The Best Pet Carriers in Australia for 2026

Which pet carrier should most Australians buy in 2026?

Buy the Henkelion Soft Sided Pet Carrier if you want one answer. Its Amazon Australia listing shows 4.5 stars from 51,008 ratings, and it describes a soft sided, collapsible carrier for small and medium pets within 15 lbs. Measure your pet's length and height first, because the listing says not to choose on weight alone.

For your walking kit, compare dog collar neck ranges and identification formats.

The listing title also calls it waterproof, and the bullets add a four side mesh, a padded shoulder strap and two connecting loop handles that work as a dual seat belt or luggage strap. We did not test it ourselves. The listing uses the words airline approved, which we quote only as the listing's words, so check your airline's own pet rules before you fly.

For the grooming side of pet care, see our guide to dog brushes matched to coat type and shedding.

But "best" depends on what you are carrying and where. A 6kg cat who panics in the car needs something different from a 2kg puppy you want to take on walks, or a Cavoodle you fly interstate. For time outside the car, our guide to seven cat enclosures for outdoor time at home compares tents and a metal cage. That is why this guide breaks the picks down by use case rather than just ranking them one to seven. A first-home buyer setting up a new place with a pet does not need ten carriers. You need the one that matches your animal and your trips, and you want to buy it once.

We read the Amazon Australia listing for each carrier and matched it to the job it suits. We did not test the carriers ourselves, and every rating and count is the figure the listing showed. For protecting the back seat during trips with your dog, see our hard bottom dog seat cover comparison.

TL;DR: the quick verdict on the best pet carriers

Short on time? The best overall carrier here is the Henkelion Soft Sided Pet Carrier, a foldable soft sided carrier rated 4.5 stars from 51,008 ratings, with a listing that says it is designed for small and medium pets within 15 lbs. The SECLATO Soft Sided Pet Carrier has the highest rating here at 4.7 stars from 4,196 ratings and a hidden foldable bowl. The ZaneSun Soft Sided Cat Carrier is sized for pets lighter than 8 lbs.

Beyond those three, the Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack is the one for hiking, walking or cycling with a cat or small dog, the Feandrea Dog Transport Box is a steel framed soft crate for dogs between 7 and 11 kg, the FUKUMARU Cat Carrier has a rollable cover and 4 entry doors, and the SlowTon Pet Sling Carrier is a hands free sling for small pets on walks.

How do these pet carriers compare at a glance?

Seven carriers are compared below by type, the size or weight words each listing gives, and the job each suits. Six are soft sided or fabric and one is a steel framed soft crate. We did not test them ourselves; every figure comes from the Amazon Australia listing, so measure your pet before you choose.

In this table, soft sided means a fabric carrier with mesh, and the listings use the words Soft Sided and Collapsible for it. Where a listing gives two values for one spec, the table names both.

Read the table by job. The Henkelion listing is for small and medium pets within 15 lbs, the Apollo Walker bullets name flying, walking, cycling or hiking, the Feandrea listing says it is ideal for dogs between 7 and 11 kg, and the SlowTon listing names the mall, grocery stores, hospitals, parks and daily walks. The FUKUMARU listing gives 15 lbs and its own bag size for small and medium pets.

Each pick has its own breakdown further down, including the flaws worth knowing before you buy.

How we chose these pet carriers

We read each Amazon Australia listing: the title, the maker's bullet points, the product information table, the description and the A+ content, and we use the maker's own wording from those sections for every size, weight, material and feature. We did not test the carriers ourselves, and we saved no separate maker page or manual.

• Two sources. The Amazon Australia listing for each carrier, and the maker's own information on that listing. Specs come from the maker's bullet points and the product information on each listing.
• Ratings and counts. Each rating and count is the figure the listing showed, and we say so plainly when a count is small.
• Conflicts shown. When a listing gives two values for one spec, such as the ZaneSun title and bullets or the SlowTon title and bullets, we show both and say where each appears.
• Airline words. Several listings use the words airline approved. We quote them only as the listing's words and never as our claim, because each airline sets its own rules.
• Fit first. We matched carriers to jobs such as vet visits, car travel, walks and hikes, and we ask you to measure your pet instead of choosing on weight.

Last checked: 22 October 2026.

