5 Best Pug Carriers for Hiking, Walking, or Traveling

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pug carriers

Taking trips with your pug is inevitable. You’re going to need to take them for regular check-ups, to the groomer, and on adventures.

You will want a stable carrier to get you from A to B.There are more options now more than ever to buy a cozy and convenient carrier of your choosing.

I rounded up the top 5 best pug carriers to shed some light on what to look for when buying.

With the help of my pug Sid, we checked these products out for you and here’s what we found.

 


Pug Carrier: Key Takeaways

  • Suitable carriers for pugs make vet visits, airline trips, vacations, and long rides manageable.
  • Carriers come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing the one that works best for your pug will be based on size, convenience, safety, and material.
  • Many carriers come with extra perks like food storage, easy entry/exit points, and washable bedding.
  • Many carriers convert into other convenient concepts such as wheel carriers, backpack carriers, and car seats.

 


Best Carriers for Pugs: Quick Picks

 


Benefits of Having a Carrier for Your Pug

Having a carrier for your pug will prove to be convenient in ways you may not have thought.

  • Getting to and from vet and grooming appointments
  • Easy transportation during flight and travel
  • Security on hiking and camping trips
  • Navigating crowded areas
  • Helping senior pugs or puppies get around

 


Best Type of Dog Carriers for Pugs

  • Soft Mesh Carriers

Soft mesh carriers work best for animals under 20 pounds.

While they wouldn’t work well for destructive pugs or heavy chewers, they work fantastic for mannerly pugs.

  • Rolling Carriers

Some carriers have wheels so you can easily pull them along while you’re traveling through airports, crowds, or other busy areas.

  • Hard-Cover Carriers

Hard-cover carriers prevent sagging or collapsing of softer carriers.

They’re also more durable if you have a particularly destructive pug.

  • Expandable Carriers

Some carriers are designed to fold out and expand to give your pug lots of extra space.

This works awesome for long trips where they will be contained for long periods.

  • Collapsible Carriers

Collapsible carriers are perfect for easy storage when they aren’t in use.

  • Backpack Carriers

If you have a senior pug, a puppy, or a pug that can’t walk long distances, a backpack carrier is ideal.

It also works well if you are walking through dense populations or potentially dangerous terrain.

 


How to Choose the Best Pug Carriers

1. Function and Purpose

All pugs have their preferences. Sid, for instance, loves to be carried like a baby.

The closer he feels to my body, the more secure he feels during unfamiliar trips.

If your pug enjoys sightseeing, having an open-concept carrier without visual obstructions will satisfy their wanderlust.

Pugs who have a nervous approach to trips may fare well in a tighter, less open carrier.

If your pug gets a bit fidgety, or will spend a longer time inside the carrier, consider getting a carrier that folds out into a larger space.

Many carriers also supply areas for extra storage and food or water bowls.

2. Size and Weight

Each carrier will have varying weight limits as well as measurements.

While pugs are considered small breed dogs, they are also one of the largest small breeds.

Measuring their length and checking weight can help you narrow your search.

If your pug isn’t full-grown, keep in mind how much growing they have left.

3. Proper Materials

Mesh and durable nylon would work best for pugs who are well-behaved on outings.

Since mesh would be easy to rip or tear with moderate force, mannerly pugs who are accustomed to the drill do best.

Hard plastic and metal wire would work best when you have a destructive or panicked pug.

This way, they can’t tear the carrier up or cause weak spots in the design.

Also consider weather-resistance. If you’re going to be hiking or out in the elements, you’ll need a material that is compatible with various weather conditions.

4. Ease of Use

You’ll want to be able to load up your pug with the least amount of hassle.

Senior pugs who have joint issues or aren’t as flexible as they once were may need a much more open entrance to comfortably get them inside.

You’ll want to make sure there is adequate space as well. You won’t want to cram your pug inside, causing them discomfort.

5. Adequate Ventilation

As pug owners, we have to take extra precautions to make sure our pugs have proper airflow.

If they aren’t able to breath properly, or are over-heated, it can cause tons of issues that can even be fatal.

A spacious, breathable carrier is a must for our little brachycephalic buddies.

 


5 Best Pug Carriers

1. Overall Favorite—AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier

The Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Carrier is my favorite because it’s durable, lightweight—and Sid fits perfectly!

The surrounding mesh allows your pug to see out quite well so they don’t feel so trapped.

Plus, it’s a perfectly open concept so you won’t have to worry about your pug overheating.

The fleece pad inside is very comfortable, washable, and absorbent.

You can unzip and fold down the entire front for an easy entrance and exit.

Two handles join and snap together to create a solid grip and the shoulder strap is fully adjustable for straightforward fit.

The large size is compatible with pugs up to 25 pounds.

