You are always worried about your furry friend when you have to leave them home alone. And sometimes, you just can’t bring them everywhere with you.
Plus, it’s not always convenient, even if you could. Think about times when you’re out shopping or running errands, and your hands are full. Or when you’re going on a hike and your pup is too tired to keep up.
No fret!
Dog slings come to your rescue and let you bring your beloved pet along without having to leave them behind.
Here are the 10 best dog sling carriers you can get today.
Otherwise, you can also consider a dog carrier backpack or a dog stroller to make carrying your pup around a breeze!
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1. Yudodo Pet Dog Sling Carrier
This dog sling carrier has a hands-free design that allows you to carry your dog while shopping. It is made of leather and breathable mesh for good air circulation, also the padded shoulder strap is adjustable to ensure it fits well. Additionally, it offers the quality zippers, velcro, non-slip zip closure, and reinforced buckle to make sure it is secure.
Yudodo Pet Dog Sling Carrier features leather bottom and back for your dog’s comfort. There is also a plug hook inside for additional safety, and the drawstring design gives your pooch the ability to stick their head out to enjoy the view. What we also like about this carrier is the mesh pocket on the front which can fit in a phone up to 5.5 inches. This is one of the top choices on the market that you may want to consider.
2. Tomkas Small Dog Carrier Sling
Tomkas Small Dog Carrier Sling is made of breathable soft fabric, yet thick enough to give your dog a sense of security. It comes with a ring that you can attach to the collar, and the size of the opening can be easily adjusted to fit your dog. This is great as it can help to prevent your pooch from falling out of the carrier.
Thanks to the reversible design, you can change the way it looks to match your outfit on the day. It also has a zipper front pocket for you to store your items such as phone, keys, and poop bags. This sling carrier is also machine washable which makes it very easy for you and is perfect to carry dogs that weigh between 3 to 10 pounds.
3. Alfie Pet Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier
Alfie Pet has been in the industry for more than 10 years and strives to become a high quality pet specialty store.
This dog sling carrier offers a great combination of comfort and security. It is made of soft cotton cloth material so that your dog can curl up and sleep, while the 2-way safety clips to secure the collar. Not to mention the shoulder straps are adjustable to make sure it is comfortable for you.
Alfie Pet Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier is lightweight and gives you the ability to tote your pooch around the town with very little effort. It is ideal for small dogs up to 12 pounds and is great for your daily walk.
4. i'Pet Hands-Free Reversible Small Dog Sling Carrier
This simple and cute looking dog sling carrier is the perfect way to keep your dog close to you while going for a walk. It is made of polyester fabric and cotton, and has a hands-free design which loops over your shoulder. It is also machine washable in a gentle setting.
i’Pet Hands-Free Reversible Small Dog Sling Carrier offers an external security clasp to keep your pooch safe. As its name implies, it is reversible which means you can easily switch to the style you like. This dog sling carrier only has one size available and can hold dogs up to 12 pounds.
5. Furry Fido Black Classic Pet Sling
Furry Fido is an American company that manufactures pet supplies with the mission to keep your pet happy and healthy.
With the soft cotton cloth material used, it is certainly comfortable enough for your dog to relax and nap throughout the day. Its hands-free design also makes it very convenient for you to carry your pooch. Additionally, it comes with a safety collar hook for extra protection.
Similar to most of the sling carriers recommended, Furry Fido Black Classic Pet Sling is reversible. It is also machine washable and can accommodate small breed dogs up to 13 pounds.
6. Retro Pug Pet Carrier
This sling carrier has an ergonomic design to ensure you are comfortable and is made of premium waterproof material to keep your pooch dry in wet conditions. And the first thing you will notice is its simple look and wide shoulder strap. This is great as it means less pressure on your shoulder. The strap control also allows you to adjust it according to your height, providing you optimal comfort and flexibility.
Unlike most dog sling carriers, it has a double safety feature which is equipped with a leash ring and mesh safety net to prevent your dog from flopping out. Retro Pug Pet Carrier also offers various pockets for you to keep your belongings. It is ideal for dogs weighing around 15 to 20 pounds, and will be a great pick up if you need to carry your pooch for a long period of time.
7. Puppy Eyes Waterproof Pet Carrier Sling
Just like its name indicates, this carrier is waterproof to keep your dog warm and dry from rain. It is made of lightweight and high quality materials to ensure it is sturdy and is specifically made to fit all body types. The shoulder strap is adjustable that can go up to 36 inches. It also features the inner leash ring and safety net for extra protection.
Puppy Eyes Waterproof Pet Carrier Sling has a zippered front pocket and is very easy to clean. It also gives you the ability to adjust the depth of the pouch. This is great if you have a puppy that is still growing. It works well for small size dogs weighing from 8 to 17 pounds. With the help of this fantastic carrier sling, now you can enjoy the outdoors without having to leave your furry friend behind.
8. Slowton Pet Carrier
Slowton was founded in 2017. The company is a pet supplies manufacturer that focuses on innovative products to help improve you and your dog’s relationship.
This dog carrier is one of Slowton’s best sellers, thanks to its convenient and comfortable design. The strap has thick and soft sponge padding so that it doesn’t cut into your shoulder. Unlike the older version, it has been upgraded to include an adjustable buckle instead of the iron ring buckle. This means it is more secure and easier to adjust.
In addition, Slowton Pet Carrier comes with a safety belt that you can attach to the collar and the two buttons to help further secure your dog. Also, you are able to change the size of the opening in case your pooch wants to get some fresh air and enjoy the view. This is one of the best dog sling carriers you may want to consider, suitable for small dogs up to 13 pounds.
9. iPrimio Dog Sling Carrier
The online pet store, iPrimio is located in Michigan. They offer a wide range of high quality pet products.
This sling carrier is made of sturdy polyester and soft breathable cotton fabric in order to make sure your dog is comfortable while resting in it. It has a hands-free design, and the pouch is 20 inches wide and 14 inches deep. Offering your pooch adequate space, yet comes with security clasp to prevent any unwanted accidents.
iPrimio Dog Sling Carrier is reversible and can accommodate dogs up to 13 pounds. It also offers a small pocket for you to keep your stuff and can be easily cleaned by using the washing machine.
10. Cuby Dog Sling Carrier
Made of soft breathable cotton, non-toxic, and skin-friendly materials, Cuby Dog Sling Carrier ensures your furry friend is happy and healthy while relaxing inside the bag. Additionally, the wide shoulder strap also helps to reduce the stress put on you to provide you a better experience.
It is equipped with a safety belt that you can buckle up to the collar to avoid any undesirable accidents. You can also change the size of the pouch to fit in different size dogs by moving the position of the safety belt This is a fantastic carrier sling that you may want to consider to carry your furry friend around.
Why Use a Dog Sling Carrier?
- Dogs can stick around with you. There are many reasons to use a dog sling carrier. The most obvious one is that it allows you to bring your furry friend along without having to leave them behind. This way, they can stick around with you and not miss out on all the fun! In fact, If your four-legged friend is given a choice to choose between staying at home or coming with you in a sling, I’m sure they would pick the latter!
Dogs who lack stamina. Smaller breeds often lack the stamina to keep up with their humans on hikes or long walks. If your pup falls into this category, a dog sling can come in handy. It allows you to give their little legs a break when they need it without having to turn back or end the activity prematurely. And, of course, this means more quality time for both of you!
Older dogs or those with health issues. Older dogs or those with health issues may not be able to walk long distances. A sling allows them to come along without over-exerting themselves.
Great for puppies too! We often talk about how important socialization is for puppies and how they need to be exposed to different people, places, and things. And the earlier we do this, the better. A sling carrier lets you do just that! You can bring your puppy along with you on short outings, allowing them to experience the world without the risk of exposing them to the deadly parvovirus and, all the while, getting cuddles from their favorite human.
It is convenient. A dog sling is also very convenient as it frees your hands, allowing you to do whatever you need to while toting your pooch. This is extremely useful when you’re out running errands and need to carