Dog backpack carriers – have dog, will travel

Whether you’re socializing with a puppy or have an older dog that can’t keep pace on a walk, a dog carrier backpack could be just the thing.

Dog backpack carriers allow you to carry your dog either on your back or front while keeping your hands free. They are ideal for small dogs and are especially useful when you would otherwise have to leave your dog at home.

Our top choice of the best dog backpack carrier is the PetPeppy expandable carrier as it’s a good around option.

Why Use a Dog Backpack Carrier?

It may seem strange to carry your dog around in a backpack, but they have many advantages. So, let’s look at some of the benefits of having somewhere safe to transport your dog;

Socialization

The first sixteen weeks of a puppy’s life are critical when exposure to various people, situations, noises, and other animals is essential.

However, we need to be able to control these encounters to make sure they are positive. We also need to make sure that an unvaccinated puppy doesn’t contact other unfriendly or unvaccinated dogs themselves.

A pet carrier backpack enables you to take your puppy out and about and keep them safe. It also means that you can be out all day, and your puppy has somewhere to sleep, which is essential for a young dog.

Older dogs

While many older dogs are fit and healthy, some cannot keep up on long walks. If your dog is struggling, popping them into a dog backpack carrier gives them the freedom to stay with you without wearing themselves out.

Not only that but using a dog backpack allows infirm or injured dogs to enjoy a daily outing with their owners without the strain of walking.

Small dogs

When planning on a long hike with a small dog, why not give your dog a break. Of course, not all small dogs need help. But short legs and a low belly make covering rough terrain difficult.

Even if you carry your dog over the hard sections of a trail, a pet carrier backpack carrier will keep your dog protected from the most challenging ground.

Nervous dogs

If you’re the owner of a nervous dog, you know if it can difficult to get your dog out and about without them getting stressed.

While not suitable for all dogs of a sensitive nature, a dog backpack will work for some. The elevated position can make some dogs feel more secure than when on the ground.

Travel

If you’re planning on taking a trip, there’s no reason to leave your dog behind anymore. Whether you’re traveling by foot, bicycle, subway, or plane, your dog can go too. Tucking your dog into a dog carrier backpack enables you to take your dog more places than ever before.

Nevertheless, choosing the best dog carrier is vital for the comfort of both you and your dog. So, let’s look at some of the things you need to consider before investing in a carrier.

Are Dog Carrier backpacks safe?

The ideal dog backpack carrier offers a secure, well-ventilated, and comfortable place for your dog to be. Not only that, but the backpack carrier should be comfortable to carry lightweight, and convenient to use.

Before making a choice, it’s useful to think about the following;

What are you using the dog backpack for?

Whether you’re planning on taking your dog hiking, strolling around town, or bicycle rides in the country, there’s a pet backpack that’s right for you.

A basic backpack carrier is perfect for daily use, but additional comfort is paramount for longer journeys, while safety considerations are essential when riding a bicycle.

Size and weight

Measure and weigh your dog. Even if you have a small dog, you need to make sure that you can carry your dog’s weight. A good backpack carrier will definitely help spread the load, but you don’t want to strain and risk injury to yourself by lifting a weight that’s too heavy.

Sizing is vital to ensure your dog fits and is comfortable and safe while you’re carrying them. Some small dogs may be light enough for a carrier but won’t fit in; think Dachshund, who would need extra body room than some other dogs. Measure body length from collar to the tail base. The dog backpack carrier should allow enough room for your dog to fit in without compromising its posture. If in doubt, always go for the bigger size.

Style

There are two basic carrying positions; front or back. However, the shape of the dog backpack carrier varies a lot. Some designs allow your dog to lie down, while others support your dog in a ‘legs out’ fashion. Once you’ve decided on the primary use of your dog backpack carrier, it’s a matter of choice.

As there are so many designs ranging from soft, hard, boxy, and sporty options, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best available to cover all your needs.

Petsfit Comfort Backpack

• FOR PETS UP TO 22LBS/10KG. With roomy space, this Petsfit pet backpack dimension is 12.6"L x 11.4" W x 16.9"H. Perfect for cat dog bunny up to 22 pounds.
• KEEP YOUR PET COMFORTABLE. Equipped with a firmly reinforced structure to prevent itself from collapsing on your pet while traveling. Removable cosy mat for easier cleaning and let your pet enjoy it...
• KEEP YOUR PET SAFE. The cat backpack carrier adopts durable lockable zippers (in opening) and a build-in safety belt which prevent pet from escaping from inside, providing better security for your...

