Best Luggage for Longterm Travel with Animals (2025)

If you're heading on an extended trip with one pet or multiple, the right luggage can relieve a ton of stress during your travels.

Anyone who has traveled with animals before knows just how much of a difference great luggage can make.

Good pet luggage should meet any airplane/transit requirements, be comfortable and breathable for your pet, be easy to transport, and be easy to clean.

In this guide, we're going to take a look at the best luggage for longterm travel with animals as well as what you need to consider when purchasing luggage.

Woof! (That's dog for "let's go!")

What pet luggage do you need?

What pet luggage you need depends mostly on airline requirements (or other transit requirements).

However, that's not the only thing to consider. Below, we have listed some of the key factors you should think about when you're looking at your options.

A given, perhaps, luggage may also depend on whether your furry companion is a cat or a dog.

Pet luggage and transportation

Airplane requirements

Different airlines have different requirements when it comes to which types of luggage they allow and what the maximum sizes are.

When you are choosing which airline to fly with, make sure you look at their pet requirements before booking your tickets. This includes what the container/carrier restrictions are.

Also, keep in mind that the restrictions differ depending on whether your pet will be in the cabin with you or if they'll be flying in cargo.

Taxis, trains, and other modes of transportation

If you're planning to take a taxi, train, or something else to get to your destination, check their pet allowances in general, as some may not allow pets on board or may even require a special ticket or surcharge.

One thing to think about is how easily you can move your pet in their carrier and whether or not it will fit in a seat or vehicle.

Pet luggage and accommodations

Check with your accommodations whether or not they allow large crates (should you be traveling with one).

One pro tip is to think about how accessible your unit is. If you're staying on the 6th floor and there aren't any elevators, you might want to choose an over-the-shoulder carrier versus a roller one since you won't be able to easily roll it up and down multiple flights of stairs.

Small details like this can make a big difference.

Material and structure

The material and structure of your pet carrier should not be overlooked. With soft carriers, hard ones, and mixes of the two, it can be tricky to understand which one is better for you and your pet.

Sometimes, airlines have requirements. For example, an airline might require in-cabin carriers to be soft and cargo carriers to be hard. This is why it's essential that you review all of the requirements ahead of time.

On top of that, there are different styles of travel carriers. We will talk about a few of the popular ones here.

Pros and cons of pet backpacks

Pet backpacks for cats and small dogs can be very convenient, but there are a few things to think about.

Pros

• Your hands are free, making it easier to check your phone, hold a coffee, etc.
• They make boarding/exiting planes easier (but keep size restrictions in mind).
• They're easy to use when you're out and about.

Cons

• They can be heavy on the back after a while.
• You may not be able to bring your own backpack.
• They can be fairly expensive.

Pros and cons of rolling pet carriers

Pet carriers that can roll can be a good solution for a lot of travelers. In fact, some come with removable wheels, turning them into handheld ones.

Pros

• Because it rolls, it is helpful for those who can't carry weight in their hands/arms or need some mobility support.
• They're easy to transport because they roll.

Cons

• Because it rolls, it could be uncomfortable for your pet if you go over bumpy or rough surfaces.
• If your destination has a lot of stairs, the roller bag can be clunky and hard to maneuver, causing you to have to carry it like a handbag.

Top-rated pet luggage

We did a deep dive into the best pet luggage for long term travel, looking at several popular media sources to summarize the best in class options.

The best according to The New York Times

The New York Times recommends:

• SturdiBag Pro: This soft over-the-shoulder bag is available in multiple colors for cats and dogs.
• Petsfit: Soft, breathable backpacks for dogs, cats, and even birds. They come in several shapes and styles.
• Sleepypod: A soft airline carrier for both small dogs and cats. Can be carried by hand, over the shoulder, or attached to existing roller luggage.
• Diggs: A soft carrier for cats and dogs. Can be carried by hand or cross-body.
• Away: A soft-bodied bag for dogs and cats that has a hand strap or cross-body option.
• Mr. Peanut: Expandable soft and breathable carrier for small dogs and cats.

The best according to Travel & Leisure

Travel & Leisure also recommend Petsfit and Away (listed above). In addition to those, they recommend:

Gunner: This hard-cased kennel comes in several colors and is perfect for larger pets traveling in the cargo hold.

Travel Cat Transpurrter: Specifically designed for cats, this soft bag can be carried over the shoulder or by hand and attached to your roller luggage for easy maneuvering through the airport.

Petmate Aspen Pet Kennel: A basic, reliable model with fewer frills for larger pets being placed in the hold.

The best according to Forbes

MaxBone: This sturdy backpack has a top strap and breathable material.

The best according to Buzzfeed

Mr. Peanut! (mentioned above).

Other supplies for long-term travel with pets

While the right travel luggage is probably the most important thing you'll buy for your extended trip, other products can help make traveling with your pet easier and more comfortable for everybody involved.

Other things to consider include:

• Seat covers for rental cars. If you're going to be renting a car, protect the seats from little claws, bites, and fur with a seat cover.
• Pet harnesses. If your cat is willing to wear a harness, it's not a bad idea. At the airport (in the States), you will be required to take your cat out of their carrier when you pass through security. Having a harness on them can help you feel secure that they won't make a run for it.
• Collapsible water bowls. Longterm trips can make packing a challenge. A collapsible water bowl is easy to carry with you, and you can take it out of their carrier during a long flight when they're not interested.
• Pet wipes. In case of accidents, pet wipes are great to have on hand.
• Mats. It's not a bad idea to line your carrier with mats in case your pet has an accident during travel - stress-related or otherwise. Bringing a couple extra or lining the carrier with multiple mats can help you keep your pet comfortable and clean.