Rubric v1 · 16 products scored
Pet carrier rubric
Every product in this category is scored against the same rubric. Weights sum to 100. A hit on any disqualifier forces a "skip" verdict regardless of the point total.
Criteria & weights
1. Structural integrity
- 10Rigid hardshell or steel-reinforced frame with load rating
- 5Reinforced frame or hardshell
- 0Light fabric, no frame
2. Ventilation
- 10Mesh on 3+ sides with airflow disclosed
- 5Mesh on 2 sides
- 0Single vent panel
3. Airline compliance
- 10IATA CR-82 compliant with dimensions listed
- 5Meets "most major airlines" size claim
- 0No compliance information
4. Secure latch / access
- 10Multi-point latch with tamper resistance
- 5Dual zipper or twist-lock
- 0Single zipper or single-latch door
5. Interior leash attachment
- 10Reinforced tether with load rating
- 5Single tether clip
- 0No interior tether
6. Weight capacity
- 10Specific weight limit and pet size guidance
- 5General weight range
- 0No weight limit disclosed
7. Carry ergonomics
- 10Multiple carry options (handle, shoulder, backpack, or wheels)
- 5Padded shoulder strap
- 0Single handle only
Disqualifiers
Any of the following forces a "skip" verdict, no matter how well the product scores on other criteria. Non-negotiable.
- Marketed for air travel without IATA CR-82 compliance
- No weight limit disclosed
- Recalled in the last 24 months
Verdict thresholds
Total score cutoffs for each public verdict tier. Sum of weighted criterion scores maps directly onto these bands.
- Editors' pick
- ≥ 80
- Solid buy
- ≥ 65
- Situational
- ≥ 50