Whether you’re planning a road trip through the French countryside, flying across Canada to visit family, or hopping on a train in Japan, one thing is certain: your pet deserves a safe, comfortable, and airline-approved carrier. In this 2025 roundup, we’ve curated the best travel carriers for dogs and cats—based on real reviews, airline compatibility, and features that matter to modern pet parents in the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan.
From airline-compliant soft-sided carriers to expandable pet backpacks and rolling carriers for easy airport transport, we’ve got you (and your fur baby) covered.
✈️ Need a carrier approved by Lufthansa, Air Canada, or British Airways? We’ve included those too.
🏆 Quick Picks: Top Travel Carriers of 2025
| Rank | Product | Best For | Airline Approved | Price |
| 🥇 1 | Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier | All-around travel | Yes (most major airlines) | Check Price |
| 🥈 2 | Away Pet Carrier | Luxury air travel | Yes (including British Airways, Lufthansa) | Check Price |
| 🥉 3 | Petmate Sky Kennel | Large dogs, cargo hold | Yes (IATA-compliant) | Check Price |
| 4 | Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series | Expandable sides | Yes | Check Price |
| 5 | Katziela Rolling Carrier | Wheeled travel convenience | Yes | Check Price |
🧳 Why Travel Carrier Choice Matters in 2025
G7 countries are tightening pet travel regulations. Airlines like Lufthansa, Air Canada, and British Airways require specific ventilation, sizing, and material standards. A good carrier isn’t just about style—it’s about compliance and comfort.
Also, whether you’re riding the Shinkansen in Japan or passing through Heathrow, durability, security, and ease of access are more important than ever.
🐾 1. Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier
✅ Best Overall Travel Carrier
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Airline Approved: Yes – fits under most airline seats (Delta, American Airlines, United, Lufthansa, Air Canada)
- Top Features:
- Patented spring wire frame
- Mesh panels for airflow
- Rear pocket and seatbelt strap
- Faux lambskin liner
💬 “My cat flew from Toronto to Paris in this and didn’t cry once.” – Verified Amazon Reviewer
Why We Love It: It’s the gold standard for airline cabin travel and meets almost every airline’s under-seat dimensions.
🐕 2. Away Pet Carrier
🛫 Best Luxury Carrier for Airline Travel
- Fits under-seat on Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Canada
- Top Features:
- Waterproof lining
- Interior leash clip
- Breathable mesh on three sides
- Removable plush Sherpa bed
🧳 Built to match Away’s signature luggage line—perfect for stylish jet-setters.
Bonus: Comes with a sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle.
👉 Check price on Away’s website →
🐕🦺 3. Petmate Sky Kennel
🧱 Best for Large Dogs & Cargo Travel
- IATA-compliant for international air cargo
- Sizes: Multiple (up to XL for dogs 70+ lbs)
- Top Features:
- Durable plastic shell with ventilation openings
- Secure door with vault-style latch
- Includes food/water bowls and “Live Animal” stickers
🛫 “Used for shipping our Labrador from Italy to Japan via Lufthansa Cargo.”
Perfect for: International relocations, military families, and long-haul cargo hold travel.
🧳 4. Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Expandable Carrier
📦 Best Expandable Soft Carrier
- Airline Approved: Yes
- Top Features:
- Expands on both sides for lounging
- Lightweight and waterproof
- Auto-lock zippers and leash tether
- Plush fleece pad
✨ “The expandable sides make airport layovers a breeze!”
Great for small dogs or cats who like to sprawl a bit when they travel.
🛞 5. Katziela Rolling Pet Carrier with Wheels
🚶♀️ Best for Airport Navigation
- Carrier + Rollaboard in one
- Top Features:
- Removable wheels and telescoping handle
- Padded interior and ventilation mesh
- Perfect for small breeds under 20 lbs
“Navigated JFK and Haneda without breaking a sweat. Best purchase for my chihuahua.”
Best for: Seniors, solo travelers, and anyone dealing with heavy luggage.
✈️ Airline Carrier Compatibility
| Airline | Accepts Cabin Pets | Carrier Type Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | ✅ Yes | Soft-sided, well-ventilated, max 55x40x23 cm |
| Air Canada | ✅ Yes | Leakproof, soft-sided, 27x40x55 cm max |
| British Airways | ✅ (Cargo only) | Rigid IATA crate only |
| Delta/United/American | ✅ Yes | Soft-sided, fits under seat |
| JR Rail (Japan) | ✅ (Under 10kg) | Secure bag or carrier required |
| Deutsche Bahn (Germany) | ✅ Yes | Small pets in carrier only |
💡 Always confirm with your airline before flying—regulations can change.
🐶 Types of Pet Travel Carriers to Know
- Soft-Sided Carriers – Best for cabin travel and lightweight portability
- Hard-Sided Carriers – Ideal for pets who chew or for cargo
- Backpack Carriers – Great for train travel and urban commuters
- Rolling Carriers – Airport-friendly, good for heavy pets
- Expandable Carriers – Let your pet stretch during layovers
🛒 Final Thoughts: Your Pet Deserves the Best
Choosing the right carrier makes all the difference between a stressful and a smooth journey for your pet. Prioritize comfort, safety, and airline compliance—and don’t forget to bring a collapsible water bowl and a familiar-smelling blanket or toy.
🐾 Ready to upgrade your pet’s travel game?
👉 Click here to browse top-rated travel carriers on Amazon →
❓ FAQ – Pet Travel Carrier Essentials
Q1: What kind of pet carriers are accepted by airlines like Lufthansa or Air Canada?
A: Soft-sided, well-ventilated carriers that fit under the seat are required for cabin travel. For cargo, hard-sided IATA-compliant kennels are necessary.
Q2: How do I know if my pet will fit in the carrier?
A: Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Always measure your pet’s height (floor to shoulder) and length (nose to base of tail) and compare with the carrier dimensions.
Q3: Is it safe for pets to travel in the cargo hold?
A: Yes, when using a secure IATA-approved crate. Choose nonstop flights when possible, label your crate clearly, and ensure proper hydration.