How do I clean a soft-sided pet carrier?

Follow your carrier maker's care steps. Sherpa's FAQ says for its carriers: soak in hot, soapy water; air dry. For the faux lambskin liner: machine wash in the cold, gentle cycle; air dry. For the stability board: spot clean only.

Pet Urine in a Pet Carrier: How to Clean It After Travel

Q: How do I clean pee out of a hard plastic pet carrier?

Cats Protection says: Instead, use mild ... soap and water to clean the carrier with a scrubbing brush. Then, rinse it with water and leave it outside to dry. It also says cats aren't keen on strong cleaning scents.

Q: Should I use vinegar or ammonia to clean urine?

Humane World for Animals says: Avoid cleaning chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar. Strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area.

Q: What should I put in the carrier in case my cat pees?

Cats Protection says: Place newspaper or a washable blanket or towel inside to deal with any toileting issues en route. Ideally, choose a synthetic material that will absorb any liquid and ensure your cat is comfortable.

Q: Why did my cat pee in the carrier?

Cats Protection says: We know that most cats find travelling stressful. It adds that being in an unfamiliar environment such as in a car is stressful for your cat so they might hold in their urge to go to the bathroom. But sometimes they are not able to hold it and will need to use the litter tray right away.

Your cat or small dog peed in the carrier on the way to the vet or during a trip. This guide covers how to take out the bedding, clean a hard plastic or soft-sided carrier the way carrier makers and animal charities describe, dry it, line it for next time, and help your pet feel calmer in it.

First: take out the bedding and soak up the wet

No source we checked gives a step-by-step method for urine in a pet carrier. Cats Protection says plastic and metal wire carriers "are easy to clean in case your cat has any accidents inside the carrier."

Lift out any bedding, towel or liner and set it aside for washing (see below). For soaking up liquid, the Carpet and Rug Institute's advice is written for carpet spills, not carriers: "Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels (no prints or colors)." It also says: "Blot; don't scrub."

Sources: Cats Protection, What type of carrier is best for my cat?; Carpet and Rug Institute, Cleaning and Maintenance.

Cleaning a hard plastic carrier

Cats Protection says: "While cats like a clean space to enjoy, they aren't keen on strong cleaning scents. Instead, use mild ... soap and water to clean the carrier with a scrubbing brush. Then, rinse it with water and leave it outside to dry."

Petmate, which makes plastic kennels and carriers, has a cleaning guide for dog crates. It suggests "a bucket filled with warm water and mild dish soap". Its other cleaning steps use products we do not cover here, so read Petmate's full guide if you want them.

In its guide to urine on carpet, Humane World for Animals warns: "Avoid cleaning chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar. Strong chemical odors may encourage your pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that area."

Sources: Cats Protection, How to choose and use a cat carrier; Petmate, How to Clean a Dog Crate; Humane World for Animals, Get urine smell and pet stains out of carpet.

Cleaning a soft-sided fabric carrier

Cats Protection does not recommend fabric carriers for cats: "Soft carriers made from fabric instead of hard plastic or metal wire are not recommended." On cleaning, it says: "They could also be more difficult to clean properly if your cat has an accident inside the carrier."

Carrier makers give their own care steps. Sherpa's FAQ answers "How do I clean my carrier?" with these steps for its carriers: carrier, "soak in hot, soapy water; air dry"; faux lambskin liner, "machine wash in the cold, gentle cycle; air dry"; stability board, "spot clean only". These are Sherpa's steps for Sherpa carriers. For another brand, look for that maker's own care instructions.

Sources: Cats Protection, What type of carrier is best for my cat?; Sherpa, FAQ.

Washing the bedding, liner or towel

For machine-washable items, Humane World for Animals says: "Add a one pound box of baking soda to your regular detergent and wash as usual, air drying if possible." Its next step names a cleaner type we do not cover here.

For a pet bed that got wet too, see how to clean a pet bed after an accident.

Source: Humane World for Animals, Get urine smell and pet stains out of carpet.

Dry it fully before the next trip

Petmate's crate guide says: "Allow the crate to air dry completely", "Place the crate in a sunny or well-ventilated area to air dry thoroughly." And: "Check the crate carefully to ensure it's completely dry before letting your pet use it again." Sherpa's folding steps end with: "Store in a clean, dry place for future use".

If you still smell urine once it is dry, see pet urine smell came back after cleaning.

Sources: Petmate, How to Clean a Dog Crate; Sherpa, FAQ.

Line the carrier for the next trip

Cats Protection says: "Place newspaper or a washable blanket or towel inside to deal with any toileting issues en route. Ideally, choose a synthetic material that will absorb any liquid and ensure your cat is comfortable." For longer road trips, its packing list includes "puppy pads (to line the carrier or place under a blanket)".

Sources: Cats Protection, How to choose and use a cat carrier; Cats Protection, Travelling with your cat.

Why pets pee in the carrier

Cats Protection says: "We know that most cats find travelling stressful."

On toileting during a trip: "However, being in an unfamiliar environment such as in a car is stressful for your cat so they might hold in their urge to go to the bathroom. But sometimes they are not able to hold it and will need to use the litter tray right away." And: "If your cat gets very stressed when travelling, speak to your vet as they can discuss further options."

For dogs, the AKC says of trips that only go to the vet or groomer: "Because those destinations can be stressful, your dog will link that stress with the journey."

If your pet also has accidents at home in the same places, see why dogs and cats keep peeing in the same spot.

Sources: Cats Protection, Travelling with your cat; AKC, How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable During Car Rides.

Getting a cat used to its carrier

Cats Protection says: "To help your cat feel more comfortable, get them used to the carrier at least a few days before the trip."

The ASPCA gives step-by-step training:

"Place the carrier in a place where your cat already spends time. Prop the carrier door open. Place comfy bedding and a favorite toy in the carrier."
"Put your cat's food bowl in front of the carrier and start feeding him there."
"Once your cat is comfortably eating all his meals in the carrier, practice gently closing the carrier door for a few minutes while your cat is eating."

It adds: "Be patient! If your cat isn't making progress, go back to the previous step."

Sources: Cats Protection, Travelling with your cat; ASPCA, Teaching Your Cat to Ride in a Carrier.

Small dogs: crate comfort and potty breaks

The AKC suggests building good feelings about the crate before a trip: "Help them associate the crate with wonderful things by feeding them inside the crate or giving them special toys whenever they're in a crate".

On the road: "But if your dog is drinking, they'll need potty breaks too. Stop every few hours to give your dog a chance to go." No source we checked says to take a potty break right before you set off. The AKC also says: "When traveling, letting your dog know when and where you want them to go potty can be helpful."

For accidents in a home crate, see how to clean dog pee in a crate or kennel.

Sources: AKC, 5 Commands to Teach Your Dog Before Traveling; AKC, How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable During Car Rides.

If it leaked onto the car

If urine got past the carrier, see how to get pet urine out of a car seat and pet urine on car floor mats and trunk carpet, or Pet Cleanup Kit's guide to pet accidents in the car.

Accident on the carpet or couch too?

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Works on carpets, upholstery, tile, and more." It is not described for pet carriers; for those, follow the carrier maker's care steps above. Follow the directions on the product label.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.