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The Pet Gear Carrier Is Safer For Travel, According To Vets

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
As a longtime pet owner, I’ve done a lot of in-car traveling with my cats, be it trips to the vet, groomers or longer car rides out of state. And although my animals’ health and safety are always one of my main priorities, I had never stopped to consider that their soft-sided carrier could be putting them at risk during transport, until I saw a TikToker claiming to be an ER veterinary nurse mention their favorite pet carrier for smaller-sized pets.
According to the person in the video, who didn’t respond to HuffPost’s request for comments, the Pet Gear View 360 carrier deserves a “100/10” rating because the design comes with an easy-to-install booster base that allows you to buckle the carrier to the car seat and is made with a steel frame, which offers greater protection in the event of a car crash.
Dr. Maria Mazzola, a veterinarian at the Mineola Animal Hospital in Garden City Park, New York, told HuffPost via email that she agreed that the Pet Gear carrier is “sturdier than many soft-sided carriers, which gives an extra layer of security when traveling.”
Mazzola said that a reliable carrier is essential for both safety and stress management, especially in the car, where it prevents pets from roaming or getting hurt in sudden stops.
“I’ve also seen firsthand how important durability is. Our clinic sits on a busy road, and I’ve unfortunately witnessed flimsy carriers break. A strong, dependable design can prevent a dangerous escape at the worst possible moment,” she said.
It’s important to note that, though this carrier’s design and construction seem to be vet-approved for offering greater protection than other market options, it hasn’t been crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety like some other pet carrier designs — most notably the luxury offerings of Sleepypod.
Meant to mimic a pet bed and available in a few different models, including a TSA-approved option and the brand’s bestselling Sleepypod Mobile, the Sleepypod carriers start at $200 a pop and appear to have limited stock. The Pet Gear, on the other hand, though still an investment, can be purchased for as little as $79.
Additionally, neither the Sleepypod nor the Pet Gear carrier will work for every pet, as they are only meant to accommodate smaller-sized animals that fit the 20-by-13-inch capacity of the Pet Gear’s largest size.
Another feature of the Pet Gear View 360 that Mazzola appreciates is that it has multiple pet access points, including a top entry.
“It makes it easier for veterinarians and staff to gently reach pets without a struggle,” she explained.
This is especially important for those particularly nervous pets that will back themselves into the corner of the carrier, adding to the stressful situation of being in an unfamiliar environment with someone they potentially perceive as a threat.
“If you’ve ever struggled to get your cat into a hardsided carrier, this will be a major upgrade. Our skittish cat took to the carrier very well. The whole experience is much more calm,” one Amazon customer wrote in a review.
To open, the Pet Gear only uses a single push button, rather than a zipper, to open the structured dome-shaped top, which can stay open partway or fold open completely. And if you do choose to leave the top open during transport, there’s an interior tether that attaches to your pet’s harness to keep them inside the carrier and not running around the car as you drive.
According to Mazzola, the mesh panels, which make up nearly the entirety of the carrier, also allow great airflow to keep pets comfortable and reduce the risk of overheating. And inside is a plush cushion that can easily be removed and thrown in the wash for easy clean-up or accidents.
We’ve noted that the functionality of this carrier is unrivaled, as it seamlessly transitions from a hand-held carrier to a car seat by snapping directly into the booster frame (which can stay buckled into your car so you don’t have to take it out each time). You can even purchase an entire three-in-one Peat Gear travel system, which, using the brand’s “snap-and-go” design, can also be transformed into a stroller.
Whatever your fancy, it’s clear from the pet owners below that the Pet Gear View 360 is a worthy investment, if not for the peace of mind alone. Take a look at these glowing endorsements ahead or purchase one from any of the availabile retailers.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“Excellent pet carrier/car seat. My miniature dachshund loves her carrier and often goes everywhere with me. I always get so many compliments and inquiries about where I got it and if it is really for pets. People sometimes think I have a human child with me. I feel it is much safer than the open, dog bed style car seat. She gets excited when ever I put it out as she knows she’s going bye bye with her Nana. As little as she is, only 8 pounds, she manages to jump right in to ready herself for a trip. It comes with a metal frame for ease of installation that remains in my car, however if my car is not available I can easily strap it in to any other vehicle using the handy seatbelt passthroughs. It doubles as a convenient carrier when out shopping. I can remove it from the car and place the basket in a shopping cart and stroll her around the store safely in her basket. For less than $100 it was definitely money well spent. I did purchase a small cushion for added comfort as it only has a flat pad inside.” — D. Cianci
″Gret for skittish cats. If you’ve ever struggled to get your cat into a hardsided carrier, this will be a major upgrade. Our skittish cat took to the carrier very well. The whole experience is much more calm. The carrier is built well. Everything feels like good quality. The top part snaps into the metal stand so you can keep the metal part buckled in and carry the lighter carrier. VERY happy with this purchase.” — Brak
“Koda is a big 16 lb boy. I wanted a carrier that would not constrict movement. Koda jumped right in when I took it out of the box. Plenty of room for him to spread out, turn around and even sit up. Plenty of space for his comfort. It even comes with a seat holder for the car that you fasten your seat belt to for his safety. I leave the top down and he sleeps in it at times. Ease of use with no zippers to break. Both sides have a latch to secure the top on either side. Plenty of mesh windows to view the world and circulate air.” — David Shipman
“I bought this the second I adopted my cat. I take her over to see my brothers cat frequently so I wanted something sturdy. This is awesome.The height of it is perfect for most cats. A maine coone would probably be the exception. The latches work very well but just be careful not to bump them because they will come open.
