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Best Small Pet Carriers for 2022

Carriers are mostly associated with cats, but smaller rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and hamsters still need to make occasional trips to the vet.

Whether it will need to be used frequently for your family of little critters, or just once a year so you’d rather not have it cluttering up your spare room, a carrier is vital so has to be perfect but practical.

They’re available in various sizes to match the range of small animals in the UK and with different price ranges, features and handy extras out there, we have rounded up the best small animal carriers on the market to help you narrow down the decision.

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    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    Rosewood Pod Small Animal Carriers
    • Choice of size
    • Easy to hold
    Check Price
    PPI Cardboard Pet Carriers
    • Strong cardboard
    • Easy to erect and fold down
    Check Price
    Stefanplast Gulliver Touring Iata 80 Carrier
    • Handy pull handle
    Check Price

    The Top Small Animal Carriers Reviewed

    1.
    Rosewood Pod Small Animal Carriers

    Available in two different sizes, the medium is 23 x 17 x 15cm and is ideal for hamsters, mice and gerbils. The large is 30 x 22 x 22cm and great for guinea pigs, rats and degus.

    The carrier is made from strong, durable plastic so your pet will remain safe within the carrier and it is protected during transportation. Thanks to the two handles which go across the carrier, it is comfortable to carry and can even be held over your arm to protect your hands.

    Features

    • Choice of size
    • Easy to hold

    Specifications

    • Size: M, L
    • Colour: Red
    • Animal: Hamsters, Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Degus

    2.
    Happy Pet Small Animal Carrier

    Eye-catching and robust, this carrier not only looks the part but also is comfortable to carry, has non-slip feet and gives you great access to your pet.

    It is well ventilated so they will be comfortable when carried, and you can either open the top up to safely access your pet or clip open the upper half to be able to clean or organise the carrier better.

    The smaller size is great for hamsters and mice, with the larger option perfect for guinea pigs and reptiles.

    Features

    • Easy access
    • Comfortable handles

    Specifications

    • Size: 26cm, 36cm
    • Colour: Green, Purple
    • Animal: Hamsters, Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Degus, Reptiles

    3.
    PPI Cardboard Pet Carriers

    Need something more temporary? Just adopted your pet, or only take them to the vet once per year?

    A cardboard carrier is ideal. It doesn’t take up any room in storage, as it can be folded flat or disposed of if it is dirty or unusable again. There are ventilation holes, and it is good for any nervous pets as they won’t be able to see where they are being taken.

    This particular box is pretty strong as well, so it can, in fact, be reused if it is still clean – just fold it flat.

    Features

    • Strong cardboard
    • Easy to erect and fold down

    Specifications

    • Size: Small, Medium
    • Colour: White
    • Animal: All Small Animals

    4.
    Rosewood Snuggles Snoozing and Carrying Bag

    This soft, plush bag is perfect for use in their cage as a sleeping bag or cover, as well as having a removable carry strap for taking them to the vet, their cage at the bottom of the garden or just around the house with you.

    It can be machine washed at 30C, which makes it super easy to keep maintained, and as it is soft plus it’ll be a lot more comfortable than hard plastic, plus you don’t need to prep it too much.

    Features

    • Really soft
    • Easy to carry

    Specifications

    • Size: 26 x 29cm
    • Colour: Grey
    • Animal: Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, Rats

    5.
    Stefanplast Gulliver Touring Iata 80 Carrier

    Got a little while to walk? Is your pet on the heavier side? Struggle to carry anything?

    This carrier is on wheels, to save your arms. There is also a two-door opening on the long side, which gives you better access to your pet and also avoids reaching down into the carrier if your pet is one which doesn’t like to be taken by surprise.

    A 3-way locking system makes it one of the most secure, and it is also great if you have two pets – a separation panel is available to buy separately which can give you enough room for two animals, all in one cage.

    Features

    • Handy pull handle

    Specifications

    • Size: 80 x 58.5 x 62cm
    • Colour: Grey
    • Animal: All Small Animals

    6.
    Ferplast Hamster and Other Small Rodent Carrier

    A big brand in the animal world, when it comes to quality cages and toys.

    This carrier from Ferplast is just as good quality, and perfect for small rodents. The lower half has high sides so you can put plenty of sand and substrate in there, and the top can be taken away for easy access.

