If you’re looking for the best guinea pig carriers to help you transport your cavy safely, I’ve got you covered.
Below, we’ll look at 5 different travel cages that will make traveling with guinea pigs by car a lot easier.
First, though, let’s go over some basic tips and rules for transporting cavies.
By the way, you may also love these top 5 best guinea pig habitats!
Tips for Traveling with Guinea Pigs
Before we look at the best guinea pig carriers, we should go over a few general tips that make traveling with my guinea pig a lot easier.
Keep it to a minimum
There’s a bit of debate in the cavy-loving world as to whether guinea pigs love or hate traveling.
Unless you get your cavy used to traveling at a young age, chances are she’s going to be more of a homebody.
Obviously, if she has a vet appointment, you can’t really leave her home!
However, if you’re traveling overnight and wondering whether you should bring her along, I’d do what Cavy Madness suggests and hire a pet sitter.
Choose the right size travel cage
The best guinea pig carriers are roomy enough for your cavy to turn around in…and not much more.
Don’t be tempted to give her a McMansion of a carrier, thinking that she’ll be a lot happier with more room.
If her carrier is too large and you brake suddenly, she’ll go flying against the side of it and get hurt.
Most experts recommend a carrier that’s about 12×19″ (and around a foot high) for two piggies.
If your cavies don’t get along well while traveling, go with a 23″ carrier with a divider.
Consider the materials
Overall, a hard carrier is safer than a soft on because it protects your cavy better in the event of an accident.
Hard carriers are also a lot easier to clean, and piggies are messy little creatures!
I know a lot of cavy owners that use a cardboard box. I’m not a big fan, mostly because I’ve seen what my cavies do to cardboard!
Soft carriers are cute and all, but I’d really only recommend them for very short distances in the car. Even then, I’d prefer a hard carrier. I just feel like they’re far more secure.
It also goes without saying that you want to choose a carrier with good ventilation. I don’t think I have to tell you that breathing is important!
Mind the temperature
Cavies are susceptible to both over-heating and catching a chill, so you don’t want the car to be too hot or too cold.
Anything below 59°F is too cold. Anything above about 75°F puts them at risk for heat stroke.
If you’re traveling in the winter, warm the car up before hitting the road.
During the summer, cool it down with the AC (but not TOO cool). DO NOT leave your cavy in a hot car. Ever.
Pack a piggy bag
What you bring along outside the carrier is just as important as the carrier itself.
First, bring along extra guinea pig bedding, especially if you’ll be traveling for more than a couple of hours.
I highly recommend DIY fleece bedding. It’s easier to manage and a lot cheaper than store-bought alternatives.
While you’re at it, grab an extra fleece blanket that you can use to wrap around the outside of the carrier (without blocking the ventilation holes) to keep it warm.
As Squeaks and Nibbles explains, it’s not always practical to use a water bottle, so make sure you also pack veggies or fruits with high water content.
Now that you know how to safely travel with your piggy, all that’s left to do is pick the best carrier! Check out my top picks below.
FYI, the rest of this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
READ MORE: Can You Use a Dog Cage for a Guinea Pig?
Best Guinea Pig Carriers
We’ll mostly be focusing on hard carriers, since they’re the best option. However, I’ll add a soft carrier for those who have their hearts set on one.
1. MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Carrier
The MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Carrier is a solid (literally and figuratively) option all around.
Features & Pros
- At 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H, it’s large enough for two pigs who get along.
- Hard sides all around keep your cavy safe & secure.
- Great ventilation all around.
- Made of durable, easy-to-clean plastic
- Easy to assemble
- 1 year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Comes in three colors (not that your cavy cares if it’s red, but hey, at least it’s cute!)
Cons
- The door is a royal pain to get on correctly.
- Door locks are kind of tricky and not very intuitive
Recommendation
If you’re planning on taking short car trips with your cavy, this is my top choice. It’s practical, affordable, and durable.