My vet and their helpers loved this too. They said that they loved how it folded back and you load the cat from the top. It made it easier for them to load my kitty after she was fixed without jostling her too much. It is expensive but I’m seeinginimal wearing and I’ve had it and used it daily for 5 months. It’s worth the money.” — Holly K.
If you’re interested in other pet essentials that make traveling with your furry friend easier, take a look at these road-trip items curated by HuffPost contributor Sakinah Ali.
A velvet booster seat
Give your pup a comfy boost with this plush memory foam car seat. It straps into the front or back seat, doubles as a travel bed, and has side pockets for treats and toys. The velvet cover is removable and washable, making cleanup a snap. Available in six colors to match your ride.
Promising review: “Used it for an 8 hour road trip with our 17 lb chihuahua mix. He loved it as he can see through the windows and windshield. He stayed in there the whole time while the car is running.” – Mr. and Mrs. George A.
A cozy reversible blanket
Make napping better with this soft, reversible blanket perfect for car rides. Plush sherpa and fleece provide cozy comfort while protecting your seats from fur, dirt, and spills. It is lightweight, machine washable, and available in multiple colors and sizes.
Promising review: “Good quality and washes up nicely without loosing a lot of “fluff”. I got a medium but works fine for my golden retrievers. Provides a soft spot on the carpet for them to sleep on, especially in areas where a dog bed does not fit.” – Shelley E
Fish-shaped catnip toys
Add some fun to the trip with these cute catnip fish toys made for snuggling, chewing, and kicking. They help relieve boredom and encourage natural hunting instincts. Bright colors make them easy to spot and hard to resist.
Promising review: “Just opened the package and it’s a good thing it’s a three pack, because all of my boys are nutty for them. Instant favorite. Good size for adult cats to kick and seem sturdy enough to handle hours of play. My cats rate 5/5.” – Kristina Hubbard
An interactive giggle ball
Spark playtime anywhere with the Wobble Wag Giggle ball. It makes silly sounds when rolled or shaken and has easy grip pockets. Great for indoor or outdoor fun, this toy helps pets stay curious, playful, and active.
Promising review: “I couldn’t tell you how many of these I have bought over the years. Out of 3 dogs, these are easily all 3 dogs favorite toys. They toy its self it fairly durable and hold up to my labs. They bite it, slam it on the concrete, sink it in the pool and it keeps squeaking. It provides endless entertainment and a must have for anyone with an active dog.” – Justin Sedlacek
Soft calming chews
Help your pooch stay calm with these daily chews made with natural ingredients like ashwagandha, chamomile, and L-theanine. They come in a tasty chicken flavor and may help dogs manage stress. While experts have previously recommended L-theanine for help with canine anxiety, consult with your vet before using these.
Promising review: “This really takes the edge off my hyperactive dog without making him drowsy or lethargic. We tried another brand when these were out of stock and the difference was immediate and not in a good way. I’ll be ordering extra to be sure we don’t run out again.” – Scrapbookgirl71
An adjustable seat belt
Secure your pup with peace of mind using this durable seat belt that clicks right into your car’s seatbelt buckle. Made from strong nylon with an aluminum carabiner, it adjusts to let your pet sit, stand, or lie down without tangling. Pair it with your favorite harness and you’re ready to roll.
Promising review: “We used these for a cross-country move for our babies and they worked exactly as we hoped. They’re sturdy and your dog isn’t going anywhere with them properly attached to a seat and a harness. So worth it for the peace of mind for their safety in case of an accident and avoiding an escape attempt while far from home.” – Lidlax
A durable carseat cover
Protect your seats and pamper your pets with this waterproof, wearproof cover that doubles as a hammock. Side flaps shield car doors and zippers allow for easy in and out. It has a non-slip back, adjustable anchors, and no harsh smells for a comfortable ride.
