6 Best Dog Carriers For Pugs In 2024

You need the right dog carrier to ensure that your dog can travel safely alongside you. There are many factors to consider when buying the best pet carrier for a Pug, and this article will guide you through the process so that you can make the right choice.

I considers the Pug to be among the sweetest and most mild-mannered companion breeds in the world. They tend not to be the most energetic of dogs and won’t relish the prospect of going for a jog with their owner, but this breed loves to play. Toss a ball or a toy around the house of your backyard, and your pet will be in heaven.

It can sometimes be a challenge to train a Pug, though, which includes getting them used to a pet carrier. They can be very stubborn, and they’ll grow bored unless you focus their attention on treats. Crate training is highly advisable to avoid bathroom-related accidents. The use of a pet carrier while traveling could be considered to be a logical next step.

What Size Carrier Will I Need for a Pug?

Here is some advice on pet carrier sizes based on the dimensions of your Pug:

• The carrier should be tall enough for your Pug to stand up on all four legs
• It should provide enough space for your Pug to turn around of his or her own accord
• your Pug should be able to lie down and stretch out if necessary. If they are in the carrier for a while, they may want to doze
• The carrier should have some way of securing your Pug’s collar for security
• your Pug should be able to make himself or herself comfortable. If they’re going to learn to enjoy their carrier, they will have to find it safe, cozy, and pleasurable

This means that a Pug carrier with a handle should allow between 2 and 5 inches of additional height and width. However, a backpack or something else wearable should be considerably snugger. You will not want your Pug to be able to squirm or wriggle around in such a setting as this could lead to your canine leaping out and hurting themselves.

However, there are other things that you’ll need to bear in mind. For a start, think about the weight. If you pick out a hard plastic crate that’s a struggle to lift from the pet store shelf, it’s going to be a lot worse when you have your canine companion sitting inside it. You’ll need to be able to walk distances without having to stop, or worse, risking dropping the carrier.

Also, you should consider your Pug’s temperament. If your pet is curious and inquisitive, make sure they have plenty of windows and spaces to poke their head out of. If your Pug is nervous, ensure that you’ll be able to see you – and stay close to you – at all times. Here are some dog crate selections for nervous pets.

If they are food-focused (which a Pug tends to be!), you should ensure that they can tuck into many treats while they’re on the move. Every dog is unique and will thus find different qualities to love and loathe about their pet carrier.

What Size is a Typical Pug?

A Pug will be considered a small breed of dog, they typically stand at around 11 inches once fully grown, while an adult Pug will weigh around 28lbs. This is good news for anybody that plans on carrying their dog around with them, as any more than this could become weighty.

Let’s quickly summarize what you should be looking for when you invest in a dog carrier for a Pug:

• The size – can your Pug move around inside their carrier?
• The weight – can you lift the carrier, including your Pug’s weight, and carry it without growing tired?
• The comfort – is the carrier cozy enough for your Pug to enjoy being inside it, rather than merely tolerating it?
• The security – is the carrier secure enough to protect your Pug on the back seat of a car, on a plane, or any other form of transportation that could get bumpy?
• Access to food and water – does your carrier have enough room for snacks and a water bottle?
• Your Pug’s persona – does the carrier fulfill any needs that your Pug may have to be happy? Can they see you, and receive a reassuring stroke if they start displaying signs of separation anxiety?

As the old saying so nearly goes, if you buy wrong, you’ll pay twice when it comes to a pet carrier. Don’t rush into the purchase, as you’ll want to invest in something that will last you and your pet for a prolonged period of time. Dogs are creatures of habit, and if your Pug bonds with his or her carrier, they’ll no doubt want to use it time and again.

What Are the Best Carriers for a Pug?

When the time comes to decide on the ideal carrier for your Pug, the first decision that you will have to make is the kind of tool that you’d like.

These come under three primary categories:

• Solid plastic crates, which can be carried by a handle and are suitable for long-distance travel and flights.
• Tote carry bags, which are lighter than their plastic equivalents and offer more mesh for your Pug to breathe and see out but do not offer much protection on a bumpy journey
• Carrier backpacks, which are ideal if you’re taking a long walk and your Pug isn’t able to keep up and might need to be carried for part of the journey.

