Dachshund Travel Carrier Guide

If there’s one piece of gear that makes or breaks dachshund travel, it’s the carrier. I learned this the hard way on Harvey’s first longer trip to the Southern Highlands. We used a carrier that was too small, and by the time we arrived, he was restless, stiff, and decidedly unimpressed. Since then, we’ve tested carriers on weekend getaways to Mudgee and Newcastle, and the difference between a good fit and a bad one couldn’t be clearer.

Dachshunds aren’t built like other small breeds. Their long spines, deep chests, and short legs mean that carriers need to provide not just comfort, but also back support and security. According to the American Kennel Club, carriers are one of the safest ways for small dogs to travel, but choosing the wrong size or type can actually increase risks for dachshunds.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dachshund carriers — from types and features to training tips and when to use them for road trips versus flights.

Choosing a carrier for a dachshund isn’t about picking the cutest one on the shelf — it’s about finding something that balances safety, support, and practicality. Dachshunds’ long spines mean that a poorly designed or ill-fitted carrier can actually do more harm than good. On our yearly trips to Mudgee and Newcastle, I learned firsthand that Harvey needs room to stretch, a base that won’t sag, and ventilation so he doesn’t overheat. Below are the main carrier types dachshund owners can consider, each with its own strengths and drawbacks.

Soft-sided carriers are the most common choice for small dogs because they’re lightweight, portable, and airline-approved. For dachshunds, they work well on short trips or for in-cabin flights (see Flying with a Dachshund), provided the base is reinforced.

The key here is support. Many soft carriers collapse slightly under the dog’s weight, which can cause a dachshund’s spine to curve unnaturally. Look for carriers with a solid base insert and padded sides to help distribute weight evenly.

Hard-shell crates are more robust and protective than soft carriers. They’re an excellent option for car travel (see Dachshund Road Trip Guide), particularly for nervous dachshunds who feel calmer in a secure den-like space. These crates are also easier to clean, which is handy for long journeys where accidents might happen.

The trade-off is weight and bulk. Hard-shell carriers are heavier, harder to carry through airports, and often too large to fit under airplane seats. But for safety in cars or longer trips, they’re often the most reliable option.

Pet backpacks and slings are increasingly popular for urban travel and short walks, but they’re not ideal for long-haul use. A sling may be fine for carrying your dachshund through a busy train station or hotel lobby, but it doesn’t provide the structured support their spines need.

I tried a sling for Harvey once when exploring the markets in the Southern Highlands  it worked for about 15 minutes, but he wriggled uncomfortably, and I quickly realised it wasn’t a sustainable option. These should be treated as short-term convenience tools, not full travel solutions.

Some modern carriers have expandable sides that zip open, creating extra room when you’re stationary. These are particularly useful for flights or hotel stays, as they allow dachshunds to stretch out more without leaving the carrier.

For Harvey, this type has been a game changer — during a winery stop in Mudgee, I was able to unzip the sides of his carrier, giving him space to stretch while still staying contained.

It’s worth noting that not all carriers are airline-approved. If you plan on flying, you’ll need to ensure your carrier meets the airline’s size and ventilation requirements. Everyday carriers may be fine for car trips or day-to-day use, but airlines are strict on measurements. Always check in advance with your carrier of choice (see Flying with a Dachshund).

For Harvey, we actually keep two carriers a soft-sided one for cafes and shorter trips, and a hard-shell crate for the car. It sounds like overkill, but it works: the soft-sided gives us flexibility, while the hard-shell keeps him safe and calm on the road. The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Carriers aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re tools for different scenarios, and the right one depends entirely on where and how you’re traveling.

Not all carriers are created equal, and what works for a Yorkie or a Pug won’t always work for a dachshund. Their long backs, deep chests, and tendency toward back problems mean that every carrier decision should prioritise support, comfort, and safety. The wrong size or design can cause strain, while the right one can transform travel into a calm, secure experience.

When Harvey was younger, I made the mistake of buying a “small dog” carrier without measuring him properly. It was technically the right size for his weight, but too short in length, forcing him to hunch. By the time we reached the Southern Highlands, he was stiff and reluctant to get out. That experience taught me to never rely on weight limits alone. Here’s what really matters when choosing a carrier.

Sizing is the single most important factor. A dachshund carrier should allow your dog to:

• Stand up fully without hitting the top.
  
  
• Turn around easily without curling awkwardly.
  
  
• Lie flat on their side with their spine supported.
  
  

A good rule of thumb: measure your dachshund from nose to tail base, then add at least 5–8 cm to find the right carrier length. For height, measure from floor to top of head or ears (whichever is taller).

Harvey, for example, is 43 cm long from nose to tail base. His carrier needs to be at least 50 cm long to give him proper room to stretch.

A dachshund carrier should feel as safe as a child’s car seat. Key safety features include:

• Reinforced base – Prevents sagging that can stress the spine.
  
  
• Strong zippers or locks – Keeps determined dachshunds from wriggling out.
  
