Dog slings aren't as popular as dog backpacks but they can be more comfortable for you and your pet. A good dog carrier sling will wrap across a dog's body and allow your pup to rest gently and comfortably inside. Most types of carrier slings for dogs give you the ability to carry your pet on your front, side or back.

The versatility of dog sling carriers is what sets them apart from other types of dog backpacks. Think of them in the same way that you think of slings for “human babies.” While they may just look like large pieces of cloth, the best dog carrier slings are strong enough to support most small breeds.

In most cases, these cross-body dog slings (sometimes called pet pouch carriers) are situated from shoulder to hip and made using a sturdy, reinforced fabric. They differ in shapes and sizes depending on what you need them for, and we'll discuss that below then do a dog carrier slings review.

Dog Carrier Slings vs Dog Backpacks vs Dog Purses

If you plan to carry a small dog in some type of carrier, you have several choices to pick from. There are a few differences between a dog carrier sling, backpack or those fashionable purses for dogs.

With small dogs, carriers are often preferred over harnesses or leashes. The main advantage of dog carrier slings is that they allow owners to keep the dog close and safe, have their arms free while you’re carrying Fido, and provide the security feeling for the dog by keeping them close to the owner.

The pros of sling dog carrier

Whether you're carrying your small dog and walking your large breed on a leash, or you just want your hands free to talk on your cell phone, do some shopping or hold a cup of coffee, a dog carrier sling will definitely help in most cases and keep you stylish.

This type of pet carrier is secure enough to ensure that a dog is both comfortable and snug. Due to the pressure and closeness, they're also great for dogs with anxiety, such as in this case where a previously abused pup prefers being carried.

Since these sling dog carriers rest on your side, your pet is pressed directly against your body. That physical closeness helps many dogs feel more comfortable, safe and fosters the bond between you and your pet during trips or simply when shopping.

These carriers are rapidly becoming more popular, particularly among women, as they are touted as the new fashionable detail to include in your apparel choices. But should you buy a dog backpack, carrier sling or a dog purse? It all depends on what exactly are you looking for and how are you going to use it.

For example, rear facing dog backpacks can be scary for some small dogs because they cannot see the owner. With a sling dog carrier, it hangs on your side and your dog is able to stick their head out and see you whenever they want. This will give your pet a feeling of safety and security that Fido may not get while riding in a doggy backpack.

The Best Dog Carrier Slings

1. Jekeno Small Dog Sling Carrier

If you’re a dog lover who’s always on the go, you’d find Jekeno small dog sling carrier highly useful. It’s perfect for traveling, walking, hiking, running errands, and practically every activity you do with your pet.

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It’s great even when you’re home doing chores and you have a clingy pet that’s been missing some hugs from you. Built for durability, this sling can hold pets securely up to 15 pounds. It’s made from high-quality soft Jersey material that will keep them curling up cozily the whole time.

It’s a reversible contraption that’s breezy inside and out, making every outdoor sortie cool and stylish. Pet owners admire this hands-free tote that holds their small dogs safely and conveniently while they do other things around the house, in the office, or outdoors. The Jekeno pet carrier does not obstruct the view at the front yet allows the user to easily check on the pet inside the sling which hangs slightly lower to one side.

The sling is a breeze to clean and machine-washable. Dog owners are excited over the six available colors to choose from. Since the sling is reversible, they also get to use it two ways. They just wished the strap had a buckle to adjust to the wearer’s height, preference, and comfort level. But because the shoulder strap is 4.5-inch wide and made of a soft material, it lends utmost comfort to the wearer.

PROS:

  • Can hold pets up to 15 pounds
  • Made from high-quality soft jersey material
  • Reversible
  • Machine washable
CONS:

  • The material wasn't breathable enough
  • The length of the strap was too long

 

2. i’Pet Hands-free Reversible Sling Carrier for Dogs

Tending to your ailing or old dogs or those suffering from separation anxiety can get pretty stressful at times. These dogs may constantly want to be cuddled making it difficult for you to do other things.

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With the i’Pet Hands-free Sling Carrier Bag from Bro'Bear, carrying pets is made easy and stress-free. It is cleverly designed to hold pets up to 12 pounds blending comfort, convenience, and safety. This reversible pet carrier is made of soft fabric in two different colors for the two sides. It has strong seams and washes well.

This is one of the best dog carrier slings because it also features a collar latch to prevent pets from jumping out. Dog owners are impressed at how the Bro'Bear i'Pet Hands-free Reversible Sling Carrier is so reasonably priced considering that it has a host of attractive and practical features. One superb feature is its reversibility that uses two kinds of fabric– one side is made of soft cotton fabric with plain design, while the other side is polka-dotted polyester that’s both dainty and elegant.

The carrier sling makes it possible to carry small pets without restricting the user’s movements. It’s also so comfortably made that pets sleep in it even when their human is not wearing it – as if the sling were a sleeping bag. It folds flat so it’s so neat and easy to store. Overall, this is the perfect pet carrier whether you’re busy with tasks or just snuggling with that furbaby.