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There’s a lot to like about the Petsfit Comfort pet carrier backpack. It’s made from strong Oxford cloth with a polyester lining. Its boxy shape provides plenty of room for your dog, and the four mesh panels offer good visibility and ventilation.

Ideal for dogs weighing up to 15 pounds, it measures eleven by fifteen by seventeen inches. It has two zipped entrances, one in the top and one in the front. For your dog’s added comfort, it comes with a soft fleece mat that is removable for easy cleaning.

These dog backpacks feature padded back and shoulder straps, and the adjustable chest and waist straps make them easy to carry. What’s more, there’s a comfortable grip handle on top, plastic feet to keep it off the ground, and an internal clip for your dog’s safety. Not only that, but it folds flat for easy transport.

Pros

• Sturdy
• Well ventilated with great visibility
• Comfortable and roomy
• Lightweight

​Cons

• The boxy shape is hard on the back
• Determined dogs can push through the mesh

Nicrew legs out front dog backpack

• Easy in and out design. Two side zippers on the long sides of the carrier and velcro at the dog's neck
• Added mesh panels allow maximum accessibility and ventilation for your pet
• 1.5" wide adjustable straps with comfort pads, the straps will never cut into your back/shoulders any more

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The Nicrew legs out backpack allow you to carry your dog on your front or back. Available in five sizes, it’s simple to use and provides good ventilation via the mesh front.

With padded and adjustable waist and chest straps to keep you comfortable, the Nicrew dog carrier backpack also provides plenty of leg and tail room for your dog.

Two side zips on the long side of the backpack make it easy to take your dog in and out, and velcro at the dog’s neck keeps it safe.

Pros

• Holds dogs up to twenty-five pounds
• ​Many dogs find the ‘baby’ posture relaxing
• The straps can be worn over the shoulder or crossed over the back
• Water-resistant fabric

Cons

• ​Flimsy – dogs can hang out, making it difficult to balance
• Velcro is not strong enough to hold a larger dog safely
• Little or no support for your dog
• ​Possible chafing around leg  and tail openings

Pet Gear I-GO2 traveler carrier

• Five products in one; carrier, car seat, backpack, roller bag and tote
• Included tether can be attached to your pet's harness for extra safety
• Telescoping handle stores out of the way just like a suitcase

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If you’re looking for versatility, then the Pet Gear I-GO2 Sport Roller Backpack is ideal. It’s five products in one. It’s a back-facing dog carrier backpack, tote, carrier, car seat, and roller bag.

Sturdily constructed, the Pet Gear I-GO2 features two accessory pockets, two internal tethers for your dog’s safety, wheels, and a telescopic handle that stores out of the way when not in use.

Spacious and well-ventilated, the sides of the backpack can be extended to add three additional inches of space to keep your dog comfortable.
When used as a car seat, it attaches securely by using straps over the headrest and loops to thread the seatbelt through.

The Pet Gear I-GO2 comes with a removable, washable pad, well-padded straps, and a carry handle. If that’s not enough, it comes in five-size options and seven colors and can hold dogs up to 145 pounds.

Pros

• Versatile 5 in 1 design
• Well ventilated
• Storage pockets for keys and poop bags
• Sturdy
• Removable base for easy cleaning

Cons

• Mesh isn’t very robust
• Heavy
• Wheels dig in when used as a backpack
• No waist belt to keep it secure

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Outward Hound pooch pouch

• HANDS-FREE, PADDED STRAP PET CARRIER: The PoochPouch Front Carrier is ideal for carrying smaller pups who aren’t always ready for long hikes, but are an integral part of the pack. Padded shoulder...
• BREATHABLE & DURABLE: The PoochPouch Front Carrier is designed with lightweight, mesh fabric that keeps your pup cool on warmer days and water-resistant material for a durable and easy-to-clean pack...
• INTERIOR SAFETY HARNESS: Clip your pup's harness into the interior safety harness and gently cinch in the top drawstring to keep them secure so you can both focus on the enjoying the views.

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This head-out dog carrier backpack from Outward Hound is perfect for small to medium dogs. The PoochPouch front carrier can be actually be worn on the front or back. Designed to keep your pet cool with mesh siding and lightweight, water-resistant material, it’s perfect for warm weather.

