Keep Your Pup Close to You With the Best Dog Carrier
Dogs love the outdoors but sometimes it can be difficult for them to keep up, either because of old age or due to the fact that they are too tiny. You often have to choose between leaving them behind or hiring the service of a dog watcher. It is hard to leave a pet behind, since we all love our furry friends and want them to join us on our adventures. Luckily, pet carrier backpacks and slings are great options for your dog and can provide comfort to not only small dogs, but to pet owners as well. Instead of bringing along your dog in something like a canvas tote, why not choose a specially designed carrier for them? We have selected some of the best dog carriers in 2023 to allow you to take your little guy with you in a portable safe space, no matter the situation.
The Top Dog Carrier Options in 2023
Pawaboo Pet Carrier Backpack
– Best Overall
A Pawaboo Pet Carrier Backpack is one of the best options if you want to have some fun with your best friend. It comes with adjustable straps on either side to increase comfort and ensure that you can fine tune it as per your own need. This backpack carrier is perfect for small dogs under 18 lbs and is a wonderful hands free way for an owner to carry their tiny pup around in public. The dog carrier comes with shoulder padding to relieve weight and stress from your shoulders. It is made with mesh and faciliates easy ventilation for your pet’s comfort. You can easily slide your dog into the carrier and zip up the sides without having any problems. The tail and the legs of the dog can hang out from holes on either side to ensure comfort. You can wear this pet carrier on both your front and back. It is suitable for hiking, biking, walking, and camping trips to ensure that you can have a lot of fun with your pet outdoors.
- Comes with adjustable straps
- Padded shoulder pads
- Double-sided zippers
- Breathable mesh
- Measurements can be confusing since they need to be done manually
YUDODO Pet Dog Sling Carrier
– Most Breathable
The YUDODO Pet sling is a great carrier for your next outing with your little pup. It has a large shoulder pad to ensures that the your dog’s weight is well distributed. Breathable mesh and a soft fabric allow your puppy to sit in the sling comfortably. Ensure your pet’s safety with an adjustable safety hook that secures the dog in their place. It is advised to use a harness to secure the dog instead of a collar. The shoulder pad is also adjustable and is suitable for people of all sizes. These dog carriers also contains some handy elements that can assist you during your walks, such as a portable phone pocket. To get the right fit, measure your dog before buying the sling and look through the measurement chart provided on the website.
- Large shoulder pad
- A clip to secure the sling
- Mesh panels and leather built for durability
- The hook used to secure the pet can be dangerous if used on a collar; make sure to use a harness instead
- Only usable for dogs under 14 lbs
TOMKAS Dog Sling Carrier for Small Dogs
– Most Functional
The TOMKAS dog sling is the perfect dog carrier for your little pup. This hands free sling carries the weight of a 10 pound dog easily. You can put your dog in and secure them with the harness to ensure that they remain safe and comfy. The sling is made with breathable material to allow the dog to relax and feel safe in the sling. This carrier is machine washable, which makes it durable, easy to clean, and very easy to use. The sling contains a zipper pocket, offering easy storage for your phone or other essentials. It can be worn two different ways based on your preferences and is offered in more than one size.
- Durable and breathable mesh window
- Machine washable
- Double-sided and reversable with two switchable styles
- Carries only 10 lbs, a very small size for dogs
Cuby Dog and Cat Sling Carrier
– Most Comfortable
This sling is made of a gray cotton material that is soft and comfortable for both the owner and the dog. It can carry up to 12 lbs of weight. The shoulder pad helps distribute the weight across the shoulder and the back evenly. The dog is secured in place with a harness clip, so there’s no worry about them jumping out. The sling size is adjustable as per your needs to make sure that you are comfortable while carrying your dog around. The sling is super soft and comfortable for your pet and helps them to feel secure and relaxed.
- Safety harness
- Soft cotton material
- Wide shoulder pad to distribute the weight evenly
- Suitable for a very small dog under 12 lbs
SlowTon Pet Carrier
– Best Color Options
This dog carrier comes with a perfect thick and spongy shoulder pad that spreads weight across the whole shoulder and the back evenly. The safety hook makes it super safe for your pet as it can be easily secured on the dog’s harness. The zipper pocket on the sling makes it easy to carry your essentials while going on a long walk or a cycling trip. The sling comes in more than one size, and it is adjustable for multiples heights in both men and women’s sizes.
- Soft breathable design
- Sponge-padded shoulder pad
- Zipper pocket
- Harness clip inside the sling
- Pets need to be secured properly and the weight needs to be managed carefully to ensure that they don’t fall out
Buying Guide to the Highest-Rated Dog Carriers
What To Look For in a Dog Carrier
Many factors should be considered before making a purchase from the wide range of pet carriers available. Finding the right dog carrier will make all the difference.
Shoulder strap
The strap that goes around your shoulder plays a major role in ensuring that the pet carrier is comfortable to wear. It will ensure that pet parents can carry their canine friend for a long time without any trouble. When looking for a sling, make sure to buy one with an adjustable strap that fits all sizes. This will allow people of any height to wear the sling and adjust it according to their needs.
Material
The materials used in a dog carrier help your pet remain inside comfortably for extended periods. It also needs to have durable material on the outside and breathable mesh for the dog to remain calm in the sling. The shoulder pad’s material should also be durable and should be able to handle wear and tear over time.
Comfort pads
The padding on the sling’s strap is very important to ensure that you can use the dog carrier over longer periods of time. Without padding, your dog’s weight can fall on a single spot on your shoulder and make it difficult for you to carry them for a long time. The comfort pads inside the sling are also necessary to ensure that your dog can remain inside for long periods without feeling discomfort or the need to jump out. You should be mindful of the weight limits of the carriers you have in mind as well.
Why Are Collar Clips Important?
Collar or harness clips are very important for your dog’s safety. They ensure that the dog remains in the sling and stays safe. Always use a harness to clip in your dog to the pet carrier. Also, try to find a sling with a clip made with metal or sturdy plastic to ensure its strength. If your dog feels the urge to jump out of the pet carrier, the clip will ensure that they don’t make hasty moves and hurt themselves.
Don’t have time to buy a dog carrier? Here is a video from Kathy May Tran on how to make your own dog sling from cloth!
People Also Asked
A: Dog carriers are a great choice to transport a small pet during an outing. They are comfy and easy to handle.
A: Your dog carrier's size will depend on the height and length of your pet. Check the product's size guide for more information.
A: You can place food and toys in dog carriers.
A: A dog carrier can be great for helping anxious dogs feel more secure while keeping them closer to you. Just make sure ahead of time that being carried doesn't cause your dog more anxiety.
A: Many dogs enjoy riding in carriers – especially smaller dogs, since they keep them closer to their owner. Other dogs aren't big fans and try to jump out, so you should always try it out at home before you take your pup out with you.
