The 8 Best Small Hard Pet carriers (2023 reviews)

We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a carrier. The amazon basics small hard pet carrier is exactly that - it's a simple carrier that hits all the right notes. The top door is great for moving pets in and out of carrier. It seems solidly built, the ability to remove the top is very nice, and the clipping mechanism to keep the top and bottom halves together is much more convenient than having to unscrew those wingnuts every time. The ability to open the top makes it much easier to crate animals that aren't cooperative. It is easy to use, even with difficult cats.

There are plenty of air vents all around the sides and top so your pet gets good air flow while traveling, but also some privacy. It has lots of room and easy entry from the top when the cat doesn't want to come out, it is strong and easy to assemble. The top and bottom sections fit into each other with only minimal effort, and the instructions are easy to follow to get them connected.

Why We Like This:

Has lots of room and easy entry
Top load makes it easier to take pet to the vet
Easy to put together, being able to open from the top is awesome
Easy to put together, sturdy and safe

Best For Vet visits: Petmate Small Hard Pet Carrier

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Petmate has been making great carrier for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. It is easy to assemble, holds small pets up to 15 ti and 20 lbs. It is easy to assemble and comes with everything you need, no tools involved. It is durable steel door that ensures security as a kennel or travel carrier. It cleans up nicely and does not leave odor. There are additional bolts and plastic wing nuts.

It is well made, and the doors are easy to open and close. It is easy to assemble and more than enough hardware included to connect the bottom and top together.

Why We Like This:

Very durable, easy to clean, sleek design
Easy & low-stress process due to top-opening feature
Good investment for long term

Best For vehicle rides: Midwest home For Pets Small Hard Pet Carrier

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Next on the list, we've got yet another carrier that manages to win our hearts. It's the midwest home for pets small hard pet carrier and it's widely considered as carrier that has the most suitable features. It's a requirement to have a hard carrier for cats. It's cute, large enough for the cat or a small dog, and light. The door with the little plastic pieces makes it hard to close the door. The pet carrier can be secured in a back seat using a lap seat belt.

This carrier is easy to completely disassemble for cleaning and/or storage, too. It is ideal for stacking one on top of another. The color is accurate and it is well built and easy to assemble. The door's design is a bit of a hassle. It's also very sturdy and cleaning is easy to assemble.

Why We Like This:

Perfect for small dogs and cats
Well constructed pet carrier for small pets
Good brand reputation

Best For All Small Pets: Frieq Small Hard Pet Carrier

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Next on the list, we've got yet another carrier that manages to win our hearts. It's the frieq small hard pet carrier and it's widely considered as carrier that has the most suitable features. This travel kennel is perfect for the smaller dog / cat variety, looks stylish, and collapses down fairly easily for storage. It's light weight, the holes in the side give the pet a good view, and folding up for storage is a huge plus in a smaller apartment. It is easy to assemble, like 2 zips of zippers. The material is somewhat flexible and not hard plastic.

The construction of the carrier is very sturdy for being light weight. There are no hard or sturdy walls, just a soft cushion. The material is a thick and durable hard foam. It is great for car rides and traveling.

Why We Like This:

Fits all 3 bunnies and easy to clean
Lightweight, can be taken apart and folded for easier storage
Easy to setup and stores flat
Great for traveling in a car with your pet

Best For taking them: Ferplast Small Hard Pet Carrier

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This is a really well made, lightweight pet carrier. It's great for a lightweight animal. It is good for a cat or small dog like a chihuahua or similar size dog. The top is a grill, lets in plenty of light and air. The doors are easy to lock/unlock with one hand IF you have an animal that you have to "convince" to get in a carrier. It also works well with pets who are scared and don't want to come out of the carrier.

This pet carrier is wonderful and very easy to assemble with clear instructions. If your animal does not weigh very much, this carrier will be fine for trips to the vet and other places that you might need to take your animal.

Why We Like This:

Perfect for small dogs & cats
Great for carrying cats or small dogs
Perfect size for a small pet
Very light weight yet big enough for a large kitten or small cat

Best For Small animals: Iris Usa, Inc. Small Hard Pet Carrier

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The iris usa, inc. small hard pet carrier's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. It is perfect for traveling by car. It has ample ventilation and includes 1 removable food and water tray. The side vents are 1/2 inch wide. The matches are easy enough, but however it’s also bolted to stay closed. It fits in it roomy and sturdy and highly recommend. It is ideal for traveling by car. It has a weight capacity of up to 11 lbs.

Why We Like This:

Well made, sturdy and well thought out
Good brand reputation

Best For temporary use: Dogit Small Hard Pet Carrier

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention dogit small hard pet carrier for regular usage. If you are looking for a very heavy duty kennel, this one is not the best because it is not made of heavy duty plastic. It has developed a wide variety of dog supplies and products. It has 3 clipping latches around the sides and back, which are made of plastic. It's lightweight and very durable.

The top access spring locking mechanism ensures that your dog can't get out. It is perfect for indoor or outdoor use with a built-in waste collection gutter for easy cleanup. This carrier is somewhat flimsy, due in part to the fact that it is very well ventilated. It is easy to assemble, the handle is sturdy, and the gate stays closed.

Why We Like This:

Perfect to ship or travel with
Ideal dog crate and carrier for traveling
Roomier inside than similar sized carriers

Best For traveling: van Ness Small Hard Pet Carrier

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The van ness small hard pet carrier has killer features for the price point. The Van ness calm carrier patented sliding drawer eliminates the need for forced loading/unloading, resulting in significant reduction of travel-related fear, anxiety & stress (fas) for pets & owners. It features superior flow-through ventilation on all four sides, improving pet comfort. It has an easy load drawer that allows pets to be loaded calmly into their carrier without the use of stress.

The calm carrier max supports pets up to 35 pounds and assembles with no tools required. The back screws lined up great and it’s solid. It's well constructed and very easy to assemble. They do loosen up with use. The calm carrier has a secure heavy-gage wire door and easy-squeeze door latch.

Why We Like This:

Fast and easy loading and unloading of pets
Snap-in internal barrier does not hold up to cat attacks
Wingnuts & bolts included for easy assembly for 100% fail-safe travel