The PoochPouch comes with a large front pouch and a small side pocket for all the essentials. What’s more, there’s an internal safety clip attached to your dog’s collar to prevent them from jumping out.

Pros

• Deep front pockets for all the necessities
• Durable and good construction
• Internal leash clip for extra security
• The waist strap keeps it secure when carried

Cons

• Room for your dog to move around, making it unstable.
• Front needs more support to keep your pet from falling out
• Sizing comes up small, so measure carefully
• Extra padding needed to make it comfortable for your dog

PetPeppy expandable Pet carrier

• AIRLINE APPROVED PET CARRIER: Dont you think your pet deserves the same kind of love and care in an airplane that it gets from you at home. With the PetPeppy Double Expandable Pet Carrier your pet can...
• SUPERIOR QUALITY: This masterfully crafted airline pet carrier tote is made from high quality safe, eco friendly and durable materials. The result, you can now easily travel with your furry little one...
• DOUBLE EXPANDABLE DUAL ENTRY DESIGN: What good is a travel pet carrier if it isnt convenient. Double zippers on top and side allows for easy entrance from both sides. The high quality zippers don’t...

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If you’re a frequent flyer, then this bag is just the ticket. Compliant with in-cabin airline regulations, this backpack carrier allows your dog to travel with you in comfort.

With ventilation provided by four mesh panels complete with privacy covers and a washable removable bottom insert. The Pet Peppy carrier is spacious and capable of carrying up to fourteen pounds. The expandable sides are an added bonus and give your pet room to stretch out.

Not only does it come with a convenient rear pocket to store all the essentials, but it’s also convertible to a shoulder or hand-held carrier and comes with a free portable bowl.

Pros

• Expandable sides give pets more room to stretch out
• Robust and well-made
• Ideal size for airline travel

Cons

• Check with individual airlines as this carrier is too tall to fit under some seats
• The carry strap is a weak point so check it regularly to make sure its holding up
• Soft sides, not much protection

K9 Sport sack AIR

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The K9 Sport Sack Air is a little different in that your dog sits piggyback style against your back. It features ventilated sides, a safety ring to attach your dog securely, and dual side pockets for doggy essentials.

Wide shoulder straps combined with a chest strap make it comfortable to carry and well balanced. Not only that but there’s a choice of color and size, making it suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Pros

• Four sizes and five colors
• Easy to carry
• Slimline
• Two pockets for essentials
• Sturdy

Cons

• Gets very hot
• Not much padding or support for your dog
• No waist strap
• Tricky to get your dog into the pack

CozyCabin backpack

• 【PLEASE NOTE SIZE】 : Dimensions in inches: Size M (top width 7.8 bottom width 12.0 height 13.3 neck hole size 7.1-18.8 weight within 6.6 lbs ) Suitable for Cat, Mini poodle, Mini Schnauzer, Mini...
• 【ADJUSTABLE BREATHABLE HOLE】The neck part for the dogs backpack is adjustable that you can tighten it if your dog is prone to get out or loosen it if the hole is too tight to breath.
• 【LEAVE YOUR HANDS FREE】There are pockets around the dog hiking backpack that you can put your keys, phones, pet treats, poop bags, or whatever. Wonderful backpack for you to carry your best friend...

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This ‘head out’ dog carrier backpack from CozyCabin offers a well-ventilated and secure way to travel with your dog. The drawstring closure ensures that only your dog’s head can get out, and there’s a safety clip to attach your dog’s collar for extra security.

This pet carrier backpack features a large pocket for all the essentials, a removable waterproof base for easy cleaning comes in three sizes and four colors—an excellent pack for the dog around town.

Pros

• Sturdy
• It can be worn front or back
• Secure
• Lightweight
• Good weight distribution

Cons

• Tough base – uncomfortable for your dog
• Base not very supportive
• Straps need more padding
• Design is problematic for short-legged dogs
• Gets hot

Dog backpack carriers highlights

Dog carrier backpacks make traveling with your dog safe and straightforward. Whether you’re taking a shopping trip, a long hike, or going by plane, there’s a perfect backpack out there for you and your dog.

For a versatile, functional choice we like the PetPeppy expandable carrier. But if you’re taking your dog hiking or cycling, there’s a lot to like about K9 Sport Sack AIR which is a much lighter option.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API