Best overall: Henkelion Soft Sided Pet Carrier

The Henkelion Soft Sided Pet Carrier is the best overall pick because it pairs the largest rating base in this guide with a plain, foldable design. Its listing shows 4.5 stars from 51,008 ratings, more than any other carrier here, and its title and bullets both give 15 lbs as the pet weight. The listing sizes it for small and medium pets, so measure your pet's length and height before you order.

The design is simple. The bullets describe durable and lightweight polyester fabric with a four side mesh so you can check on your pet, an adjustable shoulder strap for hands free carrying, and two connecting loop handles that work as a dual seat belt or luggage strap. The title adds collapsible and waterproof. One customer review on the listing says "The top opens up so its easy to get him in." but the listing's own title and bullets do not say the carrier loads from the top, so we do not claim it.

The bullets list it as portable and foldable, easy to carry and store, with a padded shoulder strap and handles, so it can be put away when you are not travelling. For flying, the bullets say that if carried on board the maximum dimensions should not exceed 18 by 11 by 11 inches. That is the listing's own carry on figure, not an airline rule, so check the airline and measure the carrier and your pet.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Because it is soft sided, it will not hold a rigid box shape the way a hard carrier does. The listing sizes it for small and medium pets within 15 lbs and says not to choose a carrier only on weight, so a long cat or a stocky dog needs measuring against the listing's size words before you order.

Rating counts across the seven carriers run from 876 to 51,008. A larger count means the listing carries more ratings, and it says nothing about how your own pet will take to the carrier, so treat it as one input beside size, opening and fit.

SECLATO Soft Sided Pet Carrier: the one with a hidden bowl

The SECLATO Soft Sided Pet Carrier shows 4.7 stars from 4,196 ratings, the highest rating of the seven carriers here. The bullets give the carrier size as 17 x 12 x 11 inches and recommend pets within 15.7 x 10.2 x 10.2 inches that weigh less than 15 lb (6.8 kg). Compare that recommended pet size with your pet's length and height before you order.

The bullets describe a hidden foldable cat bowl for feeding on long trips, retractable shoulder straps with soft shoulder pads, and 4 sides of breathable mesh with a top window design and an escapeproof safety bayonet. They also say the base has built in 3 layers of detachable pet wool pad that absorb water, and that the outer wool pad can be machine washed, with a warning not to put the whole pad in the washing machine.

On materials, the bullets put the words OEKO-TEX certification and high quality Oxford fabric together and say this improves durability and environmental protection. We have not seen a certificate, so we only repeat the listing's words. The listing names US airlines for its under seat claim, which says nothing about Australian airline rules, so check your own airline.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The listing gives its own carrier size as 17 x 12 x 11 inches and recommends a smaller pet size of 15.7 x 10.2 x 10.2 inches, so a long or large cat will want measuring carefully before buying. We searched the listing for a seat belt or belt loop and found none, so do not assume it has one for the car. The listing gives the carrier weight as 2.03 LB.

ZaneSun Soft Sided Cat Carrier: a small carrier for small pets

The ZaneSun Soft Sided Cat Carrier shows 4.3 stars from 11,560 ratings. The listing is titled MisteSun with the brand shown as ZaneSun, and the card shows the Pink Small version. The bullets call it perfect for small cats and say it fits pets lighter than 8 lbs, so think small cats, puppies and other small pets rather than a large cat.

The bullets describe a waterproof breathable carrier bag made of 600D oxford material with a weight of 1.17 pounds, carrying handles and an adjustable padded shoulder strap, and a travel bed that is removable for easy washing. They also list side multifunctional pockets for toys or other things, and say the design makes it convenient to touch your pet.

Check the size before you buy, because the listing gives two sets of figures. The title gives 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches as length, height and width, while the bullets give 15.7 x 7.5 x 10.2 inches as length, width and height, and also 40 x 19 x 26 CM. They disagree on height and width, so measure your pet and treat both sets as approximate.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Because the bullets limit it to pets lighter than 8 lbs, a growing pet may outgrow it, and a fully grown cat may find it tight. The listing title also uses the words Airline Approved, which we quote only as the listing's words. Check your airline's own rules and the carrier size before you fly.

Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack: for hiking and walks

The Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack is the option for carrying a cat or small dog on your back while hiking, walking or cycling. Its listing shows 4.6 stars from 1,259 ratings. The bullets give its size as approximately 11.4 x 12.6 x 16.8 inches (L x W x H) and say it easily fits medium cats and dogs. They give no pet weight limit.

On 22 October 2026 the listing showed its seller as Amazon US and carried a notice that US imports may differ from local products.

The bullets describe a well ventilated design with a top mesh window for more headroom and visibility, two way entry for easy access, and thick soft fleece bedding. They list claw proof mesh and reinforced zippers, and a leash tether to attach to your dog or cat's collar if you open the top window. The back and shoulder straps are described as having extra thick padding, and the backpack comes with chest buckles and waist buckles.

One customer review on the listing reads, "My pomeranian cross sits at 45cm tall and weights 6kg and this backpack is able to close completely", which is one owner's account rather than a weight limit. The airline line in the bullets says each airline sets its own specific requirements, which can vary between domestic, international and shuttle services, so check with your airline.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The bullets call the backpack firmly structured, so check where you will store it. Not every cat or dog wants to ride on a human back, so introduce it slowly at home before a trip. Because the bullets give no pet weight limit, use the size and your pet's length and height to decide.

Feandrea Dog Transport Box: a roomier crate for dogs between 7 and 11 kg

The Feandrea Dog Transport Box is a soft crate for dogs rather than a cat bag. Its listing shows 4.6 stars from 3,687 ratings, and the bullets say the 60 x 42 x 42 cm size is ideal for dogs between 7 and 11 kg, naming Toy Poodles, Corgis and French Bulldogs as recommended breeds.

The bullets describe a steel frame with durable Oxford fabric, a mat that is easy to clean, mesh doors and windows, and two side pockets for treats, collars and more. The product information says there are 3 doors in total, 1 front door, 1 side door and 1 top door, and that 600D Oxford fabric is wear resistant. When not in use it folds flat to 60 x 42 x 8 cm to store in the boot or a corner.

For car travel the bullets say it suits camping, car travels (fits in car trunks), hotel stays or even home. It is a soft crate, so plan how you will secure it in your car, and measure the boot before you buy.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The product information gives its weight as 2.8 kilograms (6.2 lb), heavier than the SECLATO at 2.03 LB and the ZaneSun at 1.17 pounds, and its 60 x 42 x 42 cm size makes it more crate than bag. It is built for dogs between 7 and 11 kg, so it is the wrong shape for a quick cat dash to the vet.

FUKUMARU Cat Carrier: a rollable cover for privacy

The FUKUMARU Cat Carrier shows 4.6 stars from 915 ratings. The bullets give the carrier bag as 17.5 x 11.8 x 11.4 inches and say it is designed for small and medium pets within those inches and 15 lbs. The title names a rollable cover, and the bullets describe waterproof PVC Nylon with claw defense mesh for ventilation and privacy.

The bullets say it has 4 entry doors, with mesh windows on 2 top and 2 sides for breathability and two way visibility, and zippers on every entry. They add mini zipper buckles and describe it as veterinarian friendly. The cushion is described as two sided, flannel and rattan, suitable for all seasons, and completely separated and washable, and the full listing title names 4 Storage Pockets.

One customer review on the listing says, "That way it looks like a gym bag, and nobody thinks it’s a pet." That is one owner's view, not something the listing promises. The bullets also say to check with the airline first if pets are allowed and to confirm the approved size carrier for your flight.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The bullets say not to choose a carrier based on weight and to use your pet's length and height, so measure before you order. The 17.5 x 11.8 x 11.4 inch size and 15 lbs are the listing's figures for small and medium pets, so a large cat may not fit.

SlowTon Pet Sling Carrier: hands free for small pets

The SlowTon Pet Sling Carrier is a shoulder sling for carrying a small pet hands free on walks. Its listing shows 4.3 stars from 876 ratings. The title says for pets 2.5 to 5.5 KG, while a bullet says suitable for small pets weight no more than 12kg, so treat neither as a firm limit and measure your pet.

It is a fabric sling rather than an enclosed box. The bullets describe soft breathable cotton that is reversible and machine washable, and a strap made of thick sponge that adjusts from 17.72 inch to 35.43 inch (from 45cm to 90cm) and is 3.15 inch (8cm) wide. For security the listing describes an adjustable safety hook that links to your pet's collar and two buttons on the mouth of the bag, and a front pocket for treats, poo bags, a wallet, a cell phone or keys.