I have Midwest cat carriers (that are actually for my cats) and they’ve lasted well beyond a decade.
2. Kaytee Me Travel Carrier
The Kaytee Me Travel Carrier is a good option for very short car rides with your piggy.
Features & Pros
- Measures 10.4 x 16.5 x 10.4 inches
- Good ventilation all around, as you can clearly see
- Durable plastic bottom
- Washable and stain resistant
- Cheap option
Cons
- Not big enough for two piggies
- Verges on too small for one piggy (which is why it’s only good for short trips)
- For scared pigs, it’s a bit too open
- If you use regular bedding, expect it to fly out
Recommendation
Okay, so this is a cheap option in both meanings of the word (inexpensive and quality-wise).
That said, if you need something that works well for very short trips (our vet is three miles away), it’ll work without busting your budget.
Not all of us are looking for high-end travel cages, right?
3. Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
While you probably won’t be flying with your cavy, the Petmate Sky Kennel is still one of the best guinea pig carriers all around.
Yes, it’s actually made for cats and dogs, but the smallest size can be the best guinea pig carrier for 2.
Features & Pros
- Interior Dimensions measure 18.75 L x 13.5 W x 14.5 H inches
- 360-degree ventilation, both through wire vents and plastic holes.
- Super secure door, since it’s actually made for air travel.
- Heavy-duty plastic shell and extra strong steel wire.
- Made with recycled materials
- Carrying handle on top.
Cons
- A bit too big for just one cavy.
- Handle isn’t the most durable
- Not the most attractive (which really shouldn’t be a consideration)
Recommendation
Overall, I like this one because it’s designed to hold up in an airplane cargo hold. Now, you should NEVER let your piggy fly that way (or really at all)
The biggest complaint is usually about the substandard handle, but remember, you’re carrying a significantly lighter creature than it was designed for.
4. Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Carrier
The Pet Magasin Hard Cover Collapsible Carrier gives you the best features of both a hard and soft carrier.
It’s technically made for a small cat, but it’ll work well for your piggy, too.
Features & Pros
- Measures 17″ long by 13″ high by 14″
- Hard top and bottom
- Soft sides
- Budget-friendly
- Roomy enough for two piggies
- Soft sides fold down and the whole thing zips shut for easy storage
- Plenty of ventilation all around
- Unzip the top or the front to access your piggy
Cons
- Complaints that the zipper isn’t the strongest
- Top can come off while you’re carrying it according to a few customers.
- Surprisingly frustrating to assemble
Recommendation
For the most part, this one has excellent reviews.
Yes, the few complaints are fairly terrifying, but remember, you’re transporting an animal that is a lot lighter than the average cat.
It’s my top choice for a soft carrier. However, if you want a totally “soft on all sides” option, keep reading.
5. Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Carrier
If you really feel like a soft-sided carrier is the way to go, I recommend this one, also by Pet Magasin.
Features & Pros
- Measures 18” x 11” x 10”
- Carry-on approved for plane travel.
- Mesh windows for ventilation.
- Holds its shape when end panels are zipped.
- Lightweight at just over 2 lbs.
- Made with durable material.
- SAFETY FIRST: Constructed to keep your pet safe; holds its shape when end panels are zipped up
- Carry-handle and adjustable padded shoulder strap
- Folds flat for storage
- Waterproof
Cons
- Mesh is prone to tearing
- Only one zipper
- NOT ideal for traveling during the summer (gets too hot)
Recommendation
I still feel like hard carriers are the way to go, but I do really like this one overall.
It has outrageously awesome ratings and reviews, so that should tell you something.
Final Recommendation
If you’re just going short distances, I’d go with either #1 or 2, depending on your piggy’s personality.
Some cavies may like being able to see all around them, while others prefer a more private ride.
For longer distances, I prefer the Petmate. However, the soft carriers aren’t bad choices overall. I just like hard carriers better for my piggies.
