy to clean.
• Cons: Heavy, no wheels, assembly required.
• Best for: Cargo hold travel or long road trips with large dogs.
• Pricing snapshot: CAD $60–$80, widely available at pet supply stores.

Snoozer Roll-Around Pet Carrier

Rolling carrier for effortless airport navigation.

The Snoozer Roll-Around is a favourite for travellers who want to avoid carrying their pet through long terminals. It has smooth-rolling wheels, a telescoping handle, and a removable fleece pad for comfort. The carrier folds flat for storage. The main drawback is that it's heavier than soft-sided carriers and may not fit all airline size restrictions (check with WestJet or Air Canada). Best for seniors or anyone with mobility concerns. Pricing is around CAD $130–$160.

• Pros: Rolling wheels, removable bedding, large mesh windows.
• Cons: Heavier (6.5 lbs), not approved for all airlines.
• Best for: Travellers who need wheels and pets up to 25 lbs.
• Pricing snapshot: CAD $130–$160, sold at Petland and online.

Mr. Peanut's Backpack Carrier

Hands-free backpack for hiking or city travel.

For active Canadian pet owners, Mr. Peanut's Backpack Carrier allows you to hike, bike, or commute hands-free. It's made of breathable mesh that keeps your pet cool and secure, with a safety tether inside. The backpack fits under most airline seats (check dimensions) and has padded shoulder straps. The downside: it's not as spacious as a traditional carrier, and larger pets may feel cramped. Best for small dogs and cats under 12 lbs. Pricing is around CAD $50–$70.

• Pros: Hands-free, breathable, lightweight (2.5 lbs).
• Cons: Limited space, no wheels, not ideal for heavy pets.
• Best for: Active owners with small pets.
• Pricing snapshot: CAD $50–$70, available on Amazon Canada.

PetAmi Premium Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

Budget-friendly carrier with airline-friendly features.

The PetAmi Premium Soft-Sided Carrier offers great value for Canadian pet owners on a budget. It includes a machine-washable fleece bed, an ID holder, and a safety tether. The carrier is lightweight and fits under most airline seats. The main con is that the zippers can be stiff at first, and the padding is thinner than pricier models. Best for occasional flyers or short car trips. Pricing is around CAD $40–$55.

• Pros: Affordable, machine-washable bed, multiple colour options.
• Cons: Stiff zippers, thinner padding, not waterproof.
• Best for: Budget-conscious travellers with small pets.
• Pricing snapshot: CAD $40–$55, sold at Canadian Tire and Amazon.

Gen7Pets Smart Carrier

Carrier that attaches to rolling luggage for easy transport.

The Gen7Pets Smart Carrier is designed to attach to your rolling suitcase via a universal strap, turning it into a two-in-one travel solution. It folds flat for storage and has a comfortable padded interior. The carrier is airline-approved for most carriers, but the attachment system can be fiddly on uneven surfaces. Best for travellers who already use a rolling suitcase and want to keep hands free. Pricing is around CAD $80–$100.

• Pros: Attaches to luggage, folds flat, removable fleece pad.
• Cons: Attachment may slip on rough ground, not for heavy pets.
• Best for: Air travellers with small pets and rolling luggage.
• Pricing snapshot: CAD $80–$100, available at PetSmart and online.

Kurgo Wander Pack

Convertible carrier that works as a car seat restraint.

The Kurgo Wander Pack is a versatile option for Canadian road trips. It converts from a soft-sided carrier to a car seat restraint with a crash-tested tether (tested to 35 mph). It has a padded handle and shoulder strap, plus mesh panels for ventilation. The downside: it's heavier than other soft carriers (4 lbs) and the car seat mode requires a seatbelt buckle. Best for owners who want one product for both car and air travel. Pricing is around CAD $90–$110.

• Pros: Crash-tested, convertible design, machine-washable.
• Cons: Heavy for a soft carrier, seatbelt clip can be tricky.
• Best for: Multi-mode travel (car + plane).
• Pricing snapshot: CAD $90–$110, sold at PetSmart and Amazon.

How to Choose

• Airline approval: Check your airline’s size and weight limits (e.g., Air Canada allows 43 cm x 40 cm x 21.5 cm for under-seat carriers). Look for “airline-approved” labels.
• Pet size and comfort: Measure your pet’s length from nose to tail base and add 2–4 inches for space. Ensure they can stand, turn, and lie down.
• Material and durability: Hard-sided carriers offer more protection for cargo holds; soft-sided carriers are lighter and more flexible for under-seat use.
• Portability features: Wheels, backpack straps, and luggage attachments can make a big difference during long layovers or hikes.
• Ease of cleaning: Look for removable, machine-washable pads or liners to handle accidents or fur.
• Canadian climate: For winter travel, consider a carrier with some insulation or a waterproof exterior to protect against snow and rain.