AmazonBasics Pet Carrier Review: Best Budget Choice?
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Unique Dual-Pet Design: The standout feature is a removable center divider, allowing you to safely transport two small pets at once in the same carrier, a rare find at this price point.
- Durable and Practical Materials: Made from strong, resilient canvas with a cozy, machine-washable fleece pad, this carrier balances durability with pet comfort and easy cleaning.
- Excellent Ventilation: With mesh windows on multiple sides, the carrier ensures ample airflow, keeping your pets calm and comfortable during travel.
- Great Value for Everyday Use: This soft-sided pet carrier offers essential features and reliable construction for vet visits and car travel, making it a superb budget-friendly choice for most small animal lovers.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Our Verdict
- Key Features & Benefits
- What We Liked
- Potential Drawbacks
- Who Is It For?
- Comparison to Alternatives
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion & Final Recommendation
A Pet Owner’s Essential: The AmazonBasics Canvas Pet Carrier Review
Finding the right travel solution for our beloved small animals can be a challenge. Whether it’s a routine trip to the vet, a cross-country move, or just a short drive to a friend’s house, the safety and comfort of our pets are paramount. A flimsy carrier can cause anxiety (for both you and your pet), while a poorly ventilated one can be downright dangerous. For owners of cats, small dogs, rabbits, or even a pair of guinea pigs, the search for a reliable, safe, and convenient carrier is a top priority.
Today, we’re taking a deep dive into a very popular and intriguing option: the AmazonBasics Canvas Pet Carrier – Black. This carrier promises durability, comfort, and a unique feature that sets it apart from many competitors—a removable divider for transporting two small pets. But does it live up to the hype? We’ve analyzed its features, construction, and practicality to give you a comprehensive review to help you decide if this is the perfect travel companion for your furry, four-legged family members.
- Indoor/outdoor canvas-bottomed pet cage with divider for guinea pigs and other small animals
- Iron wire cage frame to keep pet effectively contained and safe
- Provides a textural surface that creates traction and comfort for small, sensitive feet
- Leak-proof design keeps pet messes and water spills contained
Our Verdict: A Solid, Versatile Choice for Small Pet Travel
After a thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the AmazonBasics Canvas Pet Carrier is a fantastic value proposition. It’s a well-designed and robust carrier that successfully covers all the essential bases for safe and comfortable pet transport. Its major selling point, the removable central divider, is genuinely innovative and incredibly useful for owners of bonded pairs of small animals, eliminating the need for two separate carriers.
The construction is solid, featuring durable canvas and strong mesh that provides excellent airflow. The inclusion of a machine-washable fleece pad shows a thoughtful approach to pet comfort and owner convenience. While it may lack some of the premium features of high-end, airline-approved carriers, it excels in its role as a dependable carrier for car travel, vet appointments, and general day-to-day use. For the price, its versatility and quality are hard to beat, making it a highly recommended choice for the practical pet owner.
Key Features & Benefits
Removable Bottom Divider for Two Small Pets
This is the carrier’s most unique feature. A sturdy, fabric-covered divider can be inserted into the base, creating two separate, cozy compartments. This is a game-changer for anyone with two small cats, toy-breed dogs, rabbits, or ferrets. Pets can travel together for comfort but with a safe boundary. When only one pet needs the carrier, the divider is easily removed to create a single spacious area. This dual functionality offers incredible flexibility.
Durable Canvas and Mesh Construction
The carrier is constructed from tough, durable canvas that holds its shape well and resists wear. The mesh windows are strong, rubberized, and allow for superior ventilation while withstanding scratching. This ensures safety and long-lasting use.
Comfort-Focused with a Removable Fleece Pad
It includes a plush fleece pad that covers the entire base, offering comfort and support. The fleece pad is fully removable and machine-washable, making cleanup simple after accidents or long trips.
Excellent Ventilation and Accessibility
With mesh windows on the front and sides, airflow is plentiful, keeping pets calm. Two zippered entry points—one on the front and another on the top—make loading pets easier, especially those reluctant to enter from the front.
Convenient Carrying Options
The carrier includes both padded hand grips and an adjustable shoulder strap. This flexibility is perfect for balancing pets with leashes, paperwork, or other travel essentials.
What We Liked
- Innovative two-pet divider adds unmatched versatility.
- Strong structure maintains shape and comfort.
- Removable fleece pad makes cleaning stress-free.
- Mesh ventilation ensures pets remain cool and calm.
- Affordable price for the value offered.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not designed for larger pets like Maine Coons or medium-sized dogs.
- Zippers may not be as heavy-duty as premium models.
- Not suitable for highly destructive or anxious pets.
Who Is It For?
This carrier is ideal for owners of two small pets, budget-conscious pet parents, frequent car travelers, and those needing a collapsible storage solution. It’s a practical, reliable option for everyday use.
Comparison to Alternatives
vs. Hard-Sided Plastic Carriers
Hard-sided carriers offer better protection and are airline-ready but are heavy and bulky. This canvas carrier is lighter, easier to store, and more comfortable for calm pets.
vs. Premium Airline-Approved Carriers
Premium brands may offer sturdier zippers and guaranteed airline approval but at a much higher price. The AmazonBasics carrier provides most of the core benefits plus the dual-pet feature at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this carrier airline-approved?
It fits under many airline seats (19x11x11 inches) but approval depends on the specific airline. Best for car travel.
How do I clean it?
Remove and wash the fleece pad. Spot-clean the canvas and mesh with mild soap and water.
What is the weight limit?
Suitable for pets up to 22 pounds total. For two pets, ensure they each fit comfortably in their half.
Does it have storage pockets?
No external storage pockets are included. Accessories will need to be carried separately.
Conclusion & Final Recommendation
The AmazonBasics Canvas Pet Carrier – Black is a thoughtfully designed, budget-friendly travel solution that balances durability, comfort, and ventilation. Its removable divider makes it especially appealing for households with two small pets. While not the best fit for frequent fliers or escape-prone animals, it is an excellent choice for everyday vet visits, car rides, and short trips. Practical, affordable, and dependable—it’s one of the best pet carriers for small animal owners on a budget.
