Purchased because I needed an easy way to get my cat to vet's by myself since carrying in the traditional hard shell case can be quite heavy as my cat is over 15 lbs. As a senior citizen, i really appreciate how much easier this is to use. He still doesn't like going to the vet, but I just take him out of the car, extend the handle and we roll up the ramp to the vet. Plus the cat can see you as the soft sides are mesh. The staff always comments on how nice the carrier is. It has both a top entry as well as a side one, both with zippers. I have found the top entry is easier for me to use as he doesn't escape as quickly, at least as long as I am vigilant anyways.