  
• Ventilation panels – Mesh sides or windows to keep airflow constant.
  
  
• Seatbelt loops (for cars) – Allow secure attachment to prevent sliding.
  
  
• Escape-proof design – No loose seams or weak velcro closures.
  
  

Harvey once chewed through a flimsy zipper on a cheap carrier while we were in Newcastle. Since then, durability has been at the top of my list.

Dachshunds love being close to their families, but they also need to feel secure. Look for:

• Padding – Both in the base and on shoulder straps (if carried).
  
  
• Removable bedding – A washable mat inside the carrier keeps things hygienic.
  
  
• Expandable space – Useful for flights or longer stays, allowing stretching at rest stops.
  
  
• Visibility options – Some dachshunds prefer seeing out, while others feel safer in darker, den-like spaces.
  
  

When we stayed in Mudgee, Harvey settled faster in a carrier with a fleece mat that smelled like home. Familiar textures made all the difference.

Not every carrier works in every situation. Match the carrier to your travel needs:

• Road trips – Hard-shell carriers with seatbelt loops offer maximum safety.
  
  
• Flights – Soft-sided, airline-approved carriers that fit under the seat.
  
  
• Short urban trips – Backpacks or slings for convenience (10–15 minutes max).
  
  
• Hotels/Airbnbs – Expandable carriers that double as a den.
  
  

This is why many dachshund owners end up with more than one carrier. It’s not excess — it’s practicality.

Unlike other small dogs, dachshunds face extra risks:

• IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) – Carriers without spine support increase risk of flare-ups.
  
  
• Overheating – Dachshunds overheat easily; ventilation and cooling pads are essential for summer travel.
  
  
• Chewing – Some dachshunds will chew at zippers, seams, or mesh panels if anxious. Choose durable designs.
  
  

Checking these details ensures the carrier is genuinely dachshund-friendly, not just marketed as “small dog” safe.

Even the best carrier in the world won’t work if your dachshund refuses to go inside it. Many owners make the mistake of introducing the carrier only on travel day which almost guarantees stress, whining, and resistance. Dachshunds are creatures of habit, and building positive associations with a carrier takes time. The good news? With patience, even the most stubborn doxie can learn to see their carrier as a safe, comfortable den.

When Harvey was a pup, we rushed his first trip to the Southern Highlands. We pulled out the carrier on the morning of the trip, expecting him to trot right in. Instead, he panicked clawing at the zipper and whining the whole way. Since then, we’ve taken a completely different approach, slowly introducing his carrier at home so it feels as familiar as his bed.

Start by placing the carrier in a familiar space, like the living room. Leave the door open and line it with a blanket that smells like home. Let your dachshund explore it at their own pace without pressure.

Harvey ignored his at first, but once I tossed in a few of his favourite treats, curiosity won out.

Make the carrier part of your dog’s daily routine. Feed meals inside it, hide toys within, and reward calm behaviour when they sit or lie down inside. The goal is for the carrier to become a place of comfort, not confinement.

Some owners even replace the regular dog bed with the carrier during training.

Once your dachshund is comfortable being inside, start closing the door for short periods while staying nearby. Keep sessions to a few minutes at first, gradually extending the time.

During one training run, Harvey dozed off inside his carrier after just ten minutes — proof that patience pays off.

Before real travel, simulate the feeling of being carried. Pick up the carrier, walk around the house, and then set it down calmly. Later, bring it into the car and go for very short drives, gradually building to longer trips.

This step is crucial, carriers feel different in motion than when they’re stationary.

By the time travel day comes, your dachshund should see the carrier as familiar and safe. Place a toy, chew, or blanket inside for comfort. Stick to your normal feeding schedule, and take bathroom breaks before departure.

For Harvey, this approach transformed travel from stressful to manageable. Now, when he sees his carrier, he hops in without hesitation, knowing it means adventure is ahead.

• Pack Familiar Scents – A blanket or toy from home helps reduce anxiety.
  
  
• Hydration – Offer water before travel but avoid overfilling to prevent accidents.
  
  
• Timing – Schedule breaks for long journeys; dachshunds do best with regular toilet stops.
  
  
• Trial Runs – Before big trips, take your dachshund on smaller ones to build confidence.
  
  

For Harvey, the biggest change came when we stopped treating the carrier as just “travel equipment” and started treating it as part of his everyday environment. Once he understood that the carrier meant security, not separation, his stress levels dropped dramatically. Now, he happily settles in whether we’re heading to Newcastle for the weekend or just popping out on a short car trip.

Harvey’s puppy months taught us patience with training; as an adult, his carrier is simply part of the routine. Looking ahead, I know his senior years will shift our focus to comfort over distance, ensuring every trip feels like a cosy, secure experience rather than a chore.

Explore more guides in our Dachshund Travel Series:

• Traveling with a Dachshund
  
  
• Dachshund Travel Carrier Guide
  
  
• Flying with a Dachshund
  
  
• Dachshund Road Trip Guide
  
  
• Dachshund Travel Packing List

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.