Pet Carriers Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Soft Side Bag, Hard Kennel, Backpack, Sling Carrier), By Pet Type (Dog, Cat, Others), By Sales Channel (Specialty Stores, Online, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 913.08 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.79%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 1209.00 Million

Market Overview

The Global Pet Carriers Market will grow from USD 913.08 Million in 2025 to USD 1209.00 Million by 2031 at a 4.79% CAGR. Pet carriers are specialized containment units, including crates, cages, and soft-sided bags, designed to ensure the safety of companion animals during transportation. The market is primarily driven by rising global pet ownership and the humanization of pets, prompting owners to prioritize secure travel solutions that function as mobile sanctuaries. Additionally, the increasing frequency of leisure travel with animals has necessitated compliant transport accessories, stimulating demand across domestic and international sectors as owners seek to integrate their pets into family vacations and relocations.

Despite this expansion, the market faces a significant challenge regarding strict and fluctuating airline regulations which can complicate product compliance and create confusion for consumers. These regulatory hurdles often limit the usability of standard carriers for air travel and potentially impede specific market segments. Highlighting the prevalence of alternative transport methods, according to the American Pet Products Association, in 2024, 88% of dog owners and 90% of cat owners traveled with their pets in the car. This substantial transit activity reinforces the critical necessity for reliable containment products even as air travel restrictions remain a complex barrier.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in pet humanization and the pervasive pet parenting culture are fundamentally reshaping the global pet carriers market, as owners increasingly view companion animals as integral family members requiring comfort and safety comparable to human passengers. This emotional bond drives expenditure on premium, ergonomic carriers that serve as mobile sanctuaries rather than simple containment cages. Underscoring this financial commitment, according to the American Pet Products Association, March 2025, in the '2025 State of the Industry Report', total U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $152 billion in 2024. This premiumization trend forces manufacturers to innovate with high-quality materials and smart features to satisfy consumers who prioritize their animal's travel experience. Further highlighting the substantial investment owners make in their companions, according to Rover, March 2025, in the 'True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report', the average lifetime cost of care for a dog is approximately $34,550, illustrating the high value placed on pet well-being which translates directly into demand for superior mobility products.

Simultaneously, the expansion of the pet-friendly travel and tourism industry is creating a direct imperative for versatile and regulation-compliant mobility solutions. As hospitality providers and transit networks adapt to accommodate four-legged guests, the demand for carriers that meet specific airline and hotel standards has intensified. This shift is evidenced by changing consumer behaviors; according to GlobalPETS, January 2025, in the 'The pet industry in the United States' article, 55% of U.S. dog owners now adjust their travel plans to accommodate their pets. This necessity for inclusive travel drives the market for carriers that are not only comfortable but also compliant with diverse transport regulations, ensuring seamless integration into family vacations and relocations. Consequently, carrier designs are evolving rapidly to bridge the gap between strict safety protocols and the comfort required by modern pet parents.

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Key Market Challenges

The strict and fluctuating nature of airline regulations presents a significant structural impediment to the Global Pet Carriers Market. Manufacturers encounter persistent difficulties in designing standardized products, as individual airlines frequently enforce unique specifications regarding carrier dimensions, ventilation, and locking mechanisms that supersede general guidelines. This fragmentation complicates inventory management and hinders the mass production of universally accepted units, thereby limiting the industry’s ability to streamline supply chains and achieve consistent product reliability across different regions.

Consequently, this regulatory volatility erodes consumer confidence and hampers sales velocity. Potential buyers often hesitate to invest in premium air-travel carriers due to the risk that a product deemed compliant by one carrier may be rejected by another. The economic impact of these hurdles is magnified by the sector's reliance on successful transit. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, there were close to 200,000 live animal shipments globally. This volume highlights the critical dependency of the market on regulatory adherence; however, the persistent confusion surrounding these diverse requirements continues to bottle-neck broader market expansion and frustrate end-user adoption.

Key Market Trends

The adoption of eco-friendly and recycled manufacturing materials is becoming a defining characteristic of the sector, driven by a consumer base that increasingly aligns purchasing decisions with environmental impact. Manufacturers are transitioning away from virgin plastics, opting instead for fabrics derived from post-consumer recycled bottles, biodegradable components, and non-toxic dyes to appeal to ethically conscious buyers. This shift is not merely aesthetic but structural, as brands seek to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining durability. Validating this demand for sustainable production, according to Parent Tested Parent Approved, March 2024, in the '2024 Pet Owners Survey', 76% of pet owners state that eco-friendly features significantly influence the brands they choose to support. Consequently, companies are rapidly overhauling supply chains to certify material origins, making sustainability a competitive baseline rather than a niche selling point.

