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Choose a pet carrier you can grab when you have to leave

By the Plain Prepper editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

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Quick answer

Ready.gov lists a traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet, in a pet emergency kit. For a cat or small dog up to 16 lb, Sherpa's Original Deluxe Medium is a soft bag with top and side entry and a shoulder strap. Petmate's E-Z Load Two Door 24 in is a hard kennel for pets 5 to 15 lb with a top and a front door. For bigger dogs, Petmate's Sky Kennel 28 in meets the IATA Live Animals Regulation, and the Ultra Vari 40 in has 36.25 in of inside length.

Why a carrier belongs in the plan

Ready.gov says that if local officials ask you to evacuate, your pet should evacuate too, and that many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Its pet emergency kit list includes a traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.

A carrier keeps a scared animal contained in a car, at a friend's house or at a pet-friendly shelter. Ready.gov also suggests two kits: a larger one for sheltering in place and a lightweight one for leaving. See our bug-out bag list for the human side.

Four carriers compared

Carrier	Type	Size	Pet limit	Doors
Sherpa Original Deluxe, Medium	Soft bag	17 x 11 x 10.5 in outside	16 lb, 16 in long, 9.5 in tall	Top and side zip
Petmate Two Door, 24 in	Hard plastic	21 x 14.5 x 13.5 in inside	5 to 15 lb	Top and front
Petmate Sky Kennel, 28 in	Hard plastic	24.25 x 18.25 x 19.5 in inside	Not listed by Petmate	Front
Petmate Ultra Vari, 40 in	Hard plastic	36.25 x 24.75 x 28.8 in inside	Not listed by Petmate	Front

All figures are from Sherpa's and Petmate's product pages.

Soft bag or hard kennel

A soft bag like the Sherpa has mesh and fabric sides and rides on your shoulder. Sherpa says its spring wire frame lets the back of the bag be pushed down to fit under airplane seats, and it adds a waterproof interior base and a machine-washable liner.

A hard kennel has a rigid plastic shell that wipes clean. Petmate builds the Two Door from heavy-duty plastic and steel wire, and the Ultra Vari adds metal side vents and a floor moat that keeps a pet dry. For anything bigger than a cat or small dog, a hard kennel is the practical choice.

Sizing your pet

Sherpa says to choose a size by your pet's measurements first, then weight, never to exceed the weight limit, and to leave enough room for the pet to change positions.

Petmate publishes inside dimensions for every size. Compare those numbers with your measurements rather than going by breed alone. If you are between sizes, the larger kennel gives more room for bedding and a water cup.

Air travel labels

Petmate says the Sky Kennel meets the 51st edition (2025) of the IATA Live Animals Regulation, including door, side and back ventilation, and most airline cargo specifications. The Ultra Vari, it says, meets most air travel requirements and has tie-down holes for zip-tying the halves together. Petmate tells owners to check with the airline before traveling.

Sherpa says the Original Deluxe is airline approved, fits under seats on most major airlines and is part of its Guaranteed On Board program. Airline rules change, so confirm with your carrier before a flight.

Get your pet used to it now

Ready.gov says pets that are comfortable with a carrier are less stressed when you have to leave. Its tips:

• Leave the carrier out where your pet often goes, with the door open.
• Feed treats near it, then a few inside it.
• Put a favorite blanket or small bed inside so it smells familiar.
• Note where your pets hide so you can find them fast.

Which one to pack

For one cat or a small dog that you may carry on foot, the Sherpa Medium keeps your hands freer with its shoulder strap. If your cat fights being pushed in through the front, the Petmate Two Door lets you lower it in from the top.

For a dog that fits its inside size, the Sky Kennel 28 in adds the IATA label and travel supplies if you may fly. For a large dog riding in a truck or SUV, the Ultra Vari 40 in gives the most room, but plan for two hands or a vehicle since it has no handle.

What to pack with the carrier

Ready.gov's pet kit list adds several days of food in an airtight, waterproof container, water and a bowl, extra medicine in a waterproof container, a first aid kit your vet recommends, a collar with ID tag and a backup leash, copies of registration papers, grooming items and sanitation supplies such as litter, newspapers, paper towels and plastic trash bags, plus a photo of you with your pet in case you are separated. It also recommends a microchip with current contact details.

Label the carrier with your contact details (the Sky Kennel includes ID stickers), and keep a copy of your pet's papers in your car emergency kit too.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What size pet carrier do I need?

Measure your pet's length and height, then pick a size whose limits or inside dimensions fit with room to turn around. Sherpa says to go by measurements first and weight second.

Is a soft or hard pet carrier better for evacuating?

A soft bag is lighter to carry for a cat or small dog. A hard kennel has a rigid shell that wipes clean and comes in sizes for larger dogs.

Should each pet have its own carrier?

Ready.gov lists a traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.

How do I get my cat to go in the carrier?

Ready.gov suggests leaving it out and open, feeding treats near and inside it and adding familiar bedding long before you need it.

Sources

• Pets and Animals, Ready.gov (maker page: www.ready.gov/pets)
• Original Deluxe Travel Bag Pet Carrier (sherpapet.com), Sherpa
• Petmate E-Z Load Two Door Dog & Cat Kennel (petmate.com), Petmate
• Petmate Sky Kennel (petmate.com), Petmate
• Petmate Traveler Ultra Vari Kennel (petmate.com), Petmate

Sources checked 2026-10-18.