Best Petmate Pet Carriers (2026)

The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel earns the top rank on this page because it meets IATA airline regulations — critical for anyone flying with their pet in cargo or as checked baggage, where non-compliant kennels are turned away at the gate. The four-way ventilation (both sides, rear, and door) keeps airflow moving even when the kennel is surrounded by luggage in cargo holds. Available from XS to XXL, the size range covers Chihuahuas through large Labradors with no need to buy a second brand as the dog grows. The kennel ships in two halves that bolt together with metal wing nuts rather than plastic snaps, which matters for airline staff who handle it roughly; metal fasteners survive the baggage carousel where plastic clips crack under pressure. The wire door latches securely without padlock requirements for domestic flights. On the downside, assembly requires a screwdriver and takes 10 minutes the first time. For road trips the kennel is bulkier than soft-sided options, but for any flight with cargo pets this is the standard-setter among the three carriers on this page.

The Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel takes rank 2 here specifically for cat owners: the top-loading door eliminates the cat's natural resistance to entering a front-opening carrier because you lower them in vertically rather than coaxing them through a forward door. Vets also use the top door during exams — the cat can stay in the kennel base while the top is removed, reducing exam-table stress for anxious animals. The hard plastic shell wipes down with disinfectant between uses, which soft-fabric carriers cannot accommodate after accidents or illness. The metal wire doors on both front and top provide airflow without the structural weakness of all-plastic grating. Where this kennel trails the Ultra Vari Kennel (rank 1) is airline compliance: the two-door design with top access is not IATA-certified for cargo, so it's the right choice for car trips and vet visits but not cargo flights. The latches are plastic and require firm pressure to close — check both doors are fully clicked before car travel. At its price point it is the most practical everyday cat carrier on this page.

The Petmate Open Cat Litter Box sits outside the travel kennel category but appears on this Petmate brand hub as a companion home-care product. At $4.99 it is one of the lowest-cost litter boxes in the Petmate lineup — the open-front, low-entry design is specifically suited for senior cats and kittens who cannot clear a high sidewall without discomfort. The large footprint accommodates cats up to 15 lbs with enough room to turn around, which is the minimum usable interior space most cats require before they begin avoiding a box. No cover means straightforward cleaning and no odor trapped in a hood, though cats who dig aggressively scatter litter past the edge — placing a litter mat underneath addresses this completely. This product serves a different need than any of the carriers ranked above it: home litter management rather than travel. For Petmate brand buyers consolidating a single order, it pairs naturally alongside a kennel purchase. Under $5 makes it a zero-consideration add-on for existing Petmate customers.

The Petmate Arm & Hammer Waste Bag Refills appear on this carrier page as a companion accessory for dog owners who travel with their pets and need on-the-go waste management. The Arm & Hammer baking soda integrated into the bag material neutralizes odor while the bag is knotted and waiting for a disposal bin — useful on travel days, hikes, or long car trips where immediate disposal is not possible. The 180-count supply covers approximately 6 months for a single-dog household at one to two bags per walk. Bags are compatible with all standard leash-clip and pole-mount dispensers, so no new dispenser is required if you already own one. Unlike the kennels ranked above it, this product addresses daily dog-walking logistics rather than transport. For anyone already ordering a Petmate carrier, bundling waste bag refills in the same order eliminates a separate purchase. The baking soda odor control outperforms unscented generic bags on longer-duration holds, which is the relevant advantage for travel scenarios where same-day disposal is not guaranteed.