7 Best Travel Cages for Guinea Pigs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Guinea Pigs don’t often have to travel. However, when they do, there are certain measures we need to take as owners to keep them calm and happy. Stress has a huge impact on Guinea Pigs; stress can acutely affect their health, including giving them potentially fatal gastrointestinal upset and causing behavioral changes such as aggression.

Changes to their environment are one of the biggest stressors for a Guinea Pig, so settling them in a travel cage that’s perfect for them is key to keeping them happy and comfortable on their journey. There are some carriers designed for transporting small animals, but many of the best carriers for Guinea pigs (we found) were those made for carrying dogs and cats! So, you’ll see a few of those in our review list. We considered the factors that are most likely to keep a Guinea Pig calm and happy during transport and gathered products with excellent reviews to bring you a list of travel cages and carriers that’ll serve your cavies well, whatever journey you take!

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

The 7 Best Best Travel Cages For Guinea Pigs

1. Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier – Best Overall

The Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier combines ease of use with intuitive design to transport your Guinea Pigs safely and comfortably. The Guinea Pig carrier is big enough for them to move around and lie down with their legs stretched comfortably, but it’s not so big that they’ll feel unsafe. There’s plenty of ventilation on the sides and the transparent top, so you can see your Guinea Pigs as you travel, knowing they’re getting fresh air.

However, this carrier is only designed for one Guinea Pig, so you’ll need two if transporting your bonded pair. There isn’t a water bottle attachment point, but the top-loading door is easy to pick your cavy up out of for a quick drink on their journey. The thought that went into the design of this carrier to keep the Guinea Pig safe makes the Frisco Top Loading Small Pet carrier our pick for the best overall travel cage for Guinea Pigs.

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2. Frisco Top Entry Two-Toned Small Pet Carrier – Best Value

This Frisco carrier is a simplified version of the previously reviewed one, but it has some surprising features for its excellent price point. A clear lid with plenty of ventilation allows you to easily place and pick up your Guinea Pigs when you set off and arrive at your destination. There’s a handy water bottle attachment point that cavies will greatly appreciate on longer journeys.

The size of this carrier allows two Guinea Pigs to travel together in comfort, but make sure that their combined weight isn’t too heavy for the carrier! Because of the thoughtful features such as the water bottle holder, we found the Frisco Top Entry Two-Tone carrier to be excellent value, placing it as the top pick as the best Guinea Pig carrier for the money.

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3. Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog & Cat Kennel – Premium Choice

The Petmate two-door travel cage is aimed at dogs and cats, but this heavy-duty carrier is more than ideal for Guinea Pigs. The sizing is just right, as it’s not too big or too small and can comfortably fit two Guinea Pigs inside when traveling. Great ventilation is a must for all pets when in transit, and the wire grate at the front of this carrier ensures your Guinea Pigs get all the fresh air they need while being secure and safe.

The holes are too small for adult Guinea Pigs to get out of, but security is only guaranteed if the carrier is assembled correctly! The carrier is easily cleanable for spills or accidents, but you’ll need something comfortable for your Guinea Pigs to lie on, as this carrier doesn’t come with a mat or liner.

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4. MidWest Spree Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel

The MidWest Spree carrier is slightly larger than the others on this list; it’s suitable for up to three Guinea Pigs on longer journeys, thanks to the extra room. The adequate ventilation means your Guinea Pigs will be comfortable during their trip, and the sturdy metal door will keep them secure inside the carrier. However, there is no top opening option, so you’ll have to tempt your Guinea Pigs in (and out) of the carrier through the front.

The MidWest carrier comes in three color options for the discerning cavy, and accidents are easily cleaned thanks to the non-absorbent materials it’s made from. Some assembly is required, and some reviewers found it difficult to put together, but guides are available online from the manufacturer if needed.

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5. Paws & Pals Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

This small carrier is a different take on the traditional handle-carry travel cages. The Paws and Pals Dog and Cat carrier is a secure and spacious bag with a padded strap you can sling over your shoulder. This carrier is big enough for single cavies, and the fabric material is simple to wash in the washing machine. It’s also comfortable for your Guinea Pig, but watch out for overly enthusiastic chewers getting through the fabric!

Because of the lightweight material, it can also be easy for your Guinea Pig to accidentally tip the carrier over, so make sure they’re supervised inside at all times. To tempt them to keep still, you can give them a sweet treat of a slice of fruit which you can store in one of the many pockets on the outside of this carrier. The Paws and Pals carrier is well-ventilated and can also be secured with a seatbelt, which is a very welcome feature if you’re traveling by car.

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6. Petmate Vari Dog & Cat Kennel

The Petmate Vari carrier is another great option for two Guinea Pigs traveling together, as it’s spacious enough for both without being too large. This travel crate meets most airline travel regulations should you need to transport your cavies by air, and the latch door is secure with the options for cable ties to be added for extra safety.

The plastic molding on the inside creates an uneven surface that can be sharp, so check the inside of the carrier for any sharp edges before lining it with a towel to even out the bottom. While taking your Guinea Pigs to the airport or the vet’s office, they’ll be secure in the car thanks to the added seatbelt loop in the smaller sizes!

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7. Kaytee Come Along Small Animal Carrier

The Kaytee Come Along carrier is specifically designed with small animals in mind, offering them a comfortable and secure place to relax while on adventures. This carrier can only accommodate one Guinea Pig at a time, but the intuitive three-door design makes getting them in and out easy. The fabric-covered travel cage is breathable and comfortable, but it’s not waterproof and will absorb moisture like pee or water spills.

It’s easily cleaned, however, and a towel or blanket on the bottom can help improve traction and comfort. If your Guinea Pig is on the larger side, be mindful that the base of this carrier is not solid and may bend under their weight.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Travel Cages for Guinea Pigs

Buying a travel cage for your Guinea Pig can seem like an easy task, but there are important factors to consider for your cavy’s safety and comfort, such as the size, shock absorption, and grip on the floor, as well as your own considerations, such as ease of carrying and versatility. The number of Guinea Pigs you have with should also be considered, so it’s more complex than it looks at first glance!

What Makes a Good Guinea Pig Travel Cage?

When looking for the perfect Guinea Pig carrier, consider everything we’ve stated above and look at each point in more detail to make the best purchase:

Size of the Carrier

When you’re traveling with your Guinea Pig, size matters. If you need to bring two Guinea Pigs, you’ll need a cage to accommodate them perfectly. Ideally, it would be best if you kept your cavies together, so a larger travel cage is sometimes necessary. The Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue states that a travel cage for two Guinea Pigs should be around 12 x 19 x 12 inches for comfort and safety. If a carrier is too small, your Guinea Pigs won’t be able to move properly. If it’s too large, they’re at risk of sliding around and hitting the carrier’s walls.

Material

The material of the travel cages is important, too, as you want to ensure it’s breathable, comfortable, and secure. Typically, plastic or fabric is used to construct the main body of most carriers, with some plastic ones having a metal gate at the front. Plastic is secure, easily wiped clean, and is usually durable, but it can be very tempting for Guinea Pigs to chew.

Fabric is another popular option, particularly those with a shoulder strap for owners who can’t carry their Guinea Pigs with a handle. Fabric carriers tend to be flimsier and can absorb pee accidents, but they are often very comfortable. Whichever you choose depends on how and where you’re traveling; most airlines have strict specifications about materials and design. Short trips to the vet’s office could be easier with an over-the-shoulder Guinea Pig holder!

Ventilation

One of the most important features of your Guinea Pig’s travel cage is how well-ventilated it is. Every pet carrier should be well-ventilated to ensure your Guinea Pigs get enough fresh air and to keep the temperature in the carrier down; cavies can overheat very quickly, which can be life-threatening. Ventilation will also ensure a cool breeze, so ensure there are enough holes to provide fresh air around the carrier.

Safety Features

Many safety features now available on carriers can help protect your Guinea Pig should any problems arise when traveling. Seat belt loops are a common feature that can help secure the cage in a car, and many carriers come with additional straps or clips to secure it and prevent escapees. One of the most important safety features is the fastenings that hold the lid and doors on the carrier; make sure you check the entire cage before every trip to ensure it’s stable and ready for use. If you have particularly zealous Guinea Pigs, a carrier with extra holes for zip ties can help you secure them safely inside until it’s time to get them out. Always make sure one exit is easily opened in case of an emergency (top doors, for example).

Guinea Pig vs. Cat/Dog Carrier

There are a few pet carriers available that are specially designed for use with small animals and take their needs into account in their design. Our top choice for Guinea Pig travel cages on this list is one such carrier; it balances safety with functionality to ensure your cavy’s comfort.

However, several carriers for transporting dogs and cats are ideally suited to Guinea Pig transport. It’s essential to look at the inner dimensions and design of any cat or dog carrier to ensure there are no nooks or crannies your cavy could get caught in.

Conclusion

Traveling with your Guinea Pigs doesn’t have to be stressful; an excellent carrier can make all the difference and keep you and your cavies calm and comfortable. Coming in at the top of our reviews, the Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier combines comfort with safety and considers all of your Guinea Pig needs, making it our pick for the best overall travel cage for Guinea pigs. If you want functionality and safety at an excellent price, you can try the Frisco Top Entry Two-Toned Small Pet Carrier. The best pick for two Guinea Pigs who want to travel in style is the Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog and Cat Kennel, which was our premium choice. All our picks can serve any Guinea Pig well on their travels, but the best travel cage for your cavies will depend on where and how you’re traveling.

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Featured Image Credit: Chewy