The listing's last bullet names small breeds it suits, including Bichon frise, Havanese, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Poodle, Pug, Shih tzu and Yorkie. That is the maker's list, so check your own dog's weight and size against both the title and the 12kg bullet before you rely on it.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A sling is not an enclosed carrier, and the listing relies on a collar hook and two buttons to keep a pet in, so a cat or a wriggly dog that wants out may be hard to contain. The maker's own use list is the mall, grocery stores, hospitals, parks and daily walks, so treat it as a short trip carrier for calm small pets, and use an enclosed carrier for a vet visit or a flight.

What should you look for in a pet carrier?

Check four things before you buy: size, how it opens, how it holds your pet and how it cleans. Measure your pet's length and height, then compare with the listing's size words, and never choose on weight alone. The Henkelion listing says the same. Look for mesh, secure zips and a washable base pad.

Units differ between listings, so read them as written. The Henkelion title says up to 15lbs, the SECLATO bullets say less than 15LB(6.8KG), the SlowTon title says 2.5 to 5.5 KG while a bullet says no more than 12kg, and the Feandrea listing says 7 to 11 kg. These are the makers' words about their own carriers, so measure your pet and compare size as well as weight.

Size and fit. Your pet should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down. Measure your animal's length from nose to tail base and its height from the floor to the top of its head, then compare with the listing's size words. The Henkelion and FUKUMARU listings both say not to choose a carrier based on weight, and to use your pet's length and height instead. A long cat and a stocky cat of the same weight need different carriers.

Soft versus hard. Every carrier in this guide is fabric based, and several are listed as foldable or collapsible. A hard carrier keeps its shape. We saved no hard carrier listing, so we make no claim about hard carriers, and we could not find a source that says cats prefer one type. Choose by your pet, the size words and the trip.

How it opens. Check how the carrier opens before you buy, because only some listings state a top opening. The Feandrea product information lists a top door, and the Apollo Walker bullets describe a top mesh window and two way entry.

Ventilation and visibility. Mesh lets air move and lets you check on your pet. The Henkelion bullets describe a four side mesh, the SECLATO bullets 4 sides of breathable mesh, and the FUKUMARU title names a rollable cover, with mesh windows on 2 top and 2 sides for ventilation and privacy.

Security. Look at how the carrier keeps a pet in and how it fastens in the car, the same anchoring principle behind a dog car booster seat. The SECLATO bullets list an escapeproof safety bayonet, the Apollo Walker bullets list claw proof mesh, reinforced zippers and a leash tether, the SlowTon bullets list a collar hook and two buttons, and the Henkelion bullets list loop handles that work as a seat belt or luggage strap.

Cleaning. Accidents happen on the way to the vet, so check what comes out. The listings describe a detachable pad with a machine washable outer layer (SECLATO), a travel bed that is removable for easy washing (ZaneSun), a cushion that can be completely separated and washable (FUKUMARU), an easy to clean mat (Feandrea) and a reversible, machine washable cotton sling (SlowTon).

Water words differ too. The Henkelion title says waterproof, the ZaneSun bullets say waterproof breathable, and the FUKUMARU bullets say waterproof PVC Nylon. These are the makers' words, not a test result from us, so treat them as claims on the listing.

How do you care for and maintain a pet carrier?

Wash a soiled base pad, wipe the inside and let the carrier dry flat before storing it. Check each listing's care words first: the SECLATO listing says its outer wool pad is machine washable but warns not to put the whole pad in the machine, and the SlowTon listing says it is machine washable.

Keep the zips running smoothly by not forcing them when they catch and by keeping fabric clear of the track. Store the carrier dry rather than damp, and folded flat only if the listing says it folds. The Henkelion, ZaneSun, Feandrea and FUKUMARU listings describe a foldable or collapsible carrier, but the Apollo Walker bullets call the backpack firmly structured.

The most useful habit is behavioural. Leave the carrier out at home with the doors open and a familiar blanket inside, so your pet starts to see it as a normal space rather than something that only appears on vet day. A pet that walks in willingly is easier to load than one you have to coax.

Can you use a pet carrier in the car?

A carrier needs to be secured, not just placed on the seat. The Henkelion listing describes two connecting loop handles that work as a seat belt or luggage strap, while the SECLATO listing does not mention a seat belt. Check how any carrier fastens before you rely on it, and never leave it loose.

Other listings describe fastening differently. The Feandrea bullets say the crate fits in car trunks, and the Apollo Walker bullets describe chest and waist buckles for carrying the backpack on your body. A sling like the SlowTon is carried on your shoulder, so it is not a car restraint. If your dog rides in a harness instead of a carrier, see our dog seatbelt comparison.

