Last updated: May 2026 | By ThriftyPaw
A decent dog carrier should not cost more than the vet visit you are using it for. Yet somehow, pet stores are charging $60 to $120 for what amounts to a reinforced tote bag with mesh windows and a fleece pad. The good news: several carriers under $40 are well-built, airline-compliant, and comfortable enough for trips to the vet, car rides, and even flights.
We looked at 20 budget carriers and crates, tested the top picks, and narrowed it down to five that actually hold up without the premium price tag.
(Planning a bigger trip? Our complete budget dog travel guide covers everything from car safety to hotel fees.)
Soft-Sided vs. Hard-Sided: Which Do You Need?
Before picking a carrier, figure out which type fits your situation:
Soft-sided carriers are the right call if you need something for vet visits, short car trips, or airline cabin travel. They are lighter, easier to store, and more comfortable for small dogs. Most soft carriers under $40 handle pets up to 15-20 pounds well.
Hard-sided carriers (or travel crates) make sense for car safety, larger dogs, or pets who chew. They provide more structure and protection but are bulkier and less portable. Budget hard carriers in the $25-40 range work well for medium dogs up to about 30 pounds.
Hybrid carriers with a rigid frame and soft sides exist at this price point but are usually not worth it. The rigid frame adds weight without adding much protection, and the soft sides negate the structural advantage. Pick one or the other.
5 Best Budget Dog Carriers and Travel Crates (Under 40 Dollars)
1. Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Carrier — Best Overall for Small Dogs
Price: Around $22-28
Weight limit: Up to 16 pounds
Airline approved: Yes (most major carriers)
The Amazon Basics carrier is the default budget pick for a reason. It is cheap, it is simple, and it works. Two access points (top and front), mesh ventilation on three sides, a removable fleece pad, and an adjustable shoulder strap. It folds flat for storage and meets under-seat dimensions for most airlines.
What we like: reliable build for the price, easy to clean, fits under airline seats, widely available
What to know: 16-pound limit rules out medium dogs, mesh can be torn by aggressive chewers, no structural reinforcement
Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Carrier on Amazon | Compare prices on Amazon
2. SportPet Designs Foldable Travel Carrier — Best for Easy Storage
Price: Around $25-32
Weight limit: Up to 18 pounds
Airline approved: Yes (most major carriers)
This carrier folds completely flat, which makes it the best pick if storage space is tight. It pops open into a rigid rectangular shape with mesh panels on all four sides, giving your dog more ventilation than most competitors. The top opens fully (not just a small flap), which makes loading an anxious dog much easier.
What we like: fully foldable, top-load design, good ventilation, sturdy enough for regular use
What to know: slightly heavier than Amazon Basics, fabric can snag on sharp claws, limited color options
SportPet Designs Travel Carrier on Amazon | Compare prices on Amazon
3. IRIS USA 2-Door Travel Carrier — Best Hard-Sided Budget Pick
Price: Around $25-35 (small), $30-40 (medium)
Weight limit: Small up to 18 pounds, medium up to 30 pounds
Airline approved: Yes (most major carriers)
If you need a hard-sided carrier, the IRIS USA is the best budget option. Two doors (front and top) make loading easier, the plastic shell is surprisingly thick for the price, and the wire door has a secure latch. The top-load door is the real selling point — you can place your dog inside from above instead of coaxing them through the front.
What we like: two access doors, sturdy plastic shell, handles top and side, multiple size options
What to know: medium size may exceed some airline cabin limits, no included pad (add a towel or fleece liner), slightly bulky to store
IRIS USA 2-Door Carrier on Amazon | Compare prices on Amazon
4. Sherpa Original Deluxe — Best for Anxious Dogs
Price: Around $35-40
Weight limit: Up to 22 pounds
Airline approved: Yes (Guaranteed on-board program with participating airlines)
The Sherpa is the most expensive carrier on this list, but it earns the price with features that matter for nervous travelers. The mesh panels are more durable than the Amazon Basics, the fleece lining is thicker and removable, and the spring wire frame keeps the carrier from collapsing on your dog. It also has seat belt loops for car travel and lockable zippers to prevent escape attempts.
What we like: most comfortable for the dog, durable mesh, escape-proof zippers, seat belt loops, airline guarantee program
What to know: at the top of the budget range, slightly heavier than competitors, runs small (size up if your dog is near the limit)
Sherpa Original Deluxe on Amazon | Compare prices on Amazon
5 Petmate Two-Door Top-Load — Best for Medium Dogs
Price: Around $28-38
Weight limit: Up to 30 pounds (medium size)
Airline approved: Cabin-approved for medium, cargo-approved for larger sizes
The Petmate Two-Door is a step up in size from the IRIS USA carrier, making it the best budget option for dogs in the 20-30 pound range. It has a similar two-door design (front and top) but with a wider interior and more headroom. The ventilation slots on the sides provide better airflow than most hard carriers at this price.
What we like: fits medium dogs comfortably, top and front access, good ventilation, sturdy handle
What to know: too large for airline cabin use with dogs over 20 pounds, no included pad, plastic can crack if dropped on concrete
Petmate Two-Door Top-Load on Amazon | Compare prices on Amazon
Size Guide: Which Carrier Fits Your Dog?
Measure your dog before buying. The carrier needs to be long enough for your dog to stand and turn around, and tall enough for them to sit without their head touching the top.
Small carriers (up to 16 lbs): Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Pomeranians, most toy breeds. Interior dimensions roughly 17 x 10 x 11 inches.
Medium carriers (16-22 lbs): Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers. Interior dimensions roughly 19 x 12 x 13 inches.
Large carriers (22-30 lbs): Corgis, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, smaller terriers. Interior dimensions roughly 24 x 16 x 15 inches.
For dogs over 30 pounds, budget carriers under $40 are generally not safe or comfortable. Look at our large breed crate guide for options that hold up.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
Buy during seasonal sales. Pet carriers go on sale around Black Friday, Prime Day, and back-to-school season. The Amazon Basics and IRIS USA carriers routinely drop $5-10 below their normal prices during these windows.
Check Walmart and Target. Both carry the IRIS USA and Vibrant Life carriers in store, often at lower prices than Amazon. If you need one today, skip shipping and check local inventory.
Subscribe and save works for carriers too. Amazon’s Subscribe and Save applies to some carriers, giving you an extra 5% off. Cancel after the first delivery if you do not need recurring shipments.
Used carriers are fine. Hard-sided plastic carriers are easy to sanitize with bleach solution and hold up for years. Check local Buy Nothing groups, Facebook Marketplace, and shelter thrift stores. A clean used IRIS USA carrier at $10-15 is a better deal than any new carrier at any price.
Common Mistakes That Waste Money
Buying too small. This is the most common mistake. If your dog cannot stand up and turn around, the carrier is too small. When in doubt, size up.
Paying for “airline approved” branding. Any carrier that fits under the airline seat dimensions (usually 17 x 10 x 10 inches for cabin travel) is de facto approved. The “airline approved” label on premium carriers is marketing, not a certification.
Choosing style over ventilation. Carriers with less mesh look sleeker but trap heat. Dogs overheat faster than humans. Prioritize ventilation panels over aesthetics, especially for summer travel.
Skipping the pad. If the carrier does not include a pad (most hard-sided ones do not), add a folded towel or cheap fleece blanket. A dog sitting on hard plastic for more than 30 minutes is not comfortable, and discomfort leads to anxiety and vocalizing.
The Bottom Line
The Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Carrier at $22-28 is all most small dog owners need. It works for vet visits, car trips, and flights. If your dog is anxious, the Sherpa Original Deluxe at $35-40 is worth the extra money for better ventilation and escape-proof zippers. For medium dogs or hard-sided preferences, the IRIS USA 2-Door Carrier at $25-35 delivers solid value.
None of these require spending more than $40. Save the money you would have spent on a premium carrier and put it toward something that actually matters — like your dog’s next vet visit.