Once you have weighed up the pros and cons of each of these different designs, take a look below for some insights into particular models of each and decide which one to invest in!

Pug Carry Crates

If you have managed to clear your Pug for air travel, there is only one option open to you – a solid, hard-sided carry crate. There are more purposes than just flying for these devices though, as they can also be used around the house as a second bed (or den) or to keep your Pug safe in the car.

1) PetMate Two-Door Top-Load Kennel

PetMate Two-Door Top-Load Kennel ReviewAvailable in four colors, this PetMate hard-sided crate opens at the front and the top – think of it as a canine sunroof. The grates on the front and the top allow your Pug to see out, and there’s plenty of ventilation available from the sides of the crate.

Standing at 24 inches by 17 inches, you should be able to keep your Pug very comfortable in this crate (it’s designed with small dogs in mind), and it comes with a handy carry handle. There is a reason why this carrier is a huge seller, and arguably the most popular of its ilk.

Finally, allow us to say once more for good measure – if you are planning air travel with your Pug, this particular crate is approved for use on most airlines. It’s just getting the OK to transport your Pug that you’ll have to contend with.

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2) PetMate Sky Kennel

Petmate Sky Kennel ReviewIt’s hard to think of a more well-regarded brand and model of pet carrier than the humble Sky Kennel from PetMate, and it’s not hard to understand why. It’s available in six different sizes, is perfectly secure thanks to a grate on the front and ventilated windows on the side, and as the name suggests, it’s air travel appropriate.

Let’s deal with the elephant in the room first of all – the Sky Kennel isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing option open to you. If practicality is your priority, however, it’s hard to suggest that the product puts a foot wrong. It comes with a carry handle, it’s as sturdy as anything could hope to be, and there are even clip-on food and water bowls.

The 28 x 20.5-inch model is probably the best option for a Pug, but you can make your judgment call based on your Pug’s needs. If you make regular overseas trips with your pet, the Sky Kennel may be an essential purchase.

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Pug Carry Bags

If you’ve decided that a carry bag is a good option, here are some reputable soft-sided suggestions.

1) 360O Vista View House Pet Crate

360O Vista View House Pet Crate ReviewIf you’re looking for the most spacious carry crate for your Pug without sacrificing storage space, this one is hard to beat. It’s available in many different colors and sizes, but whichever one you choose you’ll be able to condense it to just 2 inches in width. It’s also as light as a feather, meaning that when you pick up the carry handles you’ll only really detect your Pug’s body weight.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking this lightweight nature means that the pet carrier is flimsy or unsafe though, it’s still wholly sturdy. The reference to 360O in the name of the product refers to the fact that your Pug will be able to see out at all angles, though the carrier also offers barriers to the senses. This may prevent your Pug from growing over-excited, but it could also leave them feeling a bit abandoned. It’s up to you to decide whether your pet will be able to cope with that!

This carry bag is a good strong all-rounder, and although it’s not ideal for anybody where space is an issue while you travel (and, like all soft-sided carriers, you won’t be able to take it on a plane), but you could always use it as somewhere for your Pug to relax in the home.

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2) Pet Gear 3 Door Portable Soft Crate

Pet Gear 3 Door Portable Soft Crate ReviewIf there was one word that could be used to describe this pet carrier, it’s versatility. The carrier is available in a vast range of different colors and sizes (the Small should be sufficient for a Pug at 27 inches long and 18 inches high and supporting a weight of 30lbs, but if your Pug is large for their breed or a little overweight you may have to step up a tier!)

The carrier has three mesh doors for easy access, as well as affording your Pug the opportunity to see you no matter where you are, and it can be folded up and stored while not in use. There’s even an additional pouch attached to store those all-important treats!

This is arguably the greatest crate for when you reach a destination, as its perfect for camping (it’s waterproof, so there’s no smell of wet dog to contend with!), setting up in a strange room when visiting friends or family, or even for perching on the back seat of a car. The only drawback is that the crate does not come with carrying handles, so you’ll have to find an alternative method of getting it from A to B while in transit.

