Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 awesome small animal enclosures under $35

From hamsters and rats to chinchillas, ferrets, cats, and chihuahuas, our small furry friends come in all shapes and sizes. And, because they are so portable, we humans love to carry them with us at every opportunity. Whether it’s on a camping trip, a day at the beach, or simply a quick trip to the pet store, keeping our small pets safe and happy is a primary concern.

Fortunately, today’s marketplace provides a wide variety of versatile enclosures designed to transport and contain our small charges safely, comfortably, and conveniently — all without putting too much strain on our pocketbooks. Here are five of our favorites.

Habitrail OVO Transport Unit

Transport your hamster or gerbil to playtime in this space age enclosure, designed for maximum visibility and cleanability. The clear, retractable roof provides easy viewing and side connectors attach easily to other Habitrail systems.

Yosoo Portable Breathable Pet Carrier

Your hamster, chinchilla, kitty, or small dog travels with you discreetly in this unique washable carryall that looks like a purse. The soft fabric has a mesh opening for airflow and visibility, and an adjustable strap that attaches to wear over the shoulder or around the neck. Available in small and medium sizes, it comes in three pastel colors.

Fooubaby Cat Tent

Now your small dog or cat can comfortably accompany you to the beach or on camping trips with this multifunction pop-up tent. The mesh design provides plenty of ventilation and the zippered door opens and closes easily. The reinforced floor mat adds a layer of protection for your pet. Folds neatly into a carrying case and  weighs only one pound.

SlowTon Pet Carrier

You’ll both look chic when you travel with this adjustable, padded pet tote by SlowTon. The safety hook attaches to your pet’s collar for additional security and the zippered pocket holds special treats or your valuables. Made of soft, breathable cotton and available in five trendy colors.

Furhaven Pet Playpen

This easy pop up playpen is the perfect indoor or outdoor space for your small dog or cat. The flexible construction folds down into a convenient carrying case and the polyester material is easy to clean. Available in three colors, the sizes range from small through extra-large. Note that this is not suitable for dogs who are teething or have destructive chewing behavior.

Which enclosure is right for your pet?

two hamsters in a yellow hide box
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Bilanol

Choosing a pet enclosure depends entirely on your pet and how you’ll be using it. Carriers should be roomy enough for your pet to stand and turn around. Make sure it is adequately ventilated and constructed with durable material that supports your pet and is easy to clean. All fasteners should attach securely and open easily.

Other enclosures, such as tents and playpens, should be large enough for your pet to move around easily and constructed of durable materials. Think about versatility — will you be using the playpen indoors or outdoors? And will your pet have enough room for their bed and food/water bowls? Some playpens are completely enclosed while others function as foldable, connected gate segments that allow you to customize different types of areas in your home or yard as needed.

Armed with the right information and a little bit of careful consideration, you’ll have no problem selecting an enclosure that suits your pet’s size and personality to ensure his safety and your peace of mind.

Editors' Recommendations

Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
Best reptile pets: These are the 5 most affectionate reptiles you can welcome into your home
Looking for a reptile pet? These friendly kinds are worth a good look
Basking Chinese water dragon

Reptiles aren't often known for their cuddly nature, but there are certain types of reptiles that enjoy being handled. Whether you're looking for a new buddy for yourself or for your lizard-obsessed kid, there's a reptile pet out there. With proper socialization, these reptiles can learn to be handled daily, and some are even good choices for families with children. If you're looking for a new pet that enjoys human company, consider one of these most affectionate reptiles -- they're the best reptilian pets for handling.

Best reptile pets
Bearded dragon
Typically known for being friendly and even enjoying being handled, bearded dragons can become close companions with their humans. As they get to know you, they'll often learn to climb on your body and even ride around on your shoulders.

Read more
How to tell when a hamster is sick or in pain: Look for these 4 signs and symptoms
Signs your hamster needs a vet
Beige hamster stands on its back paws

Because they're a species so different from our own, it's not always possible to discern the signs of a sick hamster. They hide pain and distress rather well, though you'll be able to tell when something is off if you know what to look for. Some symptoms are more noticeable, especially if they come on quickly, but others might be nearly invisible. You may have to listen or even smell closely to pick up on something your hamster is trying to tell you, but you'll be glad you did.

Remember that "normal" is different for every pet, and your vet will always be your best resource to diagnose your hamster's illness. However, these are four common ways hamsters show you they're sick or in pain. So keep a look out!

Read more
A simple guide to what to feed tadpoles in your aquarium
A list of everything you should and shouldn't give baby frogs
Small child looks into a jar of tadpoles

Whether you’re taking in rescue tadpoles or planning to keep frogs as pets, you’ll have to adapt continually to their changing bodies. These amphibians undergo a metamorphosis and live as tadpoles for up to 14 weeks, though the last stage of the transition happens in just 24 hours. You’ll put them to bed as a kid and come back to a teenager. Tadpoles are vegetarians, but frogs are carnivorous, so you should prepare for their diet to evolve as they do over the course of a few months.

How to care for tadpoles
Right off the bat, you need to make a couple of big decisions. Are you rescuing and releasing? Will your tadpoles live outdoors in a pond? Or do you intend to keep your animals when they become frogs?

Read more