A pet carrier gets your cat or small dog to the vet, on a road trip, on a plane, or just out to the park. Our range covers hard plastic carriers, soft mesh carriers, backpack-style carriers, expandable carriers, airline-approved carriers, and trolley-wheeled carriers. Over 30 carrier options in stock across our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, from $40 small soft carriers to $200 large wheeled travel carriers. Most orders dispatch within 1–2 business days.
What carrier do I need for which trip?
The right carrier depends on the journey. For vet visits, a hard plastic carrier with a top-opening lid is easiest — the vet can examine the pet without forcing them out, and the hard sides handle nervous scratching. For car trips and overnight stays, a soft mesh carrier suits cats and small dogs comfortably. For airline travel, an IATA-compliant airline-approved carrier is essential and must meet the airline's specific size and ventilation rules. For active pet owners, backpack carriers work for hiking and longer outings. For older or larger pets that won't fit in a hand-carry size, wheeled trolley carriers save your arm.
What types of pet carriers are available?
| Type |
Best for |
Pet size |
Price guide |
| Hard plastic carrier |
Vet visits, training |
Under 10kg |
$50–$120 |
| Soft mesh carrier |
Car trips, casual outings |
Under 8kg |
$40–$100 |
| Backpack carrier |
Hiking, walking |
Under 7kg |
$60–$150 |
| Expandable carrier |
Longer car trips |
Under 8kg |
$60–$130 |
| Airline-approved carrier |
Flying with pets |
Under 7kg (in-cabin) |
$80–$180 |
| Wheeled trolley carrier |
Heavier pets, airports |
Up to 12kg |
$100–$200 |
What size carrier does my pet need?
The pet should be able to stand fully, turn around, and lie down inside the carrier. For cats and small dogs, measure from the nose to the base of the tail; the carrier interior length should be at least that plus 10cm. Height should clear the pet standing fully (including ears for tall-eared breeds). Most carriers list internal dimensions; ignore the external dimensions because the rigid frame takes 5–10cm of usable space inside. If your pet is anxious in carriers, going one size up gives them more room to settle and reduces stress. Going too big also has downsides though — oversized carriers feel less den-like and unsettle some cats.
Quick buyer's checklist
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Interior dimensions: Pet can stand, turn, lie down comfortably
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Top opening: Easier to lift cats and reluctant dogs in and out
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Ventilation: Mesh panels on three sides minimum
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Secure latches: Pet should not be able to push the door open
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Seatbelt slots: For car travel, the carrier should secure with a seatbelt
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Airline rules: Check the specific carrier dimensions against your airline's rules
What do I need for airline travel with a pet?
Airline travel adds a layer of rules. The carrier must be IATA-compliant (specific size limits, ventilation, sturdy construction with a leakproof base) and must fit under the seat in front of you if travelling in-cabin. Most Australian airlines allow in-cabin pets only on selected routes (Virgin Australia Pet Travel is the most established option); other airlines require cargo travel. Cabin pet weight limit is typically 7kg including the carrier. Check the airline's specific rules before buying — carrier dimensions vary by airline. Always book pet travel well in advance; airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
How much do pet carriers cost in Australia?
Pet carriers at Simple Deals start from $40 for compact soft carriers. Most quality hard plastic and airline-approved carriers sit between $50 and $150, with backpack and wheeled trolley carriers running higher. All carriers dispatch within 1–2 business days from our Australian warehouses.
What most pet stores won't admit
Almost every pet carrier sold online in Australia is imported from China — including ours. The real difference is not where the carrier is made, it's what happens after it lands in Australia. Marketplaces dropship straight from overseas containers, which is why "fast delivery" stretches into six weeks. We import in bulk, hold stock across our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, and ship from there.
The other thing nobody mentions: pets don't like carriers because they're only used for unpleasant trips. The fix is leaving the carrier out as a normal piece of household furniture between trips, with the door open and a comfortable bed inside. Cats and small dogs nap in carriers if they're treated as a den, not a transport pod that appears before a vet visit. Pets that nap in their carrier travel calmer than pets only put in one for stressful trips.
Frequently asked questions
What if my carrier arrives damaged?
Contact us within 7 days with photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund under the 12-month warranty. Transit damage is uncommon with packaged carriers.
Is the carrier airline-approved?
Check the product page for IATA compliance and specific airline approval. Most soft and hard carriers in cabin-pet sizes are IATA-compliant; cargo-only travel uses different specifications.
How long does delivery take?
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: 3–5 business days. Perth and Adelaide: 5–8 days. Regional and remote areas: 7–14 days.
Can I pay with Afterpay, Zip or PayPal?
Yes, all three. A $100 carrier works out to four payments of $25 with Afterpay, four payments of $25 with PayPal Pay in 4, or a small monthly amount with Zip. Klarna is also available.
What's the warranty?
12 months on manufacturing defects, plus 15-day returns on unused carriers in original packaging.
Complete the travel setup
A carrier handles transport, and a few pieces round out travel with pets. Most owners add three at the same time: a pet stroller for longer outings with older or smaller pets, a car seat cover to protect upholstery, and a comfortable bed for inside the carrier.
Why us
Simple Deals — family-run since 2018. Australian warehouse stock. Support on 1300 456 786. Afterpay, Zip, Klarna and PayPal. 12-month warranty, 15-day returns. 4.66★ from 5,363 verified reviews.
