While traveling with a pet rabbit isn’t as commonplace as taking a dog on vacation, there will come a time when your pet needs to go to the vet. You shouldn’t put your rabbit in your car unsecured, so you’ll need a carrier to transport it safely.
Choosing the perfect rabbit carrier can be challenging because there are so many different types on the market, and no two are created equal. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed buying decision.
Read on to find our reviews of the ten best rabbit carriers available and learn how to choose the best one for your needs.
The Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog & Cat Kennel is a durable plastic carrier with multiple doors for easy access and versatility. You can load your rabbit through the steel front or top doors. It has ventilation holes on each side, and the steel-wired openings provide further ventilation. In addition, its spring-loaded latches offer extra peace of mind. This carrier is available in four stylish color options. For these reasons, the Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog & Cat Kennel is the best overall rabbit carrier.
Some people found that the top door didn’t want to stay open when loading their pets. In addition, the carrying handle is attached to the top door, which could pose a safety risk.
Pros
Two loading options
Ventilation holes throughout
Secure spring-loaded latches
Sturdy plastic construction
Cons
Carrying handle attached to door
Door doesn’t stay open when loading pet
2. MidWest Spree Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel – Best Value
Don’t let the name of the MidWest Spree Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel fool you; this carrier works fantastic for rabbits, too. This affordable product provides consumers with the best rabbit carrier for the money. It’s made with durable plastic materials that are easy to clean and completely chew-proof. The top half of the carrier has long ventilation slits throughout, and there are small ventilation holes on the top, providing more than enough breathability. It’s available in three sizes and three fun, bright colors.
The gate has several locking mechanisms, which isn’t the most convenient.
The Petmate Sky Dog & Cat Kennel is the perfect rabbit carrier for owners looking to do some flying with their pets, as it meets most airline requirements. This carrier features a heavy-duty plastic shell and non-corrosive wing nuts for additional durability. Its wired doors and windows provide extra stability and adequate ventilation. The carrier is surprisingly lightweight, given its durable construction, so it’s easy and convenient to carry.
The locking mechanism can sometimes be hard to operate as the door and crate side must be aligned perfectly.
Pros
Approved by most airlines
Lightweight design
Heavy-duty plastic shell
Wired doors and windows for security
Cons
Locking mechanism challenging to operate
4. Amazon Basics 2-Door Top Load Hard-Sided Dog and Cat Kennel Travel Carrier
The Amazon Basics 2-Door Top Load Hard-Sided Dog and Cat Kennel Travel Carrier has a heavy-duty plastic construction with steel wire doors and screws to keep the top and bottom portions secured. It has two doors and spring-loaded latches, which are supposed to make opening either door with one hand easy. The latching mechanism for the top lid can be finicky and requires two hands, however.
Assembly isn’t as easy as it should be, and the included instructions are highly unsatisfactory.
The Van Ness Calm Carrier has a unique front sliding door that sets it apart from the others on our list. This door eliminates the need for forced loading and unloading in an attempt to reduce any travel-related anxiety your rabbit may face. It has a heavy gauge wire door and squeeze-lock for security. There are ventilation holes on each side. This carrier is made of a high-impact plastic that’s easy to clean and maintain.
The sliding mechanism works well for lighter animals and should be fine for most rabbits. However, if you’re hoping to use this carrier for your other household pets, you may struggle with the slider if they’re on the heavier side.
Pros
Unique front sliding door
May reduce travel anxiety
Easy to operate squeeze lock
Ventilation holes on every side
Cons
Slider may not work great for heavier pets
6. SportPet Designs X-Large Foldable Travel Cat Carrier – Front Door Plastic Collapsible Carrier
The SportPet Designs X-Large Foldable Travel Cat Carrier is a unique carrier with a wide side opening to make loading your rabbit simple and fuss-free. In addition, there’s plenty of space inside for your pet to sit and lay down on longer trips. The carrier will fold to a manageable size when not in use and is made of plastic, so it’s durable and easy to clean. Though the locking mechanism is easy to unlock, it’s still sturdy and secure.
The unique design of this carrier makes it quite heavy and unlikely to meet commercial airline standards.
The Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier is designed with small pets in mind. This carrier features a transparent, easy-access top door and chew-proof plastic construction. It locks securely with a push-button lock and has ventilation slits around the carrier and on the lid for ventilation. It is available in two sizes, so measure your pet to ensure you get the appropriate size.
The bottom of the interior is slippery, so we recommend placing a rubber mat to prevent your rabbit from sliding around as you travel.
Pros
Durable chew-proof materials
Perfect size for rabbits
Easy top-loading design
Plenty of ventilation holes
Two size options
Cons
Bottom is slippery
8. Ferplast ATLAS Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Carrier
The Ferplast ATLAS Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Carrier is an easy-to-assemble carrier with doors on the front and top. It provides the most ventilation of any products we’re reviewing today, as the top portion has holes throughout. It’s made of sturdy plastic but remains lightweight, so it’s easy to carry. This carrier comes in two colors and two sizes.
The top lid latches are very difficult to close. In addition, the top door snaps into place and has no buckles or screws for reinforcement.
Pros
Many ventilation holes
Two loading options
Lightweight shell
Sturdy construction
Cons
Top latch difficult to close
Top snaps to lock in without additional reinforcement
The Catit Cabrio Multi-Functional Cat Kennel may be marketed toward cats, but it works great for rabbits. This sturdy and durable carrier has a convenient top hatch and front-loading door, so you and your rabbit can decide the best way to put it in its travel cage. It meets most airline regulations (though we recommend contacting your airline directly for exact allowable carrier dimensions if you plan on flying with your rabbit). It’s great for car travel as you can loop the seatbelt through the handle for additional security. The carrier has a comfortable molded handle for carrying and also comes with a shoulder strap if you prefer to carry your rabbit that way. The floor is textured to provide skid resistance.
The two locking mechanisms can be challenging when loading your rabbit from the top.
Pros
Skid-resistant flooring
Carrying strap included
Can be secured in a vehicle
Front and top-loading options
Cons
Top-loading locking mechanisms are challenging to operate
The Capri Trixie 39812 Pet Carrier is a front-loading pet carrier featuring an easy-to-open and close door. The door opens downward like a drawbridge instead of sideways as most carrier doors. This unique door style makes putting your rabbit inside easier if it’s resistant to other carrier styles. The carrier is made of durable plastic and has ventilation holes on the front and both sides but not on the back. In addition, it has a seatbelt slot for safer vehicle transport.
The assembly instructions could be clearer, and many consumers reported problems attaching the handle.
Pros
Unique drawbridge door design
Door opens and closes easily
Ventilation holes on three sides
Cons
Assembly is a challenge
Poor instructions
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Rabbit Carrier
Buying a rabbit carrier requires more forethought than you might initially think. There are several factors consumers must consider when shopping for the safest transportation for their pet.
Ventilation
Ventilation is the most important factor to consider as you shop. A poorly ventilated carrier will not only make your rabbit overheat, but it can also cause suffocation. Proper airflow is essential for keeping your pet at a cool and pleasant temperature as you travel. Rabbits are prone to heatstroke during hot weather, so the carrier you choose needs plenty of ventilation to prevent overheating and death.
The perfect carrier will have holes on each side, including on the door and the top.
Materials
Plastic carriers are generally the most suitable option for rabbit owners, which is why our list is made up entirely of such products. Soft-sided carriers may be great for cats and dogs but are not ideal for rabbits. Rabbits are chewers, so anything made of a fabric material will likely fall victim to its teeth. Even if the material seems durable, opting for a plastic carrier simply for peace of mind is best.
You may also see wire pet carriers as you shop for your rabbit. While these can be convenient in some situations and are chew-proof, the mesh wire design is not ideal for rabbits. Because the sides are open, it can make them feel afraid or stressed. Not to mention that their legs could get caught in the holes of the carrier.
Size
The size of the carrier will determine how comfortable your rabbit is while inside it. At the bare minimum, it needs to be big enough for your pet to sit and lay down comfortably. However, you don’t want it to be too big that your rabbit will slide around while it’s being transported.
Entry Point
A top-loading carrier isn’t 100% necessary, but it can make your life much easier if your rabbit can be hard to handle. It’s much easier to set your pet inside the carrier than to cram it in the front door if it’s fighting against you. It’s also much easier to remove your rabbit and clean the carrier if it is a top loader. You might consider an option with two access points so you can try both to see which works better for your pet.
Security
A pet carrier must have a secure latch to prevent your rabbit from escaping. What kind of locking mechanism does the carrier have? Some have metal double-locking doors, while others close with a push button.
Convenience
While your rabbit’s comfort is at the top of your mind, you should also consider your own comfort and convenience when shopping for a carrier. What features does the carrier have that benefit you? For example, does it have a carrying handle or wheels to help make transporting it easier? Does it come apart to make cleaning easier if your rabbit has an accident while inside?
Conclusion
For the best overall rabbit carrier, the Petmate Two Door Top Loader combines sturdy construction with easy-to-operate locking mechanisms. For rabbit owners on a budget, the MidWest Spree provides an affordable, well-ventilated carrier in fun and fashionable colors. If you have some extra cash to spend, the Petmate Sky Dog & Cat Kennel. This carrier also meets airline travel requirements.
Hopefully, our reviews have provided some guidance and made your buying decision easier. Weigh the pros and cons of each product to find the one that best suits your needs, and don’t forget to take your rabbit’s measurements to ensure it’ll fit in its new carrier.
Chantelle is passionate about two things in her life – writing and animals. She grew up on the prairies in Canada surrounded by animals and as an adult, she chooses to share her home with five cats, two guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon. Chantelle, her husband, and their child take great pride in being great animal parents - the ones who spend a thousand dollars on wall-mounted cat shelves so that their cats can have an indoor jungle gym all year round. When Chantelle isn’t snuggling her cats on the couch or taking pictures of them being hilarious, she’s outside exploring in the Rocky Mountains, binging the same shows on Netflix over and over, and reading about whatever random topic pops into her brain. ...Read more