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Pet Smart Cart Carrier

dbest products Pet Smart Cart Carrier

This Pet Smart Cart Carrier is made with a durable and flexible waterproof material and has a mesh that offers your pup some more breathability. It is fully collapsible when not in use and can fold into an impressive four-inches for compact storage.

The microfiber bedding is soft and offers your pup the utmost comfort. The bedding is also completely removable so that it can be washed. All you have to do is remove the board in the back and throw the liner into the washing machine using the cool water setting.

This carrier is also great for traveling at the airport. It can fit neatly under the seat and is also great for a quick trip to the vet. It is ideal for a dog that weighs up to 24 pounds.

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Pug Carrier Backpacks

Pugs love to be close to their owners, and in fairness, most pooch parents love to be close to their dogs too! This could mean that a travel backpack is the best way to get mobile with your pet when they’re not trotting along at your heel.

K9 Sport Sack AIR Dog Backpack

K9 Sport Sack AIR Dog BackpackAt a glance, the Sport Sack AIR looks like just another backpack similar to those that you may pick up in any outdoor shop. It soon becomes clear that this is something a little different, though.

As always with a backpack, there are a handful of mesh side pockets for bits and bobs that you’ll want to carry with you such as a bottle of water, and the bag comes in five different colors. You can also clip your Pug’s collar onto a safety harness to prevent any unplanned tumbles.

Perhaps the best thing about this bag is the fact that you can house your Pug on your back or front – it’s completely reversible. You’re going to have to go large for a Pug to make themselves comfortable, but once they do you will struggle to convince your pet to ever use their legs again.

If you are planning on traveling with your Pug – whether that’s just into town with your pooch in the back seat of your car or across the Atlantic for a European adventure – you’ll need to ensure that you have the best possible carrier for the job. A comfortable dog is a happy dog, and a happy pooch makes for a contended parent that feels smug about a job well done.

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Are Pugs Prone to Separation Anxiety?

Herein lies the problem with such a loving and loyal companion dog; Pugs are very prone to separation anxiety, and kick up a real stink when their owners leave them for any prolonged period of time. They’ll bark up a storm, and annoy everybody around them.

If you’re planning on traveling with your Pug and thus won’t be able to shower them with attention, especially if it’s air travel, you’re going to have to get your Pug used to its own company for a while.

Are Pugs Allowed on Flights?

It all depends on the airline. Skyscanner has a summary of which airlines may allow you to bring your Pug with you, and whether you’ll be permitted to treat your pet carrier as hand luggage in the hold or whether your Pug will need to travel alone in the cargo hold.

Further complications arise with the Pug’s genetic make-up, however. This is considered to be a small breed, but some airlines will not permit a dog that weighs more than 20lbs. to travel. What is more problematic is that Pugs are brachycephalic (which the dictionary defines as, “having a relatively broad, short skull, typically with the breadth at least 80 percent of the length.”)

A brachycephalic dog means that they will quite possibly suffer from brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, which leaves the poor dog struggling for breath – a common sight with short-nosed dogs such as French Bulldogs and, yes, Pugs.

More and more airlines are taking steps to ban these breeds from airplanes in the name of safety. As a Pug often struggles for breath – hence the snorting, grunting, huffing and puffing – they may fall victim to this blanket ban.

If you have any doubts about whether your Pug will be able to travel on a flight, you should call the airline before booking your ticket. You can then make a judgment call as to whether the arrangement is mutually beneficial for you and your pet.

Also, remember that a Pug isn’t crazy about being left alone, so unless you’ve undergone a very thorough training regime, you may be subjecting them to a great deal of emotional trauma by forcing them to travel in a cargo hold.

When to Use Your Dog Carrier for Your Pug

Several occasions warrant the use of your Pug carrier. For example, when traveling, it can be exhausting to keep up with everything. However, it can also be exhausting for our dogs as well. To help manage everything, and ensure that your pup is good to go on your next trip, pull out your Pug carrier.

If your pup doesn’t like spending time alone, then put them in your pet carrier and take them with you. You can still do what you have to do while also staying close to your Pug.

Is your Pug on the older side? Perhaps they have arthritis and painful joints. Well, this is another occasion in which a pet carrier can be good to have. You can save your Pug from the pain they may experience walking.