Simultaneously, the rise of multi-functional and convertible carrier systems is reshaping product development to accommodate the integration of pets into daily, non-travel routines. Modern carriers are increasingly engineered to serve dual purposes, transforming from secure car seats into stroller attachments or hands-free backpacks, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized products. This versatility addresses the lifestyle shift where owners bring companions on short, frequent trips rather than just extended vacations. Illustrating this integration into everyday life, according to the American Pet Products Association, August 2024, in the '2024 Dog and Cat Report', 53% of dog owners now take their pets with them in the car for errands and daily routines. This high frequency of usage compels manufacturers to prioritize modular designs that offer seamless transitions between vehicle safety and pedestrian mobility.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment is currently positioned as the fastest-growing distribution channel within the Global Pet Carriers Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by the significant convenience of doorstep delivery and the ability for consumers to access a much broader inventory of styles and sizes than typically available in physical retail locations. Market analysis indicates that pet owners increasingly prefer digital platforms for the ease of comparing product features and validating purchasing decisions through customer reviews. Furthermore, the strategic expansion of e-commerce capabilities by traditional retailers is actively catalyzing this channel's development.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the Global Pet Carriers Market, driven primarily by the widespread humanization of pets and high disposable income levels across the United States and Canada. Owners increasingly regard companion animals as family members, resulting in a surge of spending on secure travel accessories. Additionally, the market is bolstered by strict travel regulations, as consumers frequently purchase carriers that adhere to safety standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This focus on regulatory compliance and pet safety during travel secures the region's dominance in the global sector.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Zoospot.nl launched a new Airline-Approved Cat Carrier designed to meet strict international travel regulations. The compact carrier, measuring 40x30x24 cm, was engineered to fit comfortably under the seats of most major airlines, addressing a common pain point for pet owners traveling internationally. Key features included a lightweight yet sturdy construction, breathable mesh panels for ventilation, and a soft, washable interior pad for pet comfort. This product launch aimed to simplify air travel for feline companions and position the company as a provider of practical, compliance-focused solutions in the pet carriers market.
• In August 2024, Gunner Kennels expanded its product portfolio with the release of the 2024 Limited Edition Saskatoon Flyway Series. This launch introduced a bold, all-white colorway for its G1 Kennels, Food Crates, and Dog Bowls, paying homage to the waterfowl hunting history of the Saskatoon region in Canada. The company pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds from this series to Ducks Unlimited Canada to support conservation efforts. This development underscored the company's strategy of releasing annual, narrative-driven limited editions that resonate with the outdoor and hunting community within the pet carriers market.
• In May 2024, Maxbone announced a unique collaboration with the hit Netflix series Bridgerton to launch a limited-edition pet carrier bag. This partnership merged high-end pet fashion with the show's Regency-era aesthetic, featuring an exclusive Damask print interior and a pearl embellishment. The carrier was designed with a modern quilted exterior and practical functionality, including an expandable top for different pet sizes and a security tether. This collaboration highlighted the increasing trend of integrating pop culture and luxury design into the pet carriers market, catering to style-conscious pet owners seeking distinctive travel accessories.
• In April 2024, Tavo Pets, a brand developed by the makers of premium baby gear Nuna, introduced its innovative Maeve Pet Protection System to the United Kingdom market. This launch brought a significant advancement to the global pet carriers market by offering a 3-in-1 travel system that includes a luxury carrier, a vehicle base, and an optional stroller frame. The system was crash-test certified to United Nations ECE child restraint standards, directly addressing the growing demand for safer pet travel solutions. The carrier features a True Lock installation system for secure vehicle attachment and was made available through major retailers such as Halfords.

Key Market Players

• Ferplast S.p.A.
• EliteField LLC.
• Paws and Pals, Inc.
• PetWise, Inc.
• Pet Gear Inc
• Coastal Pet Products, Inc.
• Pet Life, LLC
• Kyjen Company, LLC
• Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc.

By Product Type	By Pet Type	By Sales Channel	By Region
Soft Side Bag Hard Kennel Backpack Sling Carrier	Dog Cat Others	Specialty Stores Online Hypermarkets/Supermarkets Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Pet Carriers Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Pet Carriers Market, By Product Type:

• Soft Side Bag
• Hard Kennel
• Backpack
• Sling Carrier

• Pet Carriers Market, By Pet Type:

• Dog
• Cat
• Others

• Pet Carriers Market, By Sales Channel:

• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Others

• Pet Carriers Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE