Finding the best hedgehog carrier can be tricky because there are so many available options. Carriers are no longer just plastic vessels that transport your hedgehog from your home to the veterinarian’s office. They’ve evolved to serve other functions, such as becoming a companion case that you can use to carry your beloved pet everywhere you go.
We’ve explored the different kinds of popular carrier designs and developed some reviews so that you can be well-informed as you shop for a carrier that meets your needs. Keep reading to see what’s available and which ones will be a great fit for you and your hedgehog.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier
Easy to clean
Easy to check on hedgehog
Solid walls make hedgehogs feel safe
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Best Value
Living World Small Animal Carrier
Uses chew-resistant plastic
Easy to wash
Ridges to prevent sliding
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Premium Choice
Petique Capsule Small Pet Carrier
High-quality material
Comes with water bottle
Hands-free design
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Best for Hoglets
Kaytee Come Along Assorted Pet Carriers
Comfortable interior
Easy to clean
Zippers for convenient access
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Exotic Nutrition Small Animal Pouch
Comes with sling
Comfortable material
Water-resistant
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The 10 Best Hedgehog Carriers
The Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier is the quintessential carrier for small pets. It has a sturdy frame made of premium durable plastic, which keeps your hedgehog completely safe and secure.
Dimensions: 4” W x 15.4” L x 9.8” H
Material: Plastic
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It has a solid body for privacy and a clear top so that you can always check in and see how your pet’s doing. The carrier also opens from the top, making it easier for you to pick up your hedgehog or rearrange any items inside.
The carrier is well-ventilated, and it’s also very easy to clean. If there are any spills inside, you can just wash it with soap and water. It may be a little bulky, but it’s comfortable enough to be a temporary home.
The Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier is one of the best overall hedgehog carriers because it prioritizes your pet’s safety and offers many convenient features that make traveling with your hedgehog a safe and worry-free experience.
Pros
Easy to clean
Easy to check on hedgehog
Solid walls make hedgehogs feel safe
Cons
Bulky
The Living World Small Animal Carrier is one of the best deals you can find for affordable options. It’s made with chew-resistant plastic, provides complete protection from surrounding elements. The plastic is also very easy to wash.
Easy to clean
Easy to check on hedgehog
Solid walls make hedgehogs feel safe
- Easy to clean
- Easy to check on hedgehog
- Solid walls make hedgehogs feel safe
Bulky
- Bulky
Dimensions: 11.5” W x 9” L x 8.3” H
Material: Plastic
Like the Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier, this carrier offers privacy by having a solid base, and it has a clear top so that you can easily view your hedgehog. It also has two handles to prevent swinging, and the bottom compartment has ridges so that your hedgehog has a good grip.
One design feature to be mindful of is the lid. It can’t withstand high impact, so if you drop the cage, it’ll most likely crack. However, Living World Small Animal Carrier is still one of the best hedgehog carriers for the money you pay. It’s consistently marked as one of the most affordable options in the market, and it provides a comfortable atmosphere for hedgehogs.
Pros
Uses chew-resistant plastic
Easy to wash
Ridges to prevent sliding
Two handles to prevent swinging
Cons
Lid cracks easily
If you’re in the mood to splurge on your adorable furbaby, consider this unique and thoughtfully designed carrier. It’s made of high-quality material that’s long-lasting and weather-resistant. It has a round shape to make the space feel more like a den. The carrier also comes with a water bottle so that your hedgehog can stay hydrated while inside.
Uses chew-resistant plastic
Easy to wash
Ridges to prevent sliding
Two handles to prevent swinging
- Uses chew-resistant plastic
- Easy to wash
- Ridges to prevent sliding
- Two handles to prevent swinging
Lid cracks easily
- Lid cracks easily
Dimensions: 9” W x 8” L x 8.5” H
Material: Polyester, plastic
Although the carrier is perfect for transporting your hedgehog from place to place, it’s also great for everyday use. It comes with a sling, so you can comfortably carry your hedgehog wherever you go, hands-free.
Since the carrier has a more plush design, you can only spot clean it. Therefore, there’s a major spill that occurs inside the carrier, it can be a little more difficult to wash.
Pros
High-quality material
Comes with water bottle
Hands-free design
Cons
Difficult to wash
The Kaytee Come Along Small Animal Carrier is a very comfortable option for your hedgehog, and it also comes in a variety of colors to suit your style. It has a large mesh window on the side for good ventilation and easy viewing. There are two entrances that use zippers to open and close, so it’s easy to reach inside and hold your pet.
High-quality material
Comes with water bottle
Hands-free design
- High-quality material
- Comes with water bottle
- Hands-free design
Difficult to wash
- Difficult to wash
Dimensions: 5” W x 8” L x 9” H
Material: Vinyl, nylon
The interior is a soft and comfortable space, which creates a more soothing environment for young hedgehogs. It also has a vinyl lining, so it’s very easy to clean up any spills.
Our only concern is that the carrier just has one handle stitched on the top, and it doesn’t help the carrier hold its shape when you’re lifting it. Therefore, you might have to lift the carrier by gripping the sides, depending on your hedgehog’s weight. However, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue if the carrier contains a younger and smaller hedgehog.
Pros
Comfortable interior
Easy to clean
Zippers for convenient access
Cons
Handle doesn’t help hold shape
- Exotic Nutrition Hangouts Teardrop Small Animals Carrying Pouch
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Dimensions: 5” W x 10” L x 8” H
Material: Fleece
If you’re looking for a companion carrier, this option provides a safe and comfortable space for your hedgehog. Its teardrop shape cradles your hedgehog, and it comes with a mesh window for ventilation and provides a nice view of the outside world.
Comfortable interior
Easy to clean
Zippers for convenient access
- Comfortable interior
- Easy to clean
- Zippers for convenient access
Handle doesn’t help hold shape
- Handle doesn’t help hold shape
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Dimensions: 5” W x 10” L x 8” H
Material: Fleece
The material is water-resistant fleece, and it’s also machine washable. So, cleanup is very easy after you use it. It’s also very safe for your hedgehog because its claws won’t get caught in the material.
We love that this carrier comes with a sling, so you can truly bring your hedgehog with you everywhere you go without it interrupting your everyday tasks.
Since the pouch is small and cozy, this option is for hedgehogs that are used to handling and have bonded with their owners. New hedgehogs may not feel comfortable in the pouch and will have to be trained to learn how to use it.
Pros
Comes with sling
Comfortable material
Water-resistant
Machine washable
Cons
Not for new pet hedgehog
- Frisco Top Entry Two-Toned Small Pet Carrier
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Dimensions: 1” W x 6.7” L x 6.1” H
Material: Plastic
This carrier is a durable option that can contain even the most frisky and active hedgehogs. If you have a particularly timid hedgehog, this carrier will make it feel safe and protected as the opaque sides block overstimulating views and create a dim interior atmosphere.
Comes with sling
Comfortable material
Water-resistant
Machine washable
- Comes with sling
- Comfortable material
- Water-resistant
- Machine washable
Not for new pet hedgehog
- Not for new pet hedgehog
Dimensions: 1” W x 6.7” L x 6.1” H
Material: Plastic
The lid isn’t completely transparent, which can help your hedgehog feel secure. However, it’s a little difficult to view your hedgehog. Fortunately, the lid opens easily from the top, so you can simply unlock it to see how your pet’s doing.
We also appreciate how the top of the carrier has two handles for a more secure hold that protects your hedgehog from sliding around inside. For added security, the bottom interior has ridges to help your hedgehog keep its grip.
Pros
Comfortable and dim interior
Double handles
Ridges for secure grip
Cons
Difficult to view interior
- LAIRIES Small Animal Carrier
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Dimensions: 10” W x 12” L x 10” H
Material: Oxford fabric
LAIRIES Small Animal Carrier is one of the most well-ventilated carriers. It has mesh on both sides for great circulation, and it also has three holes on the bottom for added ventilation. The holes are big enough for you to hand treats to your hedgehog. There’s also a side pocket that can conveniently store these treats and other small items.
Comfortable and dim interior
Double handles
Ridges for secure grip
- Comfortable and dim interior
- Double handles
- Ridges for secure grip
Difficult to view interior
- Difficult to view interior
Dimensions: 10” W x 12” L x 10” H
Material: Oxford fabric
The carrier also comes with a handle and a clip-on sling, so it’s very easy to transport your hedgehog from place to place. The front of the carrier is completely clear, so the overall design of the carrier makes it feel like your hedgehog is outside. It’s perfect for taking your hedgehog out to the park on a nice day.
Just keep in mind that although this carrier is well-ventilated, it also means that it’s not great for owners living in colder climates. The material is very thin, so a lot of cold air can get through during the winter months.
This carrier also comes with a removable bottom mat that’s machine washable. However, the sides aren’t the most water-resistant, so if there are any spills, it can seep through to the outside of the carrier.
Pros
Well-ventilated
Holes to feed treats
Side pocket
Clip-on sling
Cons
Doesn’t protect against cold temperature
Not great for heavy spills
- ADOGYOGO Small Animals Carrier
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Dimensions: 7” W x 8” L x 7″ H
Material: Plush, plastic
This carrier has a fun design that’s sure to draw attention when you take your hedgehog out on an excursion. It has both a handle and a clip-on sling, so it’s convenient to carry around.
Well-ventilated
Holes to feed treats
Side pocket
Clip-on sling
- Well-ventilated
- Holes to feed treats
- Side pocket
- Clip-on sling
Doesn’t protect against cold temperature
Not great for heavy spills
- Doesn’t protect against cold temperature
- Not great for heavy spills
Dimensions: 7” W x 8” L x 7″ H
Material: Plush, plastic
The body of the carrier is very plush and comfortable for your pet. It also has a non-slip and water-resistant mat on the bottom. However, you do have to be careful about spills because surrounding material will absorb them. It’s also recommended to hand-wash only, so cleaning up big messes can be a hassle.
The seams that hold the carrier together are reinforced, so there aren’t any loose threads for your hedgehog to chew on. There’s a mesh window with bigger holes for easy viewing. However, it isn’t the most durable, so if you have a heavy chewer, your hedgehog can easily chew through the mesh.
Pros
Fun and unique design
Clip-on sling
Water-resistant bottom mat
Cons
Hand-wash only
Weak mesh screen
- KINTOR Carrier Bag
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Dimensions: 8” W x 7.8” L x 5.9” H
Material: Fabric, fleece, plastic
This carrier is another unique option to consider. It comes in three fun and vibrant designs, and it has a flatter, wider shape so that your hedgehog has more room to move around. There’s a large viewing window in the front so that you can easily see how your hedgehog is doing, and your hedgehog can explore its surroundings within a safe space.
Fun and unique design
Clip-on sling
Water-resistant bottom mat
- Fun and unique design
- Clip-on sling
- Water-resistant bottom mat
Hand-wash only
Weak mesh screen
- Hand-wash only
- Weak mesh screen
Dimensions: 8” W x 7.8” L x 5.9” H
Material: Fabric, fleece, plastic
There are several large holes for good ventilation, and you can also feed your hedgehog treats through them. The carrier also comes with two kinds of removable pads for the bottom. One pad is for regular use, and the other option is a fleece pad that’ll keep your hedgehog warm during colder seasons.
The wide design provides more room for your hedgehog, but it also makes the carrier a little awkward to pick up. It only has one handle, so the base can be wobbly and cause your hedgehog to slide around. It also doesn’t come with a sling, so carrying it by the handle is the only option you have.
Pros
Large, clear viewing window
Holes for feeding treats
Two pad options
Cons
Awkward to carry
No sling
- KAMEIOU Portable Small Animal Carrier
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Dimensions: 8” W x 6” L x 6” H
Material: Ethylene-vinyl acetate
KAMEIOU’s carrier has one of the most durable designs. The sides have thick padding to protect your hedgehog from any potential impact. It’ll also keep your hedgehog warm, but you’ll have to be careful in the summer months because heat can get trapped inside.
Large, clear viewing window
Holes for feeding treats
Two pad options
- Large, clear viewing window
- Holes for feeding treats
- Two pad options
Awkward to carry
No sling
- Awkward to carry
- No sling
Dimensions: 8” W x 6” L x 6” H
Material: Ethylene-vinyl acetate
The inner lining is 100% waterproof, and the bottom pad is removable, so it’s easy to clean up any spills. The bottom pad also has a non-slip grip to keep your hedgehog from sliding around.
