Have you ever wondered which pet carrier truly puts your furry friend’s comfort first while ticking all the boxes for travel? Let’s uncover the surprising winner together!
Did you know that nearly 70% of pet owners consider travel options when planning their adventures? Choosing the right carrier for your furry friend can make all the difference. In this article, we will compare the Petmate Dog Crate and the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag to help you choose the best option for your furry friend.
Travel Friendly

We find this carrier to be a well-constructed option that ensures the safety and comfort of your pet during travel. Its dual access points add to its usability, making it a reliable choice for small dog and cat owners.
Soft Comfort

This soft-sided carrier impresses with its lightweight and collapsible design, making it ideal for travel. The secure features ensure pets feel safe while the versatility of use enhances convenience for pet owners.
Petmate Carrier
Bejibear Carrier
Petmate Carrier
Bejibear Carrier
Petmate Carrier
Bejibear Carrier
Overview of the Petmate Dog Crate
When it comes to selecting a reliable and secure carrier for our small pets, the Petmate Dog Crate stands out as a solid option.
Features and Dimensions
This two-door plastic kennel measures 24 inches and is designed specifically for small dogs and cats weighing up to 15 pounds. We appreciate the convenience of both top and front-loading doors, which provide easy access for our pets while ensuring that they feel safe and cozy inside. The construction is sturdy yet lightweight, making it easier for us to transport our pets.
Construction and Usability
Crafted in the USA, this pet crate features ventilation holes that promote excellent airflow and allow our furry companions to have 360-degree visibility. The crate also includes a unique stay-dry moat that directs fluids away from the space inside, keeping our pets dry and comfortable during travel or while resting at home.
Benefits for Pet Owners
We love that assembling and maintaining the Petmate Dog Crate is straightforward. The plastic material allows for a quick cleanup, which is particularly important for pet owners. Plus, the installation of a soft cushion inside the crate enhances our pets’ comfort, making it an ideal choice for long journeys or overnight stays.
Overall, the Petmate Dog Crate offers great value with its secure design and thoughtful features, ensuring a delightful experience for both pets and their owners.
Exploring the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag
In this section, we’ll delve into the features of the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag. This soft-side carrier, designed for small pets up to 15 pounds, offers a range of attributes that make it ideal for travel.
Design and Portability
Measuring 17”L x 11”W x 11”H, this carrier is both compact and lightweight. We appreciate the collapsible design, which makes it easy to stow away when not in use. Its soft fabric offers added comfort for our pets while ensuring it’s lightweight enough for us to carry with ease.
Travel-Friendly Features
This carrier has specific features that meet airline regulations, making it an excellent choice for traveling. Key highlights include:
Unique Attributes
One standout feature of this carrier is the hidden foldable cat bowl, perfect for feeding our furry friends on long journeys. Additionally, it’s crafted from OEKO-TEX certified materials, reassuring us that the fabrics are safe and non-toxic.
Overall, the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag combines convenience, safety, and comfort, making it an attractive choice for pet owners who travel frequently with their beloved animals.
Comparison of Key Features
In this section, we will compare the key features of both products side by side. We will examine aspects such as size, weight, materials, ease of use, and safety features, helping pet owners understand which product better suits their needs.
Size and Dimensions
Weight and Portability
Materials and Durability
Ease of Use
Safety Features
Overall, both carriers offer unique advantages tailored to different travel styles and pet needs. While the Petmate Dog Crate leans towards a robust and spacious design, the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag excels in portability and travel convenience.
Feature Comparison
User Experiences and Reviews
When exploring customer feedback for both the Petmate Dog Crate and the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag, we noticed a variety of perspectives that can guide our choice based on comfort, durability, and ease of travel.
Petmate Dog Crate
Many users rave about the Petmate Dog Crate’s sturdy construction and secure design. They appreciate how the two-door access makes it easier to place pets inside or to get them out without fuss. Customers often highlight the stay-dry moat, praising its effectiveness in keeping the crate clean during travel. However, some buyers expressed concerns about its bulkiness, remarking it can be cumbersome for frequent transportation, especially since it’s larger than soft carriers.
TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag
On the other hand, the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag scores high on portability and comfort. Users love the lightweight design and the ability to collapse it for easy storage. The mesh panels receive positive feedback for the airflow they provide, ensuring a pleasant experience for pets. However, reviews also indicate a few drawbacks—some customers found the fabric could be less durable over time, particularly with active pets that like to scratch. Additionally, while it’s designed for pets up to 15 lbs, some felt the smaller size limited its usability for slightly larger animals.
Summary of User Opinions
Overall, both products receive varying but generally positive reviews, allowing us to better gauge which carrier might best suit our unique travel needs.
Final Verdict
After comparing the Petmate Dog Crate and the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag, we recommend the TSA Approved Pet Carrier Bag for its superior portability and travel-friendly features. While both serve their purpose for small pets, this soft-sided carrier enhances convenience and comfort on the go.
For frequent travelers, the hidden foldable cat bowl and multiple carrying options make it a must-have. Are you ready to upgrade your pet’s travel experience?


14 Comments
Michael Brown
Honestly, I think both are good in their own ways. If you’re traveling by car, I’d go for the Petmate crate since it feels safer. But for flights, the TSA approved bag is a must. Just depends on your needs!
Michelle Carter
Great points, Michael! It really boils down to how and where you plan to travel.
David Green
But what about the weight limit on the TSA bag? Is it really sturdy enough for a 15lb dog?
Jessica White
Totally agree! I’ve used both and have my favorites for different scenarios.
Ethan Young
I like the idea of having both options. You never know when you’ll need a hard crate or a soft carrier. Also, any recommendations for training my pup to love the crate?
Michelle Carter
Great thought, Ethan! Crate training can take time, but positive reinforcement works wonders.
Charlotte Lee
I put treats in the crate to make it a fun place! My dog loves going in there now.
Chloe Scott
I’m not a fan of hard crates for small pets. The soft carrier is much more my style! I feel like it gives more freedom of movement, you know?
Michelle Carter
Totally understand! Flexibility is a big advantage of soft carriers.
Mia Wilson
Just a heads up, if you’re considering the soft carrier, make sure to measure your pet! I almost got one too small for my cat. 😅
Ella Martin
Oh no! Glad you caught that in time. Those measurements can be sneaky!
Michelle Carter
Great tip, Mia! Always measure before buying to avoid any last-minute issues.
Liam Adams
I think the Petmate Dog Crate is a classic choice! I’ve used it for years, and it’s still going strong. Plus, it’s made in the USA! 🇺🇸
Michelle Carter
Thanks for sharing your experience, Liam! Quality is key, especially for pet products.