Getting the best dog carrier backpack will offer many perks to you and your dog. For little pups, it encourages them to go alone on long hikes, off-road trips, and other outdoor journeys they don’t have the stamina for. Dog carrier backpacks can provide an added layer of security for nervous pooches in cramped or unfamiliar environments as well.
Accurate measurement of your pup is extremely important before you purchase a dog carrier backpack: weight, chest circumference, full length (not including the tail), and shoulder height, among other potential dimensions. Overall, it’s not a bad idea to take your pet for early morning walks and afternoon walks. They really enjoy the moment and they will love you more. Today the market has dog carrier backpacks as well as hiking backpacks for dogs that are designed specifically to help you carry your pet wherever your day takes you.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 7 hrs of research
PetAmi Deluxe Dog Carrier Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Bag is well made and has padded straps which help your shoulders
- Chest and waist straps: infinitely helpful for carrying a heavy load especially when your dog is huge
- Leash strap that snaps on to a collar/harness so you don’t have to worry about your dog jumping out
- The front pocket is great for putting your phone, wallet etc
Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack for Small Pets – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- It’s comfortable to wear
- Very useful water bottle pockets on the side and the laptop pocket inside
- The soft-shell-like bottom under the pet compartment is a well designed
- The storage compartment is very generous
Best Dog Carrier Backpacks – Overview
There are many occasions when a dog carrier backpack is a much more convenient choice than other types of carriers. For one, a specific dog carrier backpack allows your dog’s weight to be evenly distributed to your shoulders. Perhaps the most important one is, it keeps your hand free if ever you have to do something. We hope our top picks for the best dog carrier backpacks as well as our buying guide will be helpful to you. And if you have a cat, feel free to take a look at our guide on the best cat backpacks.
Dog Carrier Backpacks Reviews
1. Pet Gear I-GO2 Roller Dog Carrier Backpack
Bring the Pet Gear I-GO2 Roller Dog Carrier Backpack along with your pup in style. With this handy dog carrier, you can take your little dog wherever you go and be confident she is comfortable and safe for the journey. It comes with a removable pad for easy washing, two tethers to secure your dog, and wheel cover. Unzip the sides to allow the carrier to expand 3″. Provided your pet fits into the dimensions of the product comfortably when fully assembled, this item will support the weight of your pet.
Transform this dog backpack into a carrier, a car seat, a backpack, a roller or a tote so that you can carry your pal wherever you want, how you want. Road trips, grooming or medical visits and other errands suddenly get simpler! Your pet will be comfortable and will be ready to ride along.
Key Features:
- Telescoping handle stores out of the way just like a suitcase
- Includes expandable sides and pouches
- Removable pad ensures your pet will be snug and comfortable
- Suitable for pets up to 15 lbs
Specifications:
- Brand: Pet Gear
- Dimensions: 16″ H x 12″ W x 15″ D
- Weight: 4 lbs
- The handle is very useful and easy enough to roll through city sidewalks
- Acts as a backpack, roller suitcase, car seat, tote bag
- Removable base for easy cleaning
- Two clips inside for hooking onto collars or harnesses
- The lower straps for the backpack feature get in the way of the wheels, and the only solution seems to be to tie those straps together in knots
2. PetAmi Deluxe Dog Carrier Backpack – Best Value
The PetAmi Deluxe Dog Carrier Backpack is designed for the maximum convenience and comfort for you and your pet while hiking, traveling, or taking your best friend to the vet, or going for a walk in the park. Well ventilated design for optimal airflow, two-way entry for easy access, zip-up mesh window for more headroom and visibility, and thick, cozy sherpa-lined bedding so your pet can rest and relax. This backpack is firmly structured, providing ample room for your pet to move around.
Equipped with a firmly reinforced structure to prevent itself from collapsing on your pet while traveling. It also comes with a safety strap and buckle to secure your pet and prevent escape. The back and shoulder straps are equipped with extra thick padding for more comfort during long trips. This backpack comes with both waist and chest buckles to give you extra support. There are also 2 side pouches and a front pocket to store essential pet supplies and a collapsible pet bowl so you can keep your pet hydrated on the go!
