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Looking for the best soft sided pet carrier for a cat or small dog usually comes down to size, airline compatibility, and how easy the carrier is to clean and carry. The five carriers below were selected by comparing listed specifications and features from their product listings; we have not tested any of them. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you buy.
All of these soft-sided carriers are around 17 inches long and 11 inches wide, and their listings describe them as suitable for cats or small dogs. Most mention under-seat airline use, but exact rules vary by airline, so confirm with your airline before flying.
If you are still deciding between soft and hard sides, see our hard-sided pet carrier guide. For a closer look at sizing and airline policies, read soft-sided pet carriers: airline travel, sizing and comfort.
Our Picks at a Glance
We chose these five by comparing each listing’s stated dimensions, weight guidance, materials, safety features, and travel extras. We did not test the carriers in person. The current price and full specifications are on each product listing.
The Five Picks in More Detail
Top tasta soft-sided pet carrier: Best for airline-ready travel and easy storage
The Top tasta carrier measures 17 x 11 x 11 inches and is recommended for pets up to 15 lb. The listing says to choose size by your pet’s length and height, not by weight alone. It is described as airline approved and able to fit under most flight seats.
The carrier is made from polyester with a steel ring frame, and the three sides and top are nylon mesh. It has metal zippers on the top and side entrances, an anti-escape safety buckle, and two attachment loop handles that can work as a dual harness or luggage strap. The removable wool pet bed is hand washable, and the carrier folds flat when not in use.
Specs that matter: 17 x 11 x 11 inches; recommended up to 15 lb; polyester with steel ring; nylon mesh on three sides and top; top and side entries; anti-escape buckle; two loop handles; adjustable shoulder strap; removable hand-washable wool bed; foldable; listed with a 2-year warranty.
Best for: Airline-ready travel with a collapsible carrier, plus vet visits and car rides.
Vceoa pet carrier: Best for under-seat airline use with a solid base
The Vceoa carrier is 17.5 by 11 by 11 inches and lists a recommended maximum load of 16 lb for cats and small dogs. The listing says to select size based on your pet’s length and height, and to contact your airline before flying because each airline has its own rules.
It includes mesh windows for ventilation, top and side entries with locking zippers, carrying handles, an adjustable shoulder strap that can also be used as a seatbelt, and a back strap that fastens the carrier to luggage. A removable base insert creates a solid surface for the pet to stand on, and the removable fleece bed is hand washable.
Specs that matter: 17.5 x 11 x 11 inches; recommended max 16 lb; mesh windows; top and side entries with locking zippers; adjustable shoulder strap; back luggage strap; removable base insert; removable hand-washable fleece bed; exterior material not listed.
Best for: Airline travel and trips where a firm standing surface is preferred.
LEHNI soft-sided pet carrier: Best for pets that want more airflow and views
The LEHNI carrier measures 17 x 11 x 11 inches and is suitable for pets up to 16 lb. The listing says weight alone is not the right way to choose; measure your pet’s length and height. It is described as fitting under the seats of most airplanes and has four non-slip feet on the bottom.
It uses a sturdy steel cage structure with a wooden support board and tear-resistant fabric. Breathable mesh windows are on four sides, and there is a front pocket for toys or treats. The carrier weighs 2.2 lb, has an adjustable shoulder strap, can be secured to a car seat with a seatbelt or strap, and folds flat for storage.
Specs that matter: 17 x 11 x 11 inches; suitable up to 16 lb; steel cage and wooden support board; tear-resistant fabric; four mesh sides; front pocket; four non-slip feet; adjustable shoulder strap; removable washable soft mat; 2.2 lb; folds flat.
Best for: Pets that benefit from four-sided visibility and a lightweight foldable carrier.
SMBFKGK soft-sided pet carrier: Best for anxious pets that need privacy
The SMBFKGK carrier is 17.2 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches and is designed for small to medium pets up to 13 lb. It is made from Oxford fabric with an inner wire frame. The listing also lists the material as nylon and says the carrier is airline approved for most major airlines’ under-seat requirements.
Its main feature is a dual-layer roller blind system. Roll the blinds up to show breathable mesh panels on four sides, or snap them down to create a darker, private space. The carrier also has an interior safety tether, external auto-locking zippers, one side zipper pocket for supplies, and a plush mat with a padded outer ring that can be lifted out.
Specs that matter: 17.2 x 11.5 x 11.5 inches; pets up to 13 lb; Oxford fabric and inner wire frame; nylon material listed; adjustable dual-layer roller blinds; four mesh panels; interior safety tether; auto-locking zippers; side zipper pocket; lift-out plush mat; airline approved.
Best for: Nervous pets that do better with a dark, quiet space during travel.
Zedkeys soft-sided pet carrier: Best for machine-washable comfort and storage
The Zedkeys carrier measures about 17 x 11 x 11 inches and supports pets up to 16 lb. It is described as suitable for cats, small dogs, and puppies, and as meeting airline under-seat requirements. It can be carried by hand or over the shoulder with an adjustable, wide, padded strap and a cushioned handle.
The bag is made from 600D Oxford cloth with a scratch-resistant mesh surface and a steel rod frame. It has three-sided breathable mesh, reinforced zippers, an internal safety leash, and a side open pocket. The included plush cushion is removable and machine washable, and the carrier folds flat for storage.
Specs that matter: 17 x 11 x 11 inches; pets up to 16 lb; 600D Oxford cloth; scratch-resistant mesh surface; steel frame; three-sided mesh; reinforced zippers; internal safety leash; side pocket; removable machine-washable plush cushion; padded shoulder strap and handle; foldable.
Best for: Owners who want a padded, machine-washable cushion and multiple carry options.
How to Choose
Soft-sided carriers are often chosen for lighter weight and easier storage, but the features listed for each product vary. Start by comparing the dimensions, weight guidance, and travel extras above.
Size, Length, and Height
Dimensions matter because many airlines limit under-seat space. The carriers in this roundup are close in size: the Top tasta, LEHNI, and Zedkeys are listed at 17 x 11 x 11 inches; the Vceoa is 17.5 x 11 x 11; and the SMBFKGK is 17.2 x 11.5 x 11.5. Four of the five listings explicitly warn against choosing by weight alone; they ask you to measure your pet’s length and height. The Zedkeys listing gives a 16 lb limit without that same warning.
Airline Compatibility
All five listings mention under-seat airline compatibility, but the wording differs. Some say “airline approved,” while others say “fits under-seat dimensions of most airlines” or “complies with most major airlines.” Because airlines update their requirements, verify the current policy with your specific airline before booking.
Materials and Ventilation
Check what the carrier is made from and how much mesh it has. The Top tasta uses polyester with nylon mesh on three sides and the top; the LEHNI has mesh on four sides; the Zedkeys uses 600D Oxford cloth with three-sided mesh; the SMBFKGK is Oxford fabric with four mesh panels behind roller blinds. The Vceoa listing does not specify exterior material, only mesh windows. Mesh supports airflow and lets you see your pet.
Entries, Security, and Comfort
Top and side entries can make it easier to load a cat; the Top tasta and Vceoa both list top and side entrances, and the LEHNI lists four entrances. If escape prevention is important, look for safety tethers or auto-locking zippers: the SMBFKGK has both, and the Zedkeys lists an internal safety leash. All five carriers include some type of removable pad or bed, but cleaning instructions differ. If loading is the hard part, see how to get a cat into a carrier.
Car Travel and Cleaning
Several of these carriers can be secured in a car. The Vceoa strap can be used as a seatbelt, and the LEHNI listing says it can be fastened with a safety belt or shoulder strap. The Top tasta and Zedkeys are described for car rides as well. For more on safe car trips, see how to travel safely with a dog in the car. For cleaning, the beds range from hand washable to machine washable, and the LEHNI surface can be wiped with a soft cloth.
| Product | Dimensions | Listed Pet Weight | Material | Entries | Airline Notes | Bed Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tasta | 17 x 11 x 11 in | Up to 15 lb | Polyester with steel ring; nylon mesh | Top and side | Airline approved; under most seats | Removable hand-washable wool bed |
| Vceoa | 17.5 x 11 x 11 in | Up to 16 lb | Not listed | Top and side | Fits most airline under-seat dimensions; check airline | Removable hand-washable fleece bed |
| LEHNI | 17 x 11 x 11 in | Up to 16 lb | Tear-resistant fabric; steel cage; wooden support board | Four entrances | Under seats of most airplanes | Removable washable mat; surface wipes clean |
| SMBFKGK | 17.2 x 11.5 x 11.5 in | Up to 13 lb | Oxford fabric and inner wire frame; nylon | Not listed | Airline approved; complies with most major airlines | Lift-out plush mat; cleaning not listed |
| Zedkeys | 17 x 11 x 11 in | Up to 16 lb | 600D Oxford cloth; scratch-resistant mesh; steel frame | Not listed | Meets airline under-seat requirements | Removable machine-washable plush cushion |
FAQ
What size soft-sided pet carrier should I choose?
Measure your pet’s length and height, not just weight. The listings for the Top tasta, Vceoa, LEHNI, and SMBFKGK carriers all say to do this, and the Zedkeys listing gives a 16 lb limit. Each carrier’s exact dimensions are listed in the table above.
Are these carriers approved for airline travel?
Every listing in this roundup mentions under-seat airline compatibility, but the wording differs. The Top tasta and SMBFKGK listings say “airline approved”; the Vceoa listing says it fits most airlines’ under-seat dimensions and asks you to contact the airline; the LEHNI listing says it fits under seats on most airplanes; the Zedkeys listing says it meets airline under-seat requirements. Confirm with your airline before your trip.
Can I use these carriers for car travel?
Yes, several listings mention car use. The Top tasta is described for car rides and vet rides, the Vceoa strap can be used as a seatbelt, the LEHNI can be fastened with a safety belt, and the Zedkeys is listed for car rides and daily outings. If you travel with a dog, see how to travel safely with a dog in the car.
How do I clean the carriers?
Cleaning depends on the model. The Top tasta bed is hand washable, the Vceoa bed is hand washable, the LEHNI mat is washable and its surface wipes clean, and the Zedkeys cushion is machine washable. The SMBFKGK plush mat lifts out, but the listing does not include wash instructions.
Choosing the best soft sided pet carrier comes down to matching the listed size and weight guidance to your pet, then checking entry, security, and cleaning features. Keep the airline requirements in mind, and use the current product listing for the latest details and pricing.
About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our everyday pet gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
