Can you sell a pet carrier that is damaged?
Yes. Damaged stock has its own buyers: people who repair and restore, people who want the material rather than the object, and people who want a cheaper one and do not mind a flaw. Nobody should be surprised when it arrives.
The damage buyers look for on pet carriers
These are the flaws that move a pet carrier down the grades, and the ones a buyer will check first:
- Broken or weak door latches
- Torn mesh panels
- Cracked plastic shells
- Missing base trays
Grading it honestly
Fair covers something heavily used, or with a described fault or missing part: around £7 to £27. For Parts covers something not working or incomplete, sold as seen: roughly £4 to £15. Grades are seller-declared and nobody inspects them for you, so grading up does not raise what you get — it produces a buyer who arrives expecting something else. All five grades explained.
Working out what you actually have
Establish the flaw properly rather than guessing at it:
- State the internal dimensions precisely
- Test every latch holds securely
- Check the mesh for tears
Photographing the flaw
Photograph the damage directly and in focus — it is the evidence that the rest of the description is honest:
- The carrier whole, from a three-quarter angle, door closed
- The door latch and hinge mechanism close up
- The interior through the open door, clean
- Any airline or compliance marking, plus any crack, missing bolt or worn strap
What to state in the listing
Alongside the flaw itself, buyers of damaged pet carriers want these confirmed:
- Internal length, width and height, and the maximum animal weight if stated
- Type — rigid plastic, fabric, or wire — and whether it is top or front loading
- Whether it carries an airline or IATA compliance marking
- Whether all bolts, the door and any strap or bedding are present
Size, type and approval: “Medium Plastic Pet Carrier, IATA Airline Approved” or “Soft Fabric Cat Carrier, Top Loading”. Airline approved belongs in the title when true — it is a specific search by people with a flight booked. Give internal dimensions.
What buyers will ask
Answer these in the listing rather than waiting to be asked:
Only say yes if there is a marking on the shell, and photograph it. Airlines refuse non-compliant carriers at check-in, so a wrong claim causes real harm.
Give internal dimensions and any stated weight limit. The animal needs to stand and turn, and only the owner can judge that against their pet.
Say whether the halves separate. Rigid carriers that split into two are far easier to clean and that is worth mentioning.
Is it worth repairing first?
Only where it is cheap and visibly well done — a clumsy repair costs more than the flaw it hides. What lifts the price:
- Airline-compliant dimensions where relevant
- Secure door latches and intact mesh
- Recognised pet travel brands
- Removable, washable bases
If the work would cost more than the gap between £15 and what a sound one fetches, sell it as is damaged and let the buyer decide.
When to list it
Lifts before summer and Christmas holidays when people travel, and after Christmas when new pets arrive. Airline-approved carriers sell fastest and hold price best.
Getting it to the buyer
Light and postable, though bulky — measure the box before quoting, because volumetric weight often decides the cost rather than the actual weight. Local collection is usually simpler.
WishThrift does not process payments, arrange delivery or hold funds. Confirm the money has cleared before the item leaves your hands, and keep the conversation on the site so there is a record of what was agreed.
Ready to list it? Free to list, no commission, and neither side pays a buyer-protection fee — create a free account, or read the full pet carrier selling guide if yours turns out to be sound.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sell a damaged pet carrier?
Yes. A damaged pet carrier typically is worth £4 to £15 against £15 to £60 undamaged, and there is a real market in repair, restoration and craft stock. Broken or weak door latches
Is it worth repairing first?
Only where the repair is cheap and visibly done well. What buyers pay for is airline-compliant dimensions where relevant — a repair that draws attention to the flaw can leave you worse off.
How should I describe the damage?
Precisely, with a photograph of the flaw itself. Only say yes if there is a marking on the shell, and photograph it. Airlines refuse non-compliant carriers at check-in, so a wrong claim causes real harm. Vague wording is what produces the message asking for a refund.
See also: what pet carrier is worth by condition · how to sell pet carrier · condition grades explained · all broken & damaged guides · all selling guides.