Best Time to Buy Pet Carriers (2026 Guide)
Save 30-50% on Pet Carriers by timing your purchase right. Here's exactly when to buy.
Pet carriers are a must-have for travel, vet visits, and everyday transport. However, prices can swing 30-50% throughout the year depending on sales events and seasonal demand. If you time your purchase right, you can get a premium carrier for a budget price. This guide breaks down the best months, key sales events, and product recommendations to help you save maximum money. Whether you're looking for a budget carrier or an airline-approved model, we'll tell you exactly when to buy.
Executive Summary
The best time to buy pet carriers is during Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November-December). Save up to 50% compared to peak travel months like June or August. If you can't wait, look for clearance sales in January or spring model refreshes.
Why Timing Matters
Pet carrier prices follow a clear seasonal pattern. Prices spike during peak travel season (May-August) and drop sharply during major sale events. For example, an airline-approved carrier that costs $100 in June can drop to $60 during Prime Day. Over a year, you can easily save $30-$70 by waiting just a few months. Retailers also clear out older models in January and February, offering deep discounts. By understanding these cycles, you can avoid paying full price and instead buy when dealers are competing for your business.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day (July) and Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November-December)
Expected Savings: 30-50%
Amazon Prime Day in July offers sitewide discounts on pet supplies, including carriers. Many top brands see 30-40% off. Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November-December extend the deals, often with additional coupons. These are the two biggest sales windows for pet carriers, with historically consistent price drops. Retailers also bundle carriers with other pet accessories, increasing overall value.
What to Expect:
- 30-50% off popular brands like Sherpa, Petmate, and AmazonBasics
- Lightning deals on premium carriers
- Bundle deals: carrier + travel bowl + bed
- Prime-exclusive discounts (Prime Day)
- Free shipping on all orders
- Early access for Prime members
- Price matching across major retailers
- Inventory may sell out quickly for best deals
Alternative: January Clearance & Spring Model Refreshes
After the holiday rush, retailers clear out unsold inventory to make room for new models. Pet carriers from the previous year see discounts of 20-40%. Additionally, as new models debut in spring, older versions drop in price. This is a great time for those who missed the holiday sales and can use a carrier soon.
Worst Time to Buy
The worst time to buy pet carriers is during peak travel season, specifically May through August, and just before holidays like Christmas (early December). Prices are at their highest because demand surges as people prepare for summer vacations and holiday travel. You can expect to pay 20-40% more than during sale events. Additionally, new models arriving in spring are often at full retail price. Avoid buying in June and July if you can wait for Prime Day or Black Friday.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Recommended Products
1. Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier
The Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier is a premium soft-sided carrier that meets most airline requirements. It features a spring-wire frame for pop-up entry, a padded shoulder strap, and locking zippers for security. Perfect for small dogs and cats up to 16 lbs. During Prime Day, this carrier often drops to around $70, making it a steal. The machine-washable lambskin liner adds comfort for your pet.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Prime Day (July) or Black Friday for up to 40% off.
2. Petmate Sky Kennel
The Petmate Sky Kennel is a hard-sided carrier that is IATA-approved for air travel and meets most airline requirements. It features a heavy-duty plastic construction with a wire door and ventilation on all sides. The kennel includes a live animal sticker and assembly instructions. It's a favorite for medium-to-large dogs up to 50 lbs. Sales events often bring it to $60 or less.
Best Time to Buy: Look for Black Friday deals – often drops to $55.
3. Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
The Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier is an affordable option for small pets up to 15 lbs. It features mesh panels for ventilation, a top-loading and front-loading design, and a removable, washable fleece bed. The carrier folds flat for storage. During Prime Day, it often drops to under $25, making it a steal for occasional use.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Prime Day for best value, often under $25.
4. Sleepypod Atom
The Sleepypod Atom is a high-end carrier that prioritizes safety. It is the first pet carrier to receive a 5-star rating from the Center for Pet Safety. It features a tether system to secure into car seats, a padded interior, and a unique shape that allows pets to curl up comfortably. Ideal for cats and small dogs up to 15 lbs. Sales are rare but can reach 20% off during Black Friday.
Best Time to Buy: Best time is Black Friday if you can find a discount; otherwise, price rarely drops.
5. Mr. Peanut's Airline Approved Pet Carrier
The Mr. Peanut's Airline Approved Pet Carrier is a soft-sided carrier with a simple, functional design. It fits under the seat and has a safety tether inside. The carrier includes a padded shoulder strap and multiple pockets for treats and documents. It's a great mid-range option for small pets up to 11 lbs. Look for 20-30% off during Prime events.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Prime Day or October Prime event for best price.
6. Snoozer 4-in-1 Pet Carrier
The Snoozer 4-in-1 Pet Carrier is a versatile design that functions as a carrier, car seat, bed, and booster seat. It's perfect for small dogs and cats up to 14 lbs. The carrier has a fleece interior and a safety tether. It's popular among RV and road trip enthusiasts. During Black Friday, it often drops to $55.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday is the best time, with discounts of 30% or more.