However, be sure to measure your pug, as the dimensions are 19.7 by 10.2 by 11.2 inches.

Sid can still move around, as it offers a decent amount of extra space, but you may want to order smaller if you are wanting a more compact fit.

If you have a more aggressive or destructive pug, they may be able to tear the mesh on the carrier.

Something sturdier may work better for rowdier pugs.

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Pros
  • Adjustable straps and optional handle
  • Front unzips fully for easy loading/unloading
  • Washable, removable pad
  • Fits up to 25 pounds
Cons
    • Not for destructive pugs

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

 


2. Best for Flights—Siivton Airline Approved Pet Carrier 

This Sivvton Airline Approved Pet Carrier is the best flight-friendly pick I could find.

The internal compartment folds out from each expandable side.

It is a very sturdy oxford and high-density EVA material, holding upright without collapsing or sagging on your pug.

Three of the four expandable sides fold out into a fully mesh, confined space.

The other is a space for you to have direct access to your pet without a covering.

There is a top-hinged zipper opening that provides direct access for entry and exit.

The main compartment of the carrier has a fleece pad to provide comfort.

It measures 18 by 11 by 11 inches but expands to 38 by 30 by 11 inches.

This allows you to give your pet a lot more freedom when they can’t be out in the main space.

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Pros
  • Best for flights
  • Strong upright stance
  • Zip-up top load
  • 4-way expansion options
Cons
    • Main compartment quite small

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

 


3. Best Multi-Purpose—Pet Gear Carrier & Car Seat

If you are someone who transports your pet frequently, you can reap quite the benefit from the Pet Gear Carrier .

It’s a perfect choice for multi purpose, either carry your pet for a walk or attach it to your car along with your Pug for a trip, the pet gear carrier is a good fit.

Besides, it’s very easy to fold and store when you are not using it.

This design provides really great 360-degree visibility for your pug so you can see them, and they can see you.

There is a leash attachment inside so you can clip the harness to it.

Opened by a push button instead of  zippers to fiddle with, which I thought was a great feature. It allowed better in/out freedom.

Because this carrier is a bit thinner material, it wouldn’t be the best selection for a heavy-chewer or an escape artist.

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Pros
  • Great for frequent travel
  • Open points of entry/exit
  • 360-degree visibility
  • Leash attachment
Cons
    • Not good for heavy-chewers

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

 


4. Best for Puppies—Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Carrier

This Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Carrier is a bit small for a full size pug, but it would be ideal for puppies and adolescents.

It has an easy front load zip-up that has a well-stitched seam and two heavy-duty zippers.

You can also unzip the top portion if you can’t get your pug in or out.

This compact, cute carrier offers very generous ventilation, so you won’t have to worry about your pugs breathing.

The flooring is padded and solid so it won’t bend or fold while you’re carrying them.

There is a hard top and base which gives your Pugs firm protection, and allows them to stand on easier because of the firm surface.

If you have cats or other small animals, this could easily double as a carrier for them once your pug outgrows it.

The measurements are 17 by 13 by 14 inches.

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Pros
  • Perfect for puppies and young pugs
  • Durable soft and hard design
  • Firm flooring
Cons
    • Your pug will outgrow the space

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

 


5. The Best Backpack Carrier—PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack

The PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier is my favorite backpack carrier. It’s incredibly well-made with a bunch of perks.

It’s comfortable for the person wearing the pack and the pug, but if you are short, it may feel somewhat awkward. The straps are padded and easily adjustable.

It has a zipper front portion that can hold small belongings and snacks, as well as a spot on the side for drinks.

It has a name tag I.D. with collapsible food and water bowls, perfect for hikes. There is a safety buckle inside to prevent your pug from escaping.

The main compartment is sizable with enough room for your pug to stick their upper body out or keep enclosed.

Mesh surrounds the backpack, making it nicely breathable.

It also completely unzips on the side with two very convenient entry and exit points.

The bottom portion is lined with a soft Sherpa material.

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Pros
  • Perfect for hikes, walks, and outings
  • Two points of entry
  • Highly breathable
  • Many added compartments
Cons
    • Not for very short people

>> Check Price on Amazon <<

 


FAQs

1. How long can a Pug spend in a dog carrier?

Your pug can spend a bit of time in a dog carrier.

But it is a great idea to let them out to wander around and offer frequent potty breaks.

If you’re walking in hotter temperatures, be mindful of their ventilation and breathing so they don’t overheat.

Remember to give them adequate water and snacks, when applicable.

 


Conclusion

I really hope I’ve given you some viable options on your pugs new carrier.

When it comes to deciding what the best carrier for pugs is, it will be a matter of personal preference.

While I enjoyed the AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier for its breathability, comfort, and modest price, they all have a lot to offer.

One of these selections is sure to help transport your pug safely.