Especially when that pet is as skittish as a chinchilla.
You don’t need anything adding to the stress, either for you or for your pet.
The best chinchilla carrier is one that makes things easier on both of you.
The best travel cages need to comfortable for your chinchilla and for you.
They should also be easy to use and clean.
Most of what is on the market does not fulfill these simple requirements. But there are a few portable cages that do.
Keep reading for a rundown of the best travel carriers for chinchillas and other small animals. We’ll begin with a table comparing all the portable cages, before we get into brief reviews of each model.
Contents
- 1 Best Chinchilla Carriers Compared
- 2 Best Chinchilla Travel Cages Reviewed
- 2.1 Best Overall: Lairies Roomy Small Animal Carrier
- 2.2 Highest Quality: Beikott Bubble Carrier For Small Pets
- 2.3 Best Budget Carrier: Wontee Small Pet Outdoor Travel Carrier
- 2.4 Best Hard-Sided Carrier: MidWest Pets Small Animal Carrier
- 2.5 Easiest To Load: Petisfam Collapsible Top And Side Load Carrier
- 2.6 Best Airline-Approved Carrier: Henkelion TSA And Airline-Approved Small Pet Carrier
- 2.7 Best For Multiple Chinchillas: Ware Manufacturing Twist & Go Small Pet Carrier
- 3 Portable Chinchilla Cage Buying Guide
- 4 Chinchilla Travel Cage Carriers: Final Thoughts
Best Chinchilla Carriers Compared
Best Chinchilla Travel Cages Reviewed
What follows are brief reviews of each carrier. If you’re not sure yet which one of these chinchilla carriers is best for your needs, these reviews, and the pros and cons especially, should help.
Best Overall: Lairies Roomy Small Animal Carrier
- Sturdy, chew-proof, and durable
- High-quality material
- Comfortable, spacious
- Several color choices
- Easy to fold and store
- The opening of the carrier is slightly narrow, making it tricky to load/unload
Lairies small animal carrier is our top pick in chinchilla carriers, because it is roomy and spacious and sure to keep your chinchilla safe during travel or vet trips. It can easily fit two small chinchillas.
It weighs less than a pound, making it lightweight and easy to travel with. It also offers excellent ventilation and a viewing window, so your pet can see you. The carrier is collapsible and easy to store.
Lairies small pet carrier is made with sturdy mesh that is chew-proof and durable. It comes with a removable, machine-washable mat and its adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to tote around.
The well-designed carrier also has a side pocket to keep treats that you can feed to your pet through the holes.
Highest Quality: Beikott Bubble Carrier For Small Pets
- High-quality constriction
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Has a strong odor when new that needs some airing out
Take your chinchillas out in style in this high-quality bubble transparent backpack carrier! Beikott carriers are made with durable, scratch-resistant plastic and rip-resistant Oxford fabric.
It comes with sturdy shoulder straps as well as an adjustable chest strap that offers support and stability to the carrier to reduce unnecessary bouncing and movement. The backpack carrier also features multiple ventilation holes, keeping it airy and breathable.
This all ensures that the bubble backpack is not only safe but also highly comfortable for your chinchilla to travel in. The company ships the carrier in a clear protective film to prevent scratches during transit.
Best Budget Carrier: Wontee Small Pet Outdoor Travel Carrier
- Affordably priced
- Secure, sturdy
- Comfortable and warm
- Easy to clean
- It could be slightly small for larger chinchillas
The Wontee chinchilla carrier is inexpensive, but made using high-quality, breathable mesh. Its thick aluminum inner lining and durable zipper ensure a long-lasting carrier. The compact-sized carrier is easy to clean.
Wontee small pet carriers are ideal for carrying a single chinchilla. They feature a sturdy carrying belt and adjustable shoulder straps. You can carry your pet on your back or front-facing, thanks to the carrier’s versatile design.
Wontee pet carriers are stable and do not wobble or fall, making them ideal for skittish chinchillas. Their sturdy construction also keeps them chew-resistant. The carrier folds down for easy storage.
Best Hard-Sided Carrier: MidWest Pets Small Animal Carrier
- Easy to assemble
- Durable and sturdy
- Easy to clean
- Not suitable for long-distance travel or airline travel
Most pet owners have used MidWest Pet products at some point or another. This is a beloved brand, so I trust their small animal carriers immensely.
This hard-sided small-pet carrier is ideal for quick trips to the vet or pet store. It is made of durable, easy-to-clean plastic. You can assemble this carrier without any tools. The MidWest carrier also comes with a sturdy handle to ease carrying it around.
Easiest To Load: Petisfam Collapsible Top And Side Load Carrier
- Easy to place and remove chinchillas
- Easy to store
- Escape-proof
- Strong, sturdy, and safe
- Makes car rides comfortable
- Tends to shift and does not hold shape
Petisfam collapsible pet carrier makes it super easy to load or off-load your chinchillas, since it comes with multiple openings: one on the top and two side doors.
At the same time, it is escape-proof, because it comes with secure zippers. The best part is that the carrier is ideal for car travel, since it comes with attachments for car-seat belts. This can greatly ease your vet trips and keep your pets safe. Also, its collapsible design makes storage easy.
Best Airline-Approved Carrier: Henkelion TSA And Airline-Approved Small Pet Carrier
- Lightweight, compact, airline-approved
- Well-designed carrier that makes it easy to get pets in and out
- Durable and sturdy
- Easy to clean
- Cozy and comfortable
- Does not hold shape, and the roof can cave in a bit at times
Henkelion is a popular brand name among pet owners and their TSA,and airline-approved carriers can greatly minimize travel stress for your chinchillas. You can stow the small, compact-sized carrier under the front seat if your airline allows you to carry your pet in the cabin.
We loved several features of the Henkelion carriers. First, they are made with a scratch-resistant mesh that is breathable and durable. It also allows your pet to see you, which can help keep it calm.
Second, the carrier has durable straps and handles for ease of carrying. It comes with sturdy hooks to support your pet’s weight and keep your chinchilla safe. It also features side pockets to store toys and treats. There is a washable, cozy woolen mat inside the carrier for your chinchilla to sleep on.
Best For Multiple Chinchillas: Ware Manufacturing Twist & Go Small Pet Carrier
- Great for multiple chinchillas
- Lightweight
- Foldable and easy to store
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable for pets
- The twist-and-go design makes the bottom of the carrier slightly flimsy; you may want to add a mat or blanket for support
If you need to transport multiple chinchillas to the vet or for short-distance travel in the car, you can rely on this sturdy, highly-rated pet carrier from Ware Manufacturing.
The Ware Manufacturing pet carrier has adequate room for two chinchillas to comfortably move around and sleep. The brand also offers these carriers in two other sizes.
The carrier’s twist-and-go design makes storage and assembly easy. Also, its durable nylon construction with sturdy zippers ensures it will last a long time.
Portable Chinchilla Cage Buying Guide
If you are considering portable chinchilla travel cages other than the ones above, it helps to know which features are most important. Here are some features to consider when selecting your chinchilla carrier.
Size
The pet carrier you select should be comfortable for your chinchilla, and your pet should be able to stand, sleep, and move around comfortably in the carrier.
Chinchillas generally measure from 4.1 to 6.9 inches (10.5 to 17.5 cm) in height, and they measure between 8.5 and 14 inches (22 to 36 cm) in length. The ideal size of a travel carrier for a single chinchilla is 11″ (L) x 8.25″ (W) x 8.25″ (H). For two chinchillas, the travel cage should measure 14.25″ (L) x 10.75″ (W) x 10.5″ (H).
Airline Approved
If you are traveling with your chinchilla by plane, please consider the carrier-size recommendations on your airline’s website.
Some airlines allow chinchillas in the cabin for extra fees, provided you use an airline-approved travel carrier. Please call your airline to know the exact size guidelines.
Material
Choose a chinchilla carrier made of durable and safe materials. It should be escape-proof and chew-resistant. There should be no toxins in the carrier materials in case your pet accidentally chews them. Most pet carriers are made of durable nylon or rip-resistant Oxford fabric. Look for carriers with sturdy zippers.
Ventilation And Visibility
Look for a carrier with plenty of tiny holes or mesh for ventilation. It should allow optimum airflow to keep your pet cool and comfortable. The carrier should have a viewing window or transparent mesh to enable your pet to view the surroundings.
Security And Accessibility
Consider the carrier’s safety and security features. There should be adequate, secure closures and latches to prevent escapes. At the same time, there should be a proper-sized opening, or side door, to facilitate easy removal and placement of your chinchillas.
Comfort And Padding
Choose a chinchilla carrier with a comfortable and soft base to provide a cozy environment for your pet. You might want to add extra bedding or a soft pad for your pet to sleep on long journeys.
Pockets, Handles, And Adjustable Straps
The carrier should be easy to carry. If needed, look for ones with padded straps to reduce pain and chafing on your shoulders for long-distance trekking or hiking.
Also, the carrier should have adequate straps and handles so you can carry it the way you want, be it front or back facing. Pockets on the sides of the carriers can help you keep your pet’s toys, treats, and other things it might need during the journey.
Easy To Clean
Look for a chinchilla carrier that eases cleanup hassles. It should have a removable, washable pad or lining, or the entire carrier should be easy to toss in the washing machine. This is important to ensure your pet’s health and hygiene.
Chinchilla Travel Cage Carriers: Final Thoughts
The best chinchilla carrier is the one that performs the functions you need it to. That is why the best travel cage for me and my pet may not be the best one for you.
Hopefully this guide has helped you figure out which portable travel carrier is right for you and your chinchilla. Traveling with a chinchilla is always a bit stressful, so you don’t want your carrier to add to that stress. For you or your chin!
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