Which carriers open from the top?

Of the seven, the Feandrea Dog Transport Box lists a top door, alongside front and side doors. A customer review on the Henkelion listing says its top opens up, but the listing's own bullets do not say so. SECLATO lists a top window design. Check each listing before relying on a top opening.

The Apollo Walker bullets describe two way entry and a top mesh window, and the FUKUMARU bullets describe 4 entry doors with mesh windows on 2 top and 2 sides. A window is not the same as an opening, so read the entry words before you buy.

What do the listings say about flying with a pet carrier?

Listings use the words airline approved, but each airline sets its own rules, so check yours before you fly. The Henkelion listing gives a carry on maximum of 18 by 11 by 11 inches, and the FUKUMARU and Apollo Walker listings both tell you to check with the airline. We do not call any carrier airline approved.

The FUKUMARU bullets say to check with the airline first if pets are allowed and to confirm the approved size carrier for your flight. The Apollo Walker bullets say each airline sets its own specific requirements, which can vary between domestic, international and shuttle services. The SECLATO bullets name US airlines, which tells you nothing about Australian rules. Measure your pet and the carrier too.

The two figures are not the same kind of measure. The Henkelion number is a maximum for carrying on board, while the FUKUMARU number is the size of the carrier bag itself. Compare any carrier with your own airline's stated limits, not with a listing's wording.

Which pet carriers did not make the cut?

This guide covers soft sided carriers, one backpack, one soft crate and one sling, all from Amazon Australia listings. It does not cover hard plastic carriers or cargo crates, because we saved no listings for them and make no claim about them. If you plan to fly with a pet, check the airline's own carrier rules first.

The seven carriers above each cover one use, from a foldable soft carrier for vet runs to a backpack, a steel framed crate and a sling, and each rating is the figure its listing showed. If your situation is unusual, such as flying a large dog in cargo, follow your airline's own rules for the container it requires, because this guide makes no claim about cargo travel.

To narrow the seven, start with your pet. For a cat or small dog that needs a simple carrier for vet visits, compare the Henkelion, SECLATO, ZaneSun and FUKUMARU size words. For hiking or cycling look at the Apollo Walker backpack, for a dog between 7 and 11 kg look at the Feandrea crate, and for short walks with a calm small pet look at the SlowTon sling.

Pet carrier FAQ

What are the best pet carriers?

The Henkelion Soft Sided Pet Carrier is the best overall pick for most cats and small dogs. Its Amazon Australia listing shows 4.5 stars from 51,008 ratings and describes a soft sided carrier for pets within 15 lbs. The SECLATO, ZaneSun, Apollo Walker backpack, Feandrea crate, FUKUMARU and SlowTon sling suit other jobs.

Do cats prefer hard or soft carriers?

We could not find a source that says cats prefer one type. Soft carriers like the ones here are fabric and several fold flat, while hard carriers stay rigid. Choose by your cat: measure its length and height, check the size and weight words on the listing, and see how it reacts to the carrier at home.

What is the least stressful way to transport a cat?

Leave the carrier out at home with a familiar blanket so it becomes a normal space before the trip, and measure your cat so it can stand, turn and lie down. In the car, secure the carrier: the Henkelion listing describes two connecting loop handles that work as a seat belt or luggage strap.

What is the best dog crate for car travel in Australia?

For a dog between 7 and 11 kg, the Feandrea Dog Transport Box is the crate in this guide. Its listing says it suits dogs between 7 and 11 kg, folds flat to 60 x 42 x 8 cm and has a steel frame. It is a soft crate, so plan how you will secure it in your car.

Complete the setup for your pet

A carrier is one part of getting a pet settled in a new home. If you are sorting the rest of the kit, these NestPath guides pair naturally with it.

• The best dog beds in Australia for a comfortable spot to rest at home.
• The best cat trees in Australia to give an indoor cat somewhere to climb and scratch.
• The best automatic pet feeders in Australia for reliable meals when you are out.
• The best pet water fountains in Australia to keep cats and dogs hydrated.
• The best dog harnesses in Australia for safe walks and easy carrier transfers.
• The best pet cameras in Australia to check in on your animal from your phone.
• The best self-cleaning litter boxes in Australia to cut down on daily scooping.

About the author

Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first home buyer process. NestPath focuses on Australian first home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au