A bonus to this carrier is that it’s very lightweight, even though it’s durable. It also comes with a detachable strap, so you can comfortably bring this carrier with you everywhere.
There are plenty of ventilation holes, and they’re a great size for handing snacks to your hedgehog. However, there’s no clear viewing window. So, you can’t easily check up on your hedgehog, and you must unzip the lid every time you want to see it.
Pros
Durable and padded
100% waterproof interior
Removable bottom pad
Cons
No viewing window
May trap heat
Durable and padded
100% waterproof interior
Removable bottom pad
- Durable and padded
- 100% waterproof interior
- Removable bottom pad
No viewing window
May trap heat
- No viewing window
- May trap heat
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Hedgehog Carrier
There are several things to consider when shopping for the perfect hedgehog carrier. To find one that works best for you and your hedgehog, make sure to look out for the following factors.
Opacity
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, so they’re not used to seeing a lot of sunlight. Therefore, many of them will prefer darker, enclosed spaces that mimic underground burrows.
Some hedgehogs may not mind going outside during the daytime, so a carrier with a large viewing window, like the LAIRIES Small Animal Carrier, would be an appropriate option for them.
It’s important to study your hedgehog’s behavior and look for signs that sunlight is bothering them. They may scratch and dig or ball up in a corner. If you notice that your hedgehog prefers dim and dark environments, then make sure to either include a small hideout inside the carrier or opt for a carrier with solid walls.
Material
Most hedgehog carriers come in three main types of material: plastic, vinyl, cloth.
Plastic
Plastic carriers can be one of the most durable options that protect your hedgehog from any accidental outside forces of impact.
Plastic lids can also provide one of the clearest views of your pet, such as the lid on the Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier. This feature is important because travel can cause stress on your pets, so you want to minimize as many disruptions as possible.
The main downside to plastic is that it’s bulky and isn’t the easiest to carry around. It’s also not usually an eco-friendly option, and a carrier using recycled plastic is difficult to find and typically expensive.
Vinyl
If your hedgehog enjoys cozy and soft spaces, vinyl is a great alternative to plastic. It also provides a lot more opacity to accommodate your hedgehog’s natural circadian rhythm.
The downside to vinyl is that it’s not 100% waterproof. If your carrier isn’t machine-washable, then it can be a hassle to clean up any messes, especially if it doesn’t have a removable bottom pad.
Cloth
Carriers using cloth and softer materials are one of the most comfortable options for your hedgehog. Hedgehogs will enjoy the warm comforts of fleece, especially if they must be transported outside during colder winter months.
Cloth carriers are also typically machine-washable, so they’re easy to clean up. When shopping for a cloth carrier, just make sure that it comes with a waterproof bottom pad or extra padding on the bottom so that spills don’t seep through.
The main inconvenience of cloth carriers is that they don’t tend to hold their shape. Therefore, you have to be extra careful when lifting the carrier and moving it around because your hedgehog can slip around easily.
Function
Always keep the carrier’s intended purpose in mind. If you’re merely looking for a carrier to use to transport your hedgehog from your home to the veterinarian’s office, a simple plastic carrier, like the Living World Small Animal Carrier, will suffice.
However, if you’re planning on traveling with your hedgehog, a more comfortable, vinyl option may be more appropriate. If you want to walk around outside and enjoy the outdoors with your hedgehog, look for a carrier that comes with a shoulder strap.
Finding the perfect carrier heavily depends on the needs you’re trying to fulfill. So, make sure to clearly identify the reason for purchasing a carrier, and then look for functions that fit those needs.
Conclusion
Out of all our reviews, the Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier. is the best overall hedgehog carrier because it’s one of the safest options and minimizes travel stress for your hedgehog. The Petique Capsule Small Pet Carrier is also one of our favorites because it uses high-quality materials and has a very thoughtful design that creates a comfortable travel experience for hedgehogs.
Traveling with your hedgehog can be a breeze with all the different styles of carriers. Just remember to always keep your intended purpose for a carrier in mind, and you’ll find the perfect one in no time.
Featured Image Credit: Best Dog Photo, Shutterstock
