Updated 2025

Best Dog Carriers Under $100

We've researched and compared the top-rated dog carriers in the under $100 price range to help you find the best dog carriers under $100. Our rankings are based on customer reviews, expert analysis, and real-world testing to help you find the perfect product for your pet. This comprehensive guide to the best dog carriers under $100 includes detailed reviews, pros and cons, and buying advice.

Last updated: December 20253 top picks

Our Top Picks

Our expert team has analyzed and tested products to determine the best dog carriers under $100. We've evaluated them based on quality, value, customer feedback, and real-world performance to help you make the best choice for your pet.

Our Review

Customers consistently praise this soft-sided pet carrier for its exceptional sturdiness and high-quality construction, with one reviewer noting it's made with better materials than 'most high-end tents for humans.' The spacious interior is a standout feature, frequently mentioned as being perfect for large cats, multiple cats traveling together, or medium-sized dogs....

Pros

  • Exceptionally sturdy and high-quality construction that impresses both owners and vet staff.
  • Very spacious interior, large enough for big cats (e.g., a 20lb cat), two cats, or medium dogs.
  • Versatile design with multiple entry points, privacy flaps, and the ability to be used as a home bed to reduce pet anxiety.
  • Folds flat for easy storage, and reviewers confirm it's quick and simple to 'pop-up' for use.

Cons

  • Large size can be heavy and 'awkward to walk around with,' as multiple reviewers noted.
  • The fabric mesh screen raised durability concerns for one customer compared to rubberized versions.
  • May be difficult to deep clean if a pet has a significant accident inside, according to one user.
  • Its large footprint can be cumbersome, with one customer stating two carriers take up their 'entire backseat.'

Why We Picked It

We selected this carrier due to overwhelming customer feedback praising its superior build quality and durability, which reviewers feel justifies its premium price. Unlike flimsy alternatives, users describe this carrier as 'extremely sturdy' with 'well-crafted' seams, considering it a worthwhile long-term investment. Its significant size is a key differentiator, consistently highlighted by customers as a perfect solution for large cat breeds, multiple pets, or extended car travel where comfort is paramount. Furthermore, its dual-functionality as both a secure travel carrier and a familiar 'cat-tent' or bed at home makes it a unique and practical choice for reducing pet stress.

Who It 's For

This carrier is best suited for owners of large cats (like Maine Coons), multiple pets who cohabitate well, or medium-sized dogs who require extra space. Buyers frequently mention it's ideal for long-distance car travel, ensuring pets remain comfortable on extended journeys. It's also an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a durable, high-quality product they won't need to replace often. Finally, it's particularly beneficial for pets with travel anxiety, as many reviewers report successfully using the carrier as a permanent bed or safe space in the home to create a positive association, making vet visits and trips less stressful for everyone involved.

Our Review

The Amazon Basics Portable Soft-Sided Crate is highly praised by customers for its convenience and portability, making it a popular choice for travel. Customers consistently praise how easy it is to set up and collapse, with one reviewer noting it's just 'two steps really.' Many reviewers report that the crate feels surprisingly sturdy once assembled and is lightweight, which is ideal for car trips, hotels, and events....

Pros

  • Users report it is exceptionally easy and quick to set up and fold down.
  • Customers love that it is lightweight and highly portable for travel.
  • Many reviewers note that the frame feels very sturdy for a soft-sided crate.
  • Buyers appreciate thoughtful features like the zip-open top and locking zipper clips.

Cons

  • Several customers warn it is not durable enough for anxious, chewing, or scratching pets.
  • One reviewer detailed significant difficulty in finding the correct size for their dog.
  • A few customers report issues with zippers getting caught or ripping over time.
  • The soft bottom sags with weight, making it unsuitable for carrying a pet inside.

Why We Picked It

We selected the Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Crate for its overwhelmingly positive feedback as a convenient and affordable travel solution. Customers consistently highlight its blend of portability and sturdiness, making it a standout choice for temporary containment. Reviewers love that it's lightweight and 'easy to fold up,' perfect for car travel, hotels, or events like the agility competitions mentioned by one user. Despite being a soft crate, buyers frequently report that it 'feels very sturdy' once assembled. For pet owners with well-behaved, crate-trained animals, customers find this product offers 'great value for money' and is a reliable option for on-the-go needs, earning it a spot in our review.

Who It 's For

This travel crate is best suited for owners of calm, crate-trained pets who need a lightweight and portable containment system. Customers specifically recommend it for travel, with reviewers using it successfully in cars, hotels, and at canine sporting events. As one user stated, it's 'Perfect for pups that do NOT tear things up.' It is an excellent secondary crate for vacations or trips to the vet. However, several customers explicitly warn against it for pets with separation anxiety, destructive chewing habits, or a history of escaping enclosures. It is also not for those seeking a carrier to physically transport their pet by hand, as one buyer noted the 'bottoms is just canvas and any weight in it it sags down.'

Our Review

The Pecute Large Cat Carrier earns rave reviews for its exceptional sturdiness, versatility, and thoughtful design. Customers consistently praise the carrier's robust steel frame and high-quality, durable fabric, with many noting it feels secure and doesn't collapse, even on bumpy car rides. Reviewers frequently mention the removable divider as a 'genius' feature, allowing them to peacefully transport two separate pets or create a single, spacious haven for a larger animal....

Pros

  • Extremely sturdy and stable due to its internal steel frame, a feature consistently praised by reviewers.
  • Versatile dual-compartment design with a removable divider, which users love for separating pets or creating one large space.
  • Spacious interior provides ample room, reducing pet stress and comfortably accommodating two cats or even a long-bodied dog.
  • Conveniently folds down flat for easy, space-saving storage, a feature customers call a 'lifesaver'.

Cons

  • Can be very heavy and difficult for one person to carry when transporting two pets, as several reviewers noted.
  • Too large to be used as an in-cabin airline carrier, limiting its use to car travel or other forms of transport.
  • A user reported a minor design flaw where an internal leash can interfere with snapping the support frame into place.
  • Not designed as a shoulder carrier, which may be a drawback for those seeking hands-free transport.

Why We Picked It

We selected the Pecute Large Cat Carrier because customer feedback overwhelmingly highlights it as a superior solution for multi-pet or large-pet transport. Unlike standard carriers, its 'genius' removable divider offers unparalleled flexibility, a feature users consistently praise for keeping pets calm and separated. Reviewers repeatedly emphasize the carrier's exceptional sturdiness, stemming from its steel frame, which provides peace of mind during car travel. Customers report a noticeable reduction in their pets' travel anxiety, attributing it to the stable, spacious, and well-ventilated design. This carrier stands out not just for its build quality, but for its proven ability to transform stressful journeys into smoother, more comfortable experiences for both pets and their owners.

Who It 's For

This carrier is ideal for multi-pet households, particularly owners of two cats or two small dogs who need to travel together for vet visits or car trips. Customers report it is also an excellent choice for owners of single large-breed cats, like Maine Coons, or long-bodied dogs, such as dachshunds, who require more space than traditional carriers offer. Based on user reviews, it's perfectly suited for those who prioritize stability and pet comfort during vehicle transport and need a durable, foldable solution for home storage. It is not, however, for the solo pet owner who may struggle to carry the weight of two animals, nor is it for individuals seeking an airline-approved, in-cabin carrier.