PROS:

  • Holds pets weighing up to 12 pounds
  • Made of soft fabric for your dog's comfort
  • This is one of the best dog carrier slings because it is reversible
  • Collar latch prevents dogs from jumping out
  • Machine washable
CONS:

  • The sides may squeeze some dogs' neck when they stick their head out
  • Because it doesn't adjust, we were dissatisfied with the size

 

3. YUDODO Dog Cat Pet Sling Carrier Bag

The YUDODO dog carrier sling has a dimension of 9”x15”x23”. The space that holds the pet is 9” deep and 15” wide, while the length of 23” is measured from the base of the bag to the owner's shoulder when the sling is worn.

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This dog carrier is reversible and made with soft cotton and polyester materials – one side is plain while the other is plaid. It is designed for small pets of up to 12 pounds. There’s a safety collar hook attached to the wide and soft shoulder strap.

Colors are available in dark blue, black, and pink, with plaid in matching color for the reverse. It’s durably-stitched, easy to clean and machine-washable. Owners of small pets find the YUDODO pet carrier to be a safe, practical, and convenient way of bringing along pets in public places. The sling carrier keeps pets out of harm’s way, like getting accidentally stamped on by pedestrians, and lessens the stress of constantly monitoring them.

Dog owners found another way to use this as one of the best dog carrier slings – by hanging this on the car’s backrest and using it like a pet car seat. It elevates the pet and allows it good view through the car window while keeping it cozy. Users found this bag to be so versatile and they’re happy to have bought it.

PROS:

  • Space that holds the pet is 9” deep and 15” wide
  • Reversible
  • Made with soft cotton and polyester materials
  • Holds dogs weighing up to 12 pounds
  • Safety collar hook keeps your dog from jumping out
  • Machine washable
CONS:

  • The carrier was not deep enough to make our small pet comfortable
  • There is no way to adjust the shoulder strap

 

4. Alfie Pet Reversible Pet Sling Carrier

Pet owners have always clamored for pet sling bags that have adjustable straps and Petoga Couture responded accordingly by coming up with the Alfie Pet sling carrier.

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This is one of the best dog carrier slings because it is made of superior soft cotton fabric material which makes for a lightweight yet comfortable tote. There are six colors to choose from, with variants that include denim as the material used for the reverse side. The pouch is 9” deep and has a loop-and-clasp feature to secure the pet by his collar.

Sling wearers are so grateful at finding a pet carrier that frees their hands but retains the snuggling. It’s highly usual for pet slings to be thought of as highly beneficial to clingy pets. However, users of this carrier say that it does that and more. The Alfie Pet by Petoga Couture – Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier does help relieve separation anxiety in pets while allowing their owners to work, but it has also been very vital to diabetics who need their alert service dog to be with them all the time.

Mostly, users expressed positive feedback about the adjustable strap. In a household where there are two or more pet care givers, it’s a huge plus that the strap length could be shortened or lengthened. The shape of the bag, too, makes it ideal for small pets to curl inside comfortably. The opening is just high enough for sticking their head out easily and admiring the view. Pet owners find it very well-made and easy to clean. It’s a highly functional contraption that many say they can’t do without.

PROS:

  • Made of superior soft cotton fabric material
  • 6 colors available
  • Adjustable strap
  • Equipped with a clasp to secure your pet by his collar
CONS:

  • Isn't the most comfortable
  • Some dogs may not enjoy riding in this pet carrier

 

5. DMSL Cloth Hands Free Sling Dog Carrier Bag

This bag from DMSL is constructed from sturdy and breathable fabric. It has an adjustable strap with a heavy-duty pinch-clip buckle properly placed at the lower part of the bag near the wearer’s upper hip or tummy.

This is a much better position than other styles which places the buckle over the chest or shoulders where it digs in painfully after long stretches. There is a 7-inch zipper closure that narrows down the opening and a safety clip to restrain pets from jumping out.

There are two colors and three sizes to choose from.  The large size of the DMSL pet sling carrier could carry up to 13 pounds. Pet owners of much smaller breeds say that they’re happy to find a sling with small-size option that keeps it cozy for their pets. The small size is adequate for a pet up to 5 pounds. The interior is quilted and padded a little, which adds to the snug comfort. There’s also a well-thought-out small side pocket near the upper part of the sling to stow small stuff in.

Many wearers use this underneath their jacket because it’s not bulky. The bag works really well for carrying pets, but it may also be used to carry other stuffs and personal effects when going on trips and running errands. The DMSL pet sling bag carries a US trademark; make sure that you get the genuine product.

PROS:

  • Constructed from sturdy and breathable Oxford fabric
  • Adjustable strap
  • 7-inch zipper closure that narrows down the opening
  • Equipped with a safety clip to restrain your dog
  • Can carry dogs up to 13 pounds
CONS:

  • The sizing is off on these carrier dog slings – be sure to check the measurements needed before ordering

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Diana currently lives and works in London, UK and she's been an animal lover and dog owner since she was a child. After graduating high school, she focused on getting her degree in English to become a writer with a focus on animals, pets and dogs.