What a fair price looks like
Condition on WishThrift is described by the seller against five grades, and nobody inspects it on your behalf — so the description and the photographs are what you are buying on.
| Condition | Typical | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £60 (~$80) | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £51 (~$68) | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £39 (~$52) | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £27 (~$36) | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £15 (~$20) | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
Sterling guide ranges with an approximate US dollar equivalent at £1 ≈ $1.33 (July 2026). Sellers set their own asking price; these are a starting point for judging an offer. All five grades explained.
The checklist before you pay
Hygiene and what the item previously housed, which matters for disease and for allergies.
Run through these before money changes hands — they are the things that decide whether a pet carrier is worth what is being asked:
- Broken or weak door latches
- Torn mesh panels
- Cracked plastic shells
- Missing base trays
And the things worth paying more for, because they hold their value:
- Airline-compliant dimensions where relevant
- Secure door latches and intact mesh
- Recognised pet travel brands
- Removable, washable bases
Common faults and fakes
Not a counterfeit category. The misdescription to watch is size — ‘large’ means very different things between makers.
Ask what animal used it, how it has been cleaned, and for internal dimensions in centimetres rather than a size name.
WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and no marketplace check replaces your own. If a seller will not answer a direct question about condition or origin, that is the answer.
Questions to ask the seller
These are the three that get asked most often about a pet carrier, and the answers tell you most of what you need:
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.
Also worth establishing before you commit:
- State the internal dimensions precisely
- Test every latch holds securely
- Check the mesh for tears
Photographs to ask for
If the listing does not already show these, ask — a seller who has the item will send them in minutes:
- 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
Details to confirm before you commit
- 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
Live pet carrier listings
Nothing matching is listed at the moment. Browse pet supplies for what is live now, or everything on the site — stock changes daily and new listings are free to post, so it is worth checking back.
When to buy
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.
Prices move against that cycle for a buyer: the cheapest time to buy is when sellers are listing most, not when demand peaks.
Paying and collecting safely
WishThrift does not process payments, hold funds or offer buyer protection — you agree the price and the method with the seller directly, which is what keeps the platform free on both sides. Meet somewhere public where you can, inspect before you pay, and keep the conversation on the site so there is a record of what was agreed. Be wary of any seller who wants to move the conversation elsewhere before you have agreed anything.
Selling one instead?
If you already have a pet carrier sitting unused, it is free to list and there is no commission — the price you agree is the amount you keep. Read how to sell pet carrier for what to photograph and how to price, or what pet carrier is worth at each condition grade.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pay for a used pet carrier?
Around £10 to £39 in good condition, more for barely-used examples and less for anything with a described fault. Compare against the seller’s photographs rather than the grade alone.
How do I check a pet carrier before buying?
Ask what animal used it, how it has been cleaned, and for internal dimensions in centimetres rather than a size name.
Is buying a pet carrier second hand safe?
Yes, with the ordinary care any private sale needs. WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or hold funds, so inspect before you pay where you can, meet somewhere public, and keep the conversation on the site. Hygiene and what the item previously housed, which matters for disease and for allergies.
See also: all buying guides · pet carrier value guide · selling pet carrier · Pet Supplies · condition grades.