Promising review: “I ordered this seat cover for my husband’s truck. When we take our chocolate lab with us on trips, his claws were scratching the leather seats. This cover completely covers the seats and makes an enclosed area to keep him contained to the back seat. The non-slip surface seemed to make him feel more secure when riding down the road. My husband liked how easy it was to secure it to the seats and the zippered sides makes it easy to load and unload our lab. We would recommend this seat cover to a friend.” – Kindle Customer
A handy first aid kit
Be ready for anything with this pet first aid kit made for travel. It includes essentials like a thermometer, tick remover, muzzle, and flashlight. A helpful care guide walks you through everything from minor scrapes to emergencies.
Promising review: “Good to have for pets and people! I bought this for my dad when he goes camping as he likes to take his dog and lost his camping first aid kit. While it’s aimed towards pets, it can come in handy if needed for people as well. Things are well labeled, easy to use and it’s a nice size to store it away. Also easy to replenish the items tat you use and possibly add your own if you have things that you prefer to use. As I mentioned, I got it for my dad for his camping trips, so it’s great for travel too!” – Mikaela
A roll-top food storage bag
Store kibble with less mess in this roll-top bag that seals in freshness and shrinks down as you go. It folds flat when empty and is made from water-resistant, food-safe materials. The clip works as a handle or hooks to your gear.
Promising review: “This is a must have if you travel with pets. We travel with 2 large [100lb plus] dogs and fill this bag with their d0g food and scooper. It keeps their food fresh and doesn’t spill. The bag itself is sturdy, tear proof, water proof and closed well!” – Shanell
A set of two collapsible pet bowls
Feed and hydrate your pet anywhere with these collapsible silicone bowls. They’re lightweight, BPA-free, and clip easily to a leash or backpack. Each bowl holds up to 2.5 cups and rinses or dishwashes clean in seconds.
Promising review: “We use these when we go to the beach and travel with our pup. They are great quality, I love that they fold flat and have a clip. I can fold it up and clip it to the side of his bag. They are perfect size to hold enough but not to big to get in the way.” – Jordan Marshall
A stainless steel water bottle
Hydrate on the move with this stainless steel water bottle and attached silicone cup. The cup flips up for sipping and folds flat when finished. Holds 27 ounces and is made from food-safe, odor-free materials for quenching thirst anywhere.
Promising review: “Friends that I went on a day trip with had this for the dog they brought along. I was impressed and got one for my son. We often take his two dogs on hikes. I don’t like letting them drink from community dishes because of the risk of diseases like parvo. It works very well.” – Catherine Sepam
Disposable litter boxes
Make litter box cleanup simple with these disposable trays made from recycled cardboard. They reduce odor, keep litter drier longer, and are leak-resistant. Use them on their own or as liners, then toss and replace with no scrubbing required.
Promising review: “Very useful when we travel and place the liter in the trunk of our small SUV. Plus, when we go to visitors, we bring the portable litters.” – Emma
No brushing dental spray
Freshen up the car ride with this no-brush dental spray. Just spritz onto your pet’s teeth or in their water bowl. It is odorless, tasteless and made with safe, gentle ingredients. According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, “dental sprays don’t eliminate the need for brushing,” so just remember that this isn’t a replacement for correct oral hygiene.
Promising review: “I was very skeptical that this would work but I’m shocked that it really does a great job. It instantly makes my dogs breath smell clean and the plaque and tarter have gone from my dogs teeth. It took about 6-8 weeks, but it’s easy to use and my dog doesn’t mind it at all. Amazing product.” – Roxy
Refreshing pet wipes
Clean up fast with these gentle grooming wipes safe for dogs and cats. Infused with aloe vera, vitamin E, and natural deodorizers, they’re thick, soft, and kind to sensitive spots like paws and faces.
Promising review: “These wipes are perfect for our little guy, cleans his little rear end and helps his body stay clean between baths. Has a very nice scent but not overwhelming. We have a pack in our car, our kitchen and by the TV.” – Moonshine
A magnetic waste bin
Tame the stink with this magnetic silicone dumpster that holds waste bags until you find a trash can. It attaches to the back of your vehicle, rinses clean easily, and detaches in seconds. A smart solution for handling bathroom breaks on the road.
Promising review: “Love love love this product. Super easy to use. Magnets attach it to your vehicle. We often go hiking with our dogs. We hate the smell of “it” in the car. I have seen people hang the dogs poop bag from their back window windshield wiper and it looks GROSS. This is sturdy, stays tight and works great. Would highly recommend.” – Deb Limo