Key Features:
- Sherpa lined bed for your pet to travel comfortably
- Multiple mesh windows for better airflow and outside view for your pet
- 2-side access points for convenient entry and exit
- Safety buckle and leash
- Suitable for pets up to 18 lbs
Specifications:
- Brand: PetAmi
- Dimensions: 16.3″ H x 10.2″ W x 12.5″ D
- Weight: 3.64 lbs
- Bag is well made and has padded straps which help your shoulders
- Chest and waist straps: infinitely helpful for carrying a heavy load especially when your dog is huge
- Leash strap that snaps on to a collar/harness so you don’t have to worry about your dog jumping out
- The front pocket is great for putting your phone, wallet etc
- Since it is a more structured bag, the bottom can start to dig into your back on longer journeys. Nothing unbearable
3. Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack for Small Pets – Premium Pick
The Kurgo Dog Carrier Backpack for Small Pets is the perfect outdoor pet backpack you need to go together with your furry buddy. What’s great about this backpack is that it can be used for both cats and dogs, so whichever you have, now you have a reason to get out and go together easily! This dog carrier backpack and cat backpack can hold up to 25 lbs and is airline compliant. It is lightweight, rugged and tough, with softly padded compartments for your pet and your belongings and comes with zippered organization pockets for storage.
This backpack has a water-resistant fabric top with a waterproof Armorsole bottom, the front-facing dog pack is stain resistant & easy to wipe clean and it has a machine-washable interior pad. This pet carrying backpack is perfect to take your pooch or kitty with you when exploring the outdoors, let it be for a walk around the neighborhood, a stroll in the city, a hike on a trail, camping in the woods, or simply for a road trip.
Key Features:
- Suitable for pets up to 25 lbs
- Water-resistant fabric top with a waterproof Armorsole bottom
- Front-facing dog pack is stain resistant & easy to wipe clean
- It can be used as a backpack or laid on its side and used as a carrier
- Carabiner clip inside the backpack
Specifications:
- Brand: Kurgo
- Dimensions: 21″ H x 13″ W x 10″ D
- Weight: 2.91 lbs
- It’s comfortable to wear
- Very useful water bottle pockets on the side and the laptop pocket inside
- The soft-shell-like bottom under the pet compartment is a well designed
- The storage compartment is very generous
- The removable pad inside the pet compartment contains a thick cardboard, instead of plastic-like material. This means it’d be hard to clean once it gets wet
4. Petsfit Dog Carrier Backpack
Pack up your fur baby with the Petsfit Dog Carrier Backpack and be prepared for all of your dog-friendly adventures. Place your fluffy sidekick safely in the spacious interior, with plenty of mesh windows so your fan can enjoy all that fresh air and all those thrilling smells and sights, whether you’re backpacking in the mountains or just doing shopping around the area.
Good for petite canine adventurers, the cushioned back, shoulder braces as well as waist and chest straps are also secure for you. And, due to the built-in secure clip and self-lock zippers, it has protection secured wherever you go. Another useful feature, you can fold it down flat for easy storage when you get anywhere.
Key Features:
- Mesh window for safety, ventilation, and visibility
- Sturdy adjustable shoulder straps and comfort grip handle
- Soft fleece mat
- Packs and ships flat for easy storage
Specifications:
- Brand: Petsfit
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 11″ W x 13″ D
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Your dog can easily stand in it or sit
- The product finishing/sewing is good. The fabric and structure are very resistant and don’t get dirty that easily
- The back pads are so comfortable and the clips on the chest and wrist give you extra support
- The safety feature inside the bag is essential
- There’s only one zipper at the bottom, and there’s no safety feature for that
5. K9 Sport Sack Dog Carrier Backpack
The K9 Sport Sack Dog Carrier Backpack is a great choice for bike rides, shorter hikes, quick trips or any other pet-carrying adventure you can dream up. This classic model is the most flexible, breathable and lightweight pet carrier. It features ventilated sides for the full al-fresco effect, easy-pull zippers, adjustable side pockets for all your essentials, and a collar hookup D-ring for added safety.
Like all K9 Sport Sack® carriers, design and safety come first. This pack was specially developed under the close direction of animal professionals, veterinarians, dog trainers and outdoor product engineers to be ergonomic, safe and strong. Available in 3 sizes to fit your Yorkie or larger sizes for your chubby Frenchie or corgi. Your dog can sit comfortably while riding “piggyback” thanks to the thick bottom rest pad while the Foam-Tek slotted shoulder straps keep you cool.
Key Features:
- Ventilated cooling side panels
- Over 5 different safety/failsafe features
- Adjustable dual side pockets
- Sternum strap avalanche whistle clip
- Moisture-wicking, ventilated shoulder straps
- Suitable for pets up to 30lbs
Specifications:
- Brand: K9 Sport Sack
- Dimensions: 7.9″ H x 3.9″ W x 2.4″ D
- Weight: 1.14 lbs
- Carabiner to secure dog in pack
- Great for hiking; strong, well-built material
- Water bottle pockets
- Integrated safety whistle
- Small bag doesn’t have straps to carry around by itself
6. Outward Hound PoochPouch Dog Carrier Backpack
Not all legs move as fast as humans, but that shouldn’t keep them from experiencing all the fun! The Outward Hound PoochPouch Dog Carrier Backpack is ideal for carrying smaller to medium-sized dogs who aren’t always ready for long hikes but want to stick around for the view. Their high-quality performance gear will keep your pup safely equipped for every new adventure!