    We like how the top is clear plastic, so you always have a good view of the animal. It’s well ventilated and has a safe closing system which prevents accidental opening.

    You will get a brightly coloured carrier randomly – there is no option to choose.

    Features

    • Tall size
    • Lightweight

    Specifications

    • Size: 16 x 20 x 13.5cm
    • Colour: Random
    • Animal: Rodents

    7.
    Pennine Pet Carrying Box

    Made from long-lasting cardboard for multiple uses, this box is available in two sizes and can be folded down in between uses.

    The small is 8 x 8 x 16cm and the large 11 x 11 x 23, so you will have to pick which is best for your animal and which offers the best balance of space.

    There is no carry handle, and as the very low price suggests, it isn’t going to last forever. But it’s fine if you’re coming up to adoption day or just want an emergency box to hand.

    Features

    • Super cheap
    • Lightweight

    Specifications

    • Size: Small, Large
    • Colour: Pink, White
    • Animal: Birds, Small Animals

    8.
    X-zoo Small Animal Carrier

    Super cute and super practical; this little bag is ideal for exploring the town with your little buddy! It has a transparent window for looking out and large breathable mesh on both sides to ensure good air flow.

    The inside is covered with soft fleece for the cosiest of beds and the outer material is waterproof to keep safe and dry. The bag also comes with a strap that attaches onto either side of the handle thanks to the sturdy metal harness.

    Features

    • Bright standout colours
    • Clear lid

    Specifications

    • Size: Medium, Large
    • Colour: Random
    • Animal: All Small Animals

    9.
    Living World Paws2Go Carrier

    A cheap and cheerful carrier with plenty of ventilation slits and an ergonomic lock which will keep them secure when away from home.

    We like the small feed access window which allows you to see to them and give them some treats or pets. Do be aware that we would only recommend it for animals who couldn’t plausibly chew through the plastic bars however – there are a couple of stories of degu escape artists.

    Features

    • Small food hole
    • Simple, easy handle

    Specifications

    • Size: 36 x 28 x 25cm
    • Colour: Blue, Salmon
    • Animal: Rats, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Birds

    10.
    Tbest Guinea Pig Carrier

    For when you can’t plausibly transport a large cage, such as if you’re on public transport, this carrier is a bag which will keep them safe and comfortable, and most importantly close to you.

    It is best for the smaller rodents, and secure around the edges. Mesh at the top gives good air circulation and ventilation, and there is a zip closure for security.

    You get an adjustable strap for your comfort, and the zip fastening also allows you to open it up ever so slightly if you have a wriggly pet.

    Features

    • Adjustable strap
    • Completely secure

    Specifications

    • Size: 21 x 25cm
    • Colour: Blu, Green, Pink
    • Animal: Rats, Hamsters, Mouse

    Buying Guide

    Why You Need A Small Animal Carrier

    It may not seem like one of the most essential purchases for your small pet, but a carrier is a great item to have to hand as well as the usual cage. You may need it for:

    • Vet visits
    • Temporarily housing your pet as you clean their cage
    • Taking your pet outside if they have an outdoor run
    • When you first take your pet home

    Size

    Various dimensions are available to match the fact that there are several small animal types, and no two animals are the same!

    When buying a carrier, ensure your pet will have enough room to move around but not too much that they will be rolling and sliding about. If they will be there for a prolonged period, opt for one a bit bigger than the minimum.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    Which material is best?

    The majority of reusable carriers will be plastic. This makes them easy to clean, lightweight for you, yet safe for your pet.

    You can also buy cardboard carriers. These are often more short-term use, and while most can be reused, they will not last quite as long. But they can be folded up for storage, whereas plastic ones can be bulky.

    Small pet pouches made from fabric are harder to come by and can suffer from security issues. But this may be the best option if you can’t really transport a large carrier.

    Can I not just use their cage?

    Not really. Firstly, their cage should be pretty heavy and sturdy in the first place, which is not ideal to be carrying. Then, it should be made up perfectly for them with toys, bedding and extras which you’d have to cart with you.

    The idea behind a carrier is that it is temporary. But it also needs to be safe and escape-proof, so have no bars which they could squeeze through, and needs to be securely fastened.