7. Kurgo Blitzen Dog Car Seat Booster
The Kurgo Blitzen Dog Car Seat Booster is a unique product that elevates your dog for window viewing while also serving as a carrier. It includes a tether attachment and machine-washable cover. Suitable for dogs up to 25 lbs. Sales typically bring it down to $35.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day and Black Friday offer the best discounts, around 30%.
8. Pet Gear Travel Lite Backpack Carrier
The Pet Gear Travel Lite Backpack Carrier is a soft-sided backpack that allows you to carry your small pet hands-free. It has mesh windows for ventilation, a safety tether inside, and a padded shoulder strap. Perfect for hiking or city walks. During sales, it can be found for $35.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Prime Day for best price.
9. EliteField 3-Door Pet Carrier
The EliteField 3-Door Pet Carrier offers top, front, and side entry, making it easy to load your pet. It is airline approved and features a removable fleece bed. The carrier has a padded shoulder strap and a seatbelt loop. It's a solid mid-range option for cats and small dogs up to 15 lbs. Look for 30% off during sales.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday and Prime Day are best, with common 30-40% off.
10. Sherpa & Co. Pet Carrier - Large
The Sherpa & Co. Pet Carrier - Large accommodates pets up to 22 lbs, making it ideal for small-to-medium dogs. It maintains the quality features of the original Sherpa: spring-wire frame, locking zippers, and a padded shoulder strap. This model also has a rear pocket for supplies. During sales, it often matches the smaller version's discount percentage.
Best Time to Buy: Best to buy during Prime Day or Black Friday for up to 40% off.
Pricing Strategies
Wait for Prime Day or Black Friday
Set price alerts on CamelCamelCamel for desired carrier.,Create a list of target carriers.,On Prime Day, check Lightning Deals early.,Compare prices across retailers (Target, Walmart).,Buy immediately if discount meets expectations.
Buy Off-Season Clearance
Check Amazon Warehouse Deals and clearance sections.,Look for 'Last Chance' labels.,Be prepared to accept limited color/size options.,Use price trackers to confirm lowest price.
Use Price Tracking + Lightning Deals
Install CamelCamelCamel or Keepa browser extension.,Set target price (e.g., $60 for $100 carrier).,Enable email alerts for price drops.,Act quickly when Lightning Deal appears.,Check daily during Prime Day week.
Subscribe & Save for Consumables
Not a carrier strategy per se, but you can sometimes find carrier discounts when bundling with Subscribe & Save items.
Buy Refurbished or Open-Box
Check Amazon Warehouse Deals for 'Used - Like New' carriers.,Read condition notes carefully.,Ensure return policy covers defects.,Compare with new sale price to ensure it's a deal.
Price Match After Purchase
Check retailer price match policy (e.g., Target, Best Buy).,Save receipt and proof of lower price.,Contact customer service for refund of difference.,Some credit cards offer price protection.
If You Need It Now
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Bottom Line
The absolute best times to buy a pet carrier are Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November-December), where you can save 30-50% off regular prices. If you miss those windows, the next best options are January clearance sales (20-40% off) and spring model refreshes. Avoid buying in late spring and summer unless absolutely necessary, as prices are at their peak. By setting price alerts and planning ahead, you can get a premium carrier at a budget price. Remember to check multiple retailers and consider open-box options for additional savings.
FAQ
When is the absolute best time to buy pet carriers?
The best time is during Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday/Cyber Monday in November-December, with discounts up to 50%.
What's the worst time to buy pet carriers?
The worst time is during peak travel season (May-August) and just before Christmas (early December) when demand is highest and discounts are minimal.
How much can I save by waiting for Prime Day?
You can save 30-50% compared to regular retail prices, often $30-$70 on popular carriers.
Are Black Friday deals on pet carriers really that good?
Yes, Black Friday deals are often as good as Prime Day, with some carriers reaching their lowest prices of the year.
Should I wait for Prime Day or Black Friday?
Both are excellent. Prime Day is in July, Black Friday in November. If you need a carrier in summer, wait for Prime Day; if you can wait until fall, Black Friday is equally good.
What if I need a pet carrier right now?
Check Amazon Warehouse Deals for open-box options, or buy a budget brand like Amazon Basics to minimize cost. Also, look for first-purchase discounts at pet stores.
How do I track prices for pet carriers?
Use CamelCamelCamel or Keepa to view price history and set alerts for price drops. You can also use the Amazon app's 'Save for Later' feature.
Are refurbished pet carriers worth it?
Yes, especially from Amazon Warehouse. They often look like new and can be 30-60% off. Ensure the return policy covers defects.
When do new pet carrier models come out?
New models from brands like Sherpa usually debut in spring (March-April). Older models then go on clearance.
How much do pet carrier prices vary throughout the year?
Prices can vary by 30-50%. A $100 carrier might drop to $60 during sales and rise to $110 during peak travel season.
Can I get a discount on pet carriers with Subscribe & Save?
Subscribe & Save typically applies to consumables like food, not carriers. However, sometimes Amazon offers a bundle discount when you subscribe to pet supplies with a carrier.
Do all airlines approve the same pet carriers?
No, each airline has its own size and weight limits. Always check your airline's requirements before buying.
Quick Summary
- 📦Category:
Pet Carriers