As any dog owner worth their salt will tell you, dogs are man’s best friend. However, it’s no good having a best friend that has to stay home alone while you get up to all the fun stuff. You need your best friend by your side. In some cases, keeping your best friend by your side requires a great quality dog carrier sling.
However, beware! Not all dog carrier slings are created equal. That’s why we’ve reviewed five of the best dog carrier slings available from Amazon in 2023 to help you make the right choice. If you want to know “Where can I find a dog carrier sling near me?” try searching for one of these reliable products.
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Reasons for Using a Carrier
When you see people with their dogs in carrier slings, it’s often people with miniature dogs who are taking them into what would normally be considered a people-only environment – such as inside a shopping mall or on a bus or train.
Dog carriers can also be helpful when you have a young puppy you don’t want to leave on its own – because small puppies can’t keep up with you walking briskly for more than a very short distance. This can also be a way to show your puppy the outdoors before their vaccine course is finished. The same goes for elderly or injured small dogs: it’s nice for them to be able to be around you without having to walk on their own four paws.
Dog Carrier Sling Buyer’s Guide
All the products featured in this review take the form of over-the-shoulder dog carrier sling bags. They’re worn diagonally across the body, sitting on one shoulder and the opposite hip to spread the dog’s weight comfortably across your body.
The two main factors you need to think about when buying a carrier sling are comfort (for both the dog and yourself) and security (i.e., the dog not being able to get out).
Material
Cotton is the best since it’s soft, durable, and machine washable. Waterproof fabrics are a possibility, but they need extensive mesh inserts for adequate ventilation.
However, doesn’t that rather defeat the purpose?
Not much point in going for a waterproof fabric if you’re also going for breathability. You may just want to consider avoiding taking your pooch out in its sling if it’s going to downpour since anywhere air can get in, water can get in too.
Weight Rating
The majority of slings are for small dogs. Some of them can cope with larger dogs – but the question is, can your back cope with carrying a larger dog in a sling?
Never attempt to put two dogs in one sling, even if their combined weight is less than the advertised capacity: two dogs, in a confined space, in close proximity to your body, is a recipe for disaster.
Shoulder Strap
The wider the strap, the more distributed the dog’s weight will be, and the less likely the strap will be to dig into your shoulder uncomfortably. This is especially important if you intend to be carrying your animal for extended periods. Also, unless you just happen to have exactly the same size and shape as the model that was used to design the bag, you’ll normally need the straps to be adjustable in all its dimensions.
It’s a plus if you can adjust the straps while still wearing the sling. Otherwise, if you start getting uncomfortable, you’ll need to take the sling off and put it on the floor before you can get the straps right, and it’s highly unlikely that your dog will be happy just sitting still while you fiddle around making adjustments. Chances are, the dog, plus the carrier, are going to be rolling around on the ground, or running down the road, possibly at quite a rapid speed.
Pockets
If you’re already carrying a dog in a carrier, you probably won’t want to carry additional purses, packets, and other paraphernalia – so it’s quite nice to choose a dog carrier with plenty of storage pockets.
However, ensure that pockets or pouches are nice and secure, so your stuff doesn’t fall out, even if you and your dog are jogging along energetically. Check that the fasteners of the pockets aren’t likely to snag on the dog’s hair or nails – or yours, for that matter.
5 Best Dog Carrier Slings Overview
Table could not be displayed.5 Best Dog Carrier Slings Reviewed
1. YUDODO Pet Dog Sling Carrier
This is a great carrier for carrying smaller dogs or even cats. It ticks the right boxes regarding the material, shoulder strap, and pockets, but may not be ideal if you intend to carry a heavier dog. Even for heavier dogs, you could still use it occasionally (say, for taking your pet to the vet), but this is not really what it’s best for.
Pros
- Super-wide, padded, and adjustable strap (38.6 – 46.5 inches)
- Sturdy hook to clip lead on
- Soft, breathable, and durable fabric
- Secure storage pockets
Cons
- Made of leather and mesh (leather is quite labor-intensive to keep clean)
2. Cuby Dog and Cat Sling Carrier
This trendy carrier is fully reversible for those who like different looks for different occasions. On the outside, it is plain white, while the inside features black and white checks. The soft, wide strap is comfortable over your shoulder.
Pros
- Soft, breathable cotton (for dog and human comfort)
- Reversible
- It comes in two sizes
Cons
- No choice of color
- Strap not adjustable
3. TOMKAS Dog Carrier
This is a good choice for anyone looking for a dog carrier that also works as a fashion accessory. The trendy TOMKAS dog carrier sling is available in black, gray, red, rose red, and royal blue. A really nifty feature of this sling is that the multi-functional pad can be used either for padding on the shoulder strap, or inside the bag as a cushion.
Pros
- Different sizes, styles, and materials for dogs under 5lbs, 3-10lbs, and 8-15lbs
- Wide, serrated buckle (non-slip)
- Zippered pocket
- Machine washable
Cons
- Not all styles are adjustable
4. Loobani Puppy Dog Sling Carrier
The creators of the Loobani Puppy Dog Sling Carrier are so confident you’ll love this product that they offer a full 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t love it. A unique feature of this product is that the floor of the carrier is reinforced, which stops your pet’s nails from snagging. It is an unusual shape, too: extra padding is provided all round.
Pros
- Available in small or large sizes
- Color: black+gray
- High-quality Oxford cloth (cotton/synthetic blend)
- Adjustable + reinforced shoulder strap
Cons
- Net pocket for storage not securely zippered
5. SlowTon Pet Carrier
Something you don’t often see in a dog carrier bag is a hard bottom, which is one of the options offered by SlowTon. That could be handy if you’re carrying a dog that scrabbles around a lot with its claws. Also, it’s machine washable, which is incredibly useful, since even the cleanest dog tends to get quite dirty.
Pros
- Available in a wide range of colors (pink, green, fuchsia, grey breathable fabric, and black water-resistant)
- Available in a range of sizes
- Padded and adjustable strap (17.72 – 35.43 inches)
- Adjustable safety hook to clip onto the dog’s collar
- Made out of soft, breathable cotton
- Zippered pocket
Cons
- Buttons used to fasten bags are a bit tricky
In Conclusion
So there you have it, folks: the best dog carrier slings for 2023. These are the products our reviewers liked best, but there are many more out there that will also meet your needs. Before you buy, be sure to consider the different pros and cons of the products listed in this article, and you’ll be able to make the best choice for you and your dog.
