Pet Carriers Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Pet Carriers Market is projected to expand from USD 913.08 Million in 2025 to USD 1.20 billion by 2031, achieving a CAGR of 4.79%. Defined as specialized containment units such as cages, crates, and soft-sided bags, these carriers are engineered to guarantee the safety of companion animals during transport. Primary market accelerators include the global rise in pet ownership and the trend of pet humanization, which motivates owners to seek secure travel solutions that act as mobile sanctuaries. Furthermore, the growing frequency of leisure travel involving animals has spurred the need for compliant transport accessories, boosting demand in both domestic and international markets as owners increasingly incorporate their pets into family relocations and vacations.

Despite this growth, the industry encounters significant hurdles due to stringent and changing airline regulations, which complicate product compliance and confuse consumers. These regulatory barriers frequently restrict the utility of standard carriers for air travel and may hinder growth in specific segments. However, alternative transport methods remain prevalent; according to the American Pet Products Association, in 2024, 88% of dog owners and 90% of cat owners traveled with their pets by car. This high volume of transit activity underscores the essential need for dependable containment products, even as the complexities of air travel restrictions present a continuing obstacle.

Market Drivers

The increasing trend of pet humanization and the widespread culture of pet parenting are transforming the global pet carriers market, with owners regarding companion animals as family members deserving of safety and comfort similar to human travelers. This strong emotional connection fuels spending on ergonomic, premium carriers that function as mobile sanctuaries rather than mere cages.

According to the '2025 State of the Industry Report' by the American Pet Products Association in March 2025, total U.S. pet industry expenditures hit $152 billion in 2024, underscoring this financial dedication. This shift toward premium products compels manufacturers to innovate using superior materials and smart features to satisfy consumers who value their pet's travel experience. Additionally, the 'True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report' by Rover in March 2025 notes that the average lifetime cost of caring for a dog is roughly $34,550, demonstrating the high value placed on pet welfare that drives demand for high-quality mobility products.

Concurrently, the growth of the pet-friendly tourism and travel sector establishes a clear need for versatile, regulation-compliant mobility solutions. As transit networks and hospitality providers adjust to welcome four-legged guests, the demand for carriers meeting specific hotel and airline standards has escalated. This shift is reflected in consumer behavior; according to a January 2025 article by GlobalPETS titled 'The pet industry in the United States', 55% of U.S. dog owners now modify their travel itineraries to include their pets. This requirement for inclusive travel fuels the market for carriers that offer both comfort and compliance with various transport regulations, facilitating seamless integration into relocations and family vacations. As a result, carrier designs are swiftly evolving to reconcile strict safety protocols with the comfort levels modern pet parents expect.

Market Challenges

The rigorous and shifting nature of airline regulations poses a major structural obstacle for the Global Pet Carriers Market. Manufacturers face ongoing challenges in creating standardized products because individual airlines often mandate unique specifications for carrier ventilation, dimensions, and locking mechanisms that override general guidelines. This regulatory fragmentation complicates inventory management and prevents the mass production of universally accepted units, thereby restricting the industry's capacity to optimize supply chains and ensure consistent product reliability across various regions.

As a result, this regulatory unpredictability undermines consumer confidence and impedes sales momentum. Prospective buyers are often reluctant to purchase premium air-travel carriers because of the risk that a product accepted by one airline might be rejected by another. The economic consequences of these barriers are intensified by the sector's dependence on successful transport. According to the International Air Transport Association, there were nearly 200,000 live animal shipments globally in 2024. While this volume underscores the market's critical reliance on regulatory adherence, the ongoing confusion regarding these varied requirements continues to restrict broader market growth and frustrate end-user adoption.

Market Trends

The utilization of recycled and eco-friendly manufacturing materials is emerging as a defining trend in the sector, propelled by consumers who increasingly base their purchasing decisions on environmental impact. Manufacturers are moving away from virgin plastics in favor of fabrics made from post-consumer recycled bottles, non-toxic dyes, and biodegradable components to attract ethically conscious buyers.

This transition represents a structural change rather than a mere aesthetic update, as brands aim to lower their carbon footprints while preserving durability. Validating this preference for sustainable production, the '2024 Pet Owners Survey' by Parent Tested Parent Approved in March 2024 reported that 76% of pet owners claim eco-friendly features significantly affect their brand choices. Consequently, companies are rapidly transforming their supply chains to certify material origins, establishing sustainability as a competitive necessity.

Simultaneously, the emergence of convertible and multi-functional carrier systems is altering product development to support the inclusion of pets in daily, non-travel activities. Modern carriers are increasingly designed to fulfill dual roles, converting from secure car seats into hands-free backpacks or stroller attachments, which removes the need for several specialized items.

This versatility responds to a lifestyle change where owners take companions on frequent, short trips instead of solely on extended vacations. Demonstrating this integration into daily life, the '2024 Dog and Cat Report' by the American Pet Products Association in August 2024 indicates that 53% of dog owners now bring their pets along for errands and daily routines. This high usage frequency drives manufacturers to prioritize modular designs that provide seamless transitions between pedestrian mobility and vehicle safety.

Key Players Profiled in the Pet Carriers Market

• 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.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Pet Carriers Market has been segmented into the following categories:

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
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Pet Carriers Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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