Padding in straps, back and pouch bottom creates comfort for you and your dog. The water-resistant nylon fabric is soft, durable and easy to clean. It also has a safety harness attachment and drawstring top that give added security. Lastly, it has a large front pocket with inside pocket storage Great for stowing Small essentials like keys
Key Features:
- Water Resistant nylon fabric for added durability
- Large front pocket with inside pocket storage
- Interior safety clip
- Suitable for pets up to Up to 10lbs for the small size and 20lbs for the medium
Specifications:
- Brand: Outward Hound
- Dimensions: 8″ H x 10″ W x 6.5″ D
- Weight: 1.49 lbs
- Adjustable shoulder straps – these can be unclipped and crossed for an easier carry or clipped in the traditional arrangement
- Waist strap – not super strong but does help a bit and is well placed
- Front pocket has few room for treats
- Comfortable to wear for dog and human
- No side pockets for water bottles or larger items
7. Snoozer Roll Around Dog Carrier Backpack
The Snoozer Roll Around Dog Carrier Backpack is a dog, cat, and pet carrier that makes traveling with your pet easy with this 4-in-1 design. The convertible design works great as a wheel carrier, a backpack, a car seat, or even a pet bed-which allows your pet to take a snooze in case your flight is delayed. It’s approved by the airline so your favorite travel buddy will surely get past security.
The 3-sided mesh panels give him breathable comfort. Plus, the multi-stage telescope handle is built with your own ease in mind, rising just to your desired point as you roll to your flight terminal. This can also be used as a bed. Simply unzip the top and bottom mesh panels and secure them to the center support.
Key Features:
- Converts into a backpack, wheeled carrier, car seat, and pet bed
- Multi-stage telescope handle
- Backpack straps with a storage pocket
- Suitable for pets up to 30lbs
Specifications:
- Brand: Snoozer
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 15″ W x 12″ D
- Weight: 8 lbs
- This bag is great for longer trips
- The pull-out handle is a good length, and the ability to wheel the carrier from the car to the vet’s office is really helpful
- Laid down on it’s side, this really does make for a good size cage/bed
- Good ventilation
- The roller wheels only roll one way. It would have been much better to have four wheels so you don’t have to tilt it to roll it
8. Pecute Dog Carrier Backpack
The Pecute Dog Carrier Backpack comes with an expandable back design that gives your pet more space to rest and increase air circulation, allows your pet to move around more comfortably and reduces the anxiety. The top of the dog backpack can be open, for your pet to stick their head out off, you can zip the cover on the mesh for breathability and visibility or you can snap on the shade cover to protect from the sun.
Widened design, adjustable shoulder pad to help reduce load and increase comfort, two retractable buckles on the top and bottom of the cat backpack to prevent shoulder strap deviation and maintain the stability of the pet puppy carrier. It also has a removable firm bottom that can be unzipped and features soft, comfy padding for your pet to sit or sleep on comfortably.
Key Features:
- Adjustable widened shoulder strap with buckle
- Removable bottom cover for double-sided use
- Two zippers with buckle for safety
- Equipped with a safety strap
- Suitable for pets up to 18 lbs
Specifications:
- Brand: Pecute
- Dimensions: 17.3″ H x 10.6″ W x 13.4″ D
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- The backpack folds down for storage but still is rigid when erected
- The zippers with the safety clips is great for sneaky dogs
- Easy to wear
- Soft removable cushion
- The Velcro to hold the main opening doesn’t have real stick and the backpacks straps rub on your inner arm
9. Pawaboo Dog Carrier Backpack
The Pawaboo Dog Carrier Backpack helps you to take your beloved dog or cat together safely and comfortably. This backpack carrier is also lightweight and portable which makes it suitable for hiking, camping, shopping, going on bike rides or more activities outside, let your pet enjoy a soothing stroll while keeping your hands free. Legs-out and tail-out design keep your pet safe and comfortable. The hook and loop, zipper and elastic openings allow you to fit your dog inside comfortably.
A hands-free pet carrier can be worn on your front side or your backside if you like, it keeps you closer and increases pet’s sense of security when you carry your cat or dog around. Meanwhile, the thickened sponge pad helps to relieve the burden of your shoulder. Quick-release buckles on the end of straps ensure quick installation with just one hand.
Key Features:
- Quick Release Buckles on the end of straps
- Adjustable straps
- Plenty of breathable mesh area
- Sturdy fabric with sponge padding
- Suitable for pets up to 15 lbs
Specifications:
- Brand: Pawaboo
- Dimensions: 13.2″ H x 9.5″ W x 0.5″ D
- Weight: 0.41 lbs
- Its awesome and it works
- On first glance, its a pretty well made carrier
- Very nice padding on the straps
- Breathable fabric is helpful to keep dogs from overheating
- For a dog with long legs, it seems this would be a bit uncomfortable to have them hanging like this
10. Mogoko Comfortable Dog Carrier Backpack
The Mogoko Comfortable Dog Carrier Backpack is made from breathable mesh and polyester fiber which is lightweight and comfortable. The adjustable padded straps help to reduce the burden on your shoulders and the extra waist strap with buckle keeps the backpack stable. It also comes with an interior rope with a clip that can connect to your pet’s collar/harness to prevent your pet from jumping out or hurt itself.
Featuring EPE foam padded back and sides, it reduces the burden and offering more comfort to you and your pet, this rucksack/knapsack help your pet enjoy a nice nap/trip. The removable sturdy bottom cover makes it easier to replace/clean. A drawstring opening neck hole on the top of the backpack to keep your pet stick their head out. Mesh side and front pockets help store leash, whistle, water, snacks, treats, and other necessities.
Key Features:
- Adjustable padded straps
- Elastic mesh window
- Side pockets design
- Inside hook design
- Suitable for pets up to 7 lbs for small, 10 lbs for medium and 15 lbs for large
Specifications:
- Brand: Mogoko
- Dimensions: 13″ H x 6.3″ W x 10.6″ D
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- There is a padded board that rests in the bottom and is removable
- There is even a thoughtful tether inside the pet compartment that allows you to clip it to their collar to further restrain them
- Very durable
- The side pockets and front pouch are great for doggie gear
- The bottom insert is much too flexible. This makes it hard for the animal to stay in one place and puts extra tension on their neck
Buying Guide
Size
Weight is always a primary factor to consider when choosing a pet carrier. Most dog carrier backpacks are designed for toy breeds, but you can find one that can easily fit up to 30 lbs of medium-sized dogs. And, when it comes to its size choices, different brands often have differences. A good rule of thumb is to gauge the height and weight of your dog.
Durability
You should always check the quality and type of materials used in a dog backpack. The one you should pick must be able to withstand your dog’s brunt for many future missions. The fabric should not be ripping, the zippers should not be rusting, the binding should not be loosening, etc. If you compromise on durability just to save a few extra dollars, you will end up compromising the safety of your pet too.
Security
The reason you shouldn’t settle on a regular baby carrier is that it lacks the security features found in a dog carrier backpack. Dogs, unlike children, can sometimes try to escape from your grasps. You could end up chasing your dog up and down a slope without any security features! The model you chose should, therefore, have connectors that you can use to mount to your dog’s harness.
Comfort
A dog carrier bag has the purpose of keeping your fuzzy sidekick safely enclosed while it rests its tired stubby paws. And, don’t forget to check if the backpack comes with a durable base that provides comfortable cushioning for your dogs’ tooshie. Also, you have to remember the level of comfort it does for you. Carrying the bulk of your pet’s weight for hours isn’t easy. It will strain your back and shoulder. So, to support your dog’s weight, it is important that you choose a dog carrier backpack with large, well-padded straps.
Ventilation
Lack of ventilation can have fatal consequences for your dog, particularly when you’re out walking under the scorching sun. So, choose a dog carrier bag made from breathable fabrics. It must have ample ventilation holes or wide mesh panels to provide a decent and consistent amount of fresh air.
Frequently Ask Questions
How long can a dog spend in a backpack carrier?
The amount of time your dog will spend in their carrier differs greatly between dog and carrier, but in general, it is a smart idea to allow your dog an opportunity to get out of the carrier and spread their legs every hour or two. Making sure the dog is monitored periodically to make sure they breathe well and don’t feel overly hot or upset.
Why should I buy a dog carrier backpack?
If you hike a lot with your dog, a dog carrier backpack will make it easier for both you and your dog. If your dog pulls on the leash while exercising, for example, on lengthy walks this may get quite stressful. Save yourself the stress by picking up a carrier for your dog. This will encourage you to take them on the trip while you cut off the hassle of pulling their leash. Not to mention, smaller dogs require more time than larger dogs to reach more areas. Long walks can be very tiresome for them so it’s still nice to have a backpack carrier to bring them in if they pass up halfway down the trail.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best dog carrier backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a dog carrier backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.