The right carrier comes down to two things: how you'd like to carry your pet, and how big they are. This guide walks through both, using the measurements and weight guides on our carriers.
The short answer
- Decide how you'll carry them: on your back, on your front or shoulder, in your hand, on wheels, or in a hard-sided carrier.
- Weigh your pet and compare with the weight guide, where the carrier has one. If they're near the top of a range, size up.
- Measure your pet's length and sitting height, and choose a carrier that leaves room to turn around.
Step 1: choose how you'll carry them
| Carrier | How you carry it | Size | Weight guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head-Out Carrier Backpack for Small Dogs | On your back, with two shoulder straps; your dog's head comes out of the top | Bag length S 43 cm, M 50 cm, L 58 cm | S up to 5 kg, M 4–9 kg, L 8–18 kg |
| Breathable Pet Carrier Backpack with Mesh Windows | On your back, with mesh panels on the front and top to see out | 30 × 25 × 35 cm | Not listed |
| Waffle Pet Carrier Bag with Cross-Back Straps | As a chest bag, with the straps crossed at the back, or as a shoulder bag | About 38 × 18 × 41 cm | Under 6 kg |
| Plush Reindeer Dog Carrier Sling | On your front, with a padded strap across your body | M 28 × 21 × 36 cm, L 32 × 25 × 40 cm (width × depth × height) | Not listed |
| Pet Carrier Bag with Window and Shoulder Strap | By its twin handles or a clip-on shoulder strap | S 44 × 26 × 26 cm, L 50 × 28 × 28 cm | Not listed |
| Cat Carrier on Wheels with Telescopic Handle | Wheeled with the pull handle, or lifted by the top handles | 30 L capacity | Not listed |
| Foldable Hard-Shell Pet Carrier with Clear Windows | A hard plastic carrier with a wire mesh door; folds flat to store | About 51 × 32 × 31 cm (length × width × height) | Not listed |
Step 2: weigh your pet
Two of our carriers have a weight guide: the head-out backpack (S up to 5 kg, M 4–9 kg, L 8–18 kg) and the waffle bag (under 6 kg). An easy way to weigh a small pet at home is to step on the scales holding them, then take away your own weight.
If your pet is near the top of a range, size up. For example, an 8 kg dog is inside the M backpack's 4–9 kg range but close to the top of it, so the L (8–18 kg) gives them more room.
Where a carrier doesn't list a weight limit, choose by its measurements, and make sure it suits your pet's weight before you order. If you're not sure, email support@pawanddwell.com and we'll help.
Step 3: measure length and sitting height
Measure your pet from the nose to the base of the tail, and sitting down from the floor to the top of the head. Compare those with the carrier's measurements and leave room for them to settle in and turn around. The carrier bag with window keeps its shape and doesn't expand, so don't count on extra give. For the head-out backpack, the size guide also lists the head opening: 30–40 cm on the S, 35–45 cm on the M and 40–50 cm on the L.
Step 4: match it to the trip
- Walks, the park and the shops: the two backpacks keep your hands free, and the waffle bag keeps your pet close on walks and trips to the shops.
- Trips to the vet with a cat: the wheeled carrier has mesh windows, a zip front door and a top opening for settling your cat inside. The hard-shell carrier has clear windows and a raised mesh grid floor, and the smooth plastic wipes clean after the trip.
- Car trips and weekends away: the hard-shell carrier is made for car trips, vet visits and weekends away, and folds flat when you're home.
- Cooler days with a small dog: the plush reindeer sling keeps them snug under its hood.
Ordering and delivery
Delivery within Australia is free: allow 6–17 business days from the day you order. For most items you can choose Express delivery at checkout, from A$12 depending on the weight of your order; allow 5–12 business days. We don't offer change-of-mind returns, so weigh and measure first. If your carrier arrives damaged or faulty, email support@pawanddwell.com with your order number and a photo. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law always apply.
Questions
Which carriers fold away when I'm not using them?
The hard-shell carrier folds flat, and the carrier on wheels folds down. Both are handy if storage space is tight.
Can I wash the carrier?
The head-out backpack is washable, and the hard-shell carrier wipes down: lift out any mess from the raised mesh grid, then wipe the smooth plastic. The carrier bag with window zips open wide, so you can wipe the inside clean. We don't list care instructions for the other carriers yet, so email us before washing one and we'll help.
My cat or dog doesn't fit any weight guide. What now?
Choose by measurements instead. Measure their length and sitting height, compare with the sizes in the table above, and pick a carrier with room to turn around. If you'd like a second opinion, email us your pet's weight and measurements.