The 12 Best expandable carriers (2023 reviews)

The petsfit expandable carrier has good features for the price point. Extra extended space enable pets to sprawl out, lay, see all around and relax when you have a flight trip, also works great in the car, roomy and they lay in it like a bed. It has a comfy pad in there and is very easy to use and carry. It has the thicker mesh that will take more abuse.

The pop out feature is so useful for car rides. It looks nice, its sturdy. The bed inside is very soft and squishy, and they love it. It has a removable pillow that is easily washed and it is very well made. It is also really simple to clean. It is to fold it all the way down for storage or back up for use and leave out as a playhouse.

Why We Like This:

Really practical and good solid quality construction
Really well made, looks great, and very functional
Strong breathable mesh, sturdy straps and zippers

Best for rambunctious animals: Smiling paws pets expandable Carrier

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The smiling paws pets expandable carrier is capable of outshining several other carrier featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The carrier is well made and has multiple ways to get your dog out. It has all the features possible. The sides have an expandable side with air holes. There’s enough room to chew on bone and stretch. The design makes it super easy to get the cat in.

The cats are also given anti-anxiety meds and this keeps them from clawing at the carrier too much. It makes up for it if you can expand one side once you’re seated.

Why We Like This:

Durable, comfortable, spacious while fitting airline requirements
Access in from every side was also very convenient during flight
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best for waiting in The car: Meowant expandable Carrier

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Next on the list, we've got yet another carrier that manages to win our hearts. It's the meowant expandable carrier and it's widely considered as one of the best convenient carrier you can buy. If you have need of a carrier/bed for a cat-sized pet, this is perfect. It expands so well that your pet will have so much room to stretch out. The expandable sections have a nice softer mesh that tucks away nicely when closed, and the pad for the bottom is adequately soft and cushy. There’s plenty of mesh all around allowing the cat plenty of fresh air to breathe.

The removable pad has a zip off liner which is easy to clean with the hose and some soap. The soft fleece padding is machine-washable (but you need to take out the inner board first), which allow you to clean it regularly without any hassle.

Why We Like This:

Nice and roomy when you open the screened sides
Good carrier for dogs as well
Delivers what they promise

Best for flying With small dog: Maskeyon expandable Carrier

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The maskeyon expandable carrier's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The Maskeyon pet carrier backpack has 3 entrances, easy to access. It fits comfortably in this while not expanded. There are a couple inches of space between the mesh and the bottom of the bag when the sides are unfolded. The side walls are thick material, really durable and good quality. It will be large enough especially when it is expanded.

The best part of this carrier is that after take off you can expand the front expansion flap to give your pet more room. There are plenty of room for the kitties, sturdy carrier, zippers are smooth, and the bonus that it zips down flat for storage.

Why We Like This:

Great for long drives, learn to adjust it
Two side storage pockets for their treats and leashes
Good investment for long term

Best for traveling With The expanding sides: Le sure expandable Carrier

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The le sure expandable carrier might be a relatively new release, but it's still nothing short of impressive this year. It is really an ingenious pet carrier. It has a good size pocket on top, one side and one on the back door. The Mesh on 3 sides including 2 expandable sides allow for your pet to breathe easily and a full view from inside. It can see out is a small window on top and the small window at the doors. In some airline seats, the bag will fit sideways and you can open the expanding side panel so that your pet has extra space and can see all around. It does give the animal extra room when you can expand it. This definitely makes traveling with the puppy so muvh more easier.

Why We Like This:

Easy to expand and contract sides
Great quality, expandable small dog transport carrier
Good brand reputation

Best for Pet lovers: Siivton expandable Carrier

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Compared with other carrier in this category, the siivton expandable carrier has a convenient design. It is great for transporting into the hotel, looks like a nice piece of luggage. It is designed with 4-way expansion which provide pets with large moving space, better vision, more airflow, comfort, safety and reduce confinement anxiety when traveling by plane or car or for routine trips to the vet. The leash and suitcase hook are nice, and it fits securely in a car with the longest strap around a headrest. There are little velcro tabs on the inside (1 on each length) to help keep the folded mesh contained.

The quality and sturdiness is perfect. The zippers are strong and easy to work. It is perfect gift for pet lovers on birthdays, anniversary, new years, christmas and other holidays.

Why We Like This:

Love the colors and the shoulder strap is an added bonus
Nice roomy and cushy pet carrier that expands when needed
Definitely can unzip and fold back down into a slim size for easy storage
Very sturdy, easy to set up

Best for travel: Minthouz expandable Carrier

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate carrier. The minthouz expandable carrier is exactly that - it's a simple carrier that hits all the right notes. It comes with the minthouz 4-side expandable dog carrier so your pet can now travel safely, comfortably and safely throughout the journey. It has waterproof-lined oxford fabric for extra durability, anti-scratch mesh and breathable nets giving your pet enough oxygen. The mesh extensions give your cat dog a better vision and airflow. The padding inside is fabulously soft fleece which is removeable and it's a three sided fleece pad so your pet is cushioned during transport. It's nice that it unzips completely so you can fold it flat for storage.

The 4-side expansion feature makes it a breeze to fold down, creating extra room for your pet to move around more comfortably and reduce the anxiety of confinement. The extra room inside when all sides are unzipped has to make it nicer for your pet in comparison to other carriers. It is light weight and easy to carry.

Why We Like This:

Good brand reputation
One of the new comers and featured product

Best for car: BYTANA expandable Carrier

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Compared with other carrier in this category, the bytana expandable carrier has a convenient design. This is the best dog carrier for car or airline travel. It fits pet up to 18”l*10”w*10”h, max load of 15lbs. It is created with an ergonomic comfort design. The soft padding is nice and washed up well and hung to dry. It expands easily, even while securely strapped in place on the seat. The hard bottom supports the pet and does not droop. It is detachable and can be cleaned with a machine, freeing hands. It is suitable for large sized dogs.

Why We Like This:

Mesh cloth increase ventilation and decrease anxiety for traveling
Good brand reputation

Best bag: Petshome expandable Carrier

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The petshome expandable carrier is the best convenient carrier on the market today. This bag attracts attention and you will get complimented on it. It is made of premium pu leather and studded with gold hardware, durable and fashionable. It provides more space for pets to play. It has a comfortable soft pad for your pet to rest, which is removable and washable for easy cleaning.

The full zip opening on the top and three row of fastenings give you two options of opening size. They need to incorporate mesh on the top for more ventilation. This bag is sturdy and attractive. It fits in it without expansion sides opened up.

Why We Like This:

Conforms to under-seat dimensions of most airlines
A fixed leash inside prevent pets from running out
Breathable meshes for better air ventilaion

Best for big boys: Whdpets expandable Carrier

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Compared with other carrier in this category, the whdpets expandable carrier has a convenient design. It is easy to go from standard carrier to expanded hangout room while the cat is inside without removing them. It is made of very durable material. The wheels are handy and glide nicely, the pockets are roomy and even have a poop dispenser pocket, the expansion is very nice, and it's all well made and sturdy.

The carrier and wheeled platform are connected with huge velcro strips that wrap around the side. There are two extra storage pouches on the top and the side that make it easy to store your pet food, pet toy, a container of treats, snacks, and calming collars. It has straps and wheels for transports. This carrier requires a little assembly but it is straight forward and simple. It is perfect for taking your pet to the travel.

Why We Like This:

Highly recommend for traveling with pets
Storage space all around to out treats, toys and other accessories
Zero worries at all about them coming apart while being trucked across an airport
Extra pockets, wheels can be easily removed to carry, comfy lining, maneuvers extremely well

Best DURABILITY: Ardorfun expandable Carrier

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Ardorfun offers a variety of carrier for personal choice and yet maintaining quality in all the variants. The Ardorfun dog carrier airline approved is more than just a cat carrier, it's a harbor, a warm home, a resting place, and also could be a playmate. It's sturdy, elegant, and very practical with a side pocket, seat belt latches, expansions, etc. It's super roomy and it even has buckles to secure the kiddos for longer car rides. The expansions also give ample room to add some food/water if you’re somewhere that you can’t let your cat roam.

The seat belt attachment is a nice extra which is built-in to it. It expands so the puppy has room to sprawl out.

Why We Like This:

Has a lot of really great features
Secure and the mat is soft
Excellent quality and the expansions are a great addition

Best Feature: leg room: Autumnstory expandable Carrier

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Autumnstory is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist carrier for people on the go, and its line of autumnstory expandable carrier definitely falls in line with that reputation. This pet carrier is created with an ergonomic comfort design. It is created with an ergonomic comfort design. A strong elastic frame of metal and a plush board base prevents the bottom from sagging. The extensions can be kept in place with velcro, which makes your pet experience better. They each have one of these in the car and are able to travel quite comfortably.

This carrier has a very compact size so it is easily storable in the trunk, closet or where ever you want to stow it away when not in use. There are 3 openings equipped with double zippers. Your pet is free to stand, stretch or turn around in this space. It also works great for the backseat.

Why We Like This:

Plenty of room for 5 hour drive
Fits a small dog, and is roomy when expanded
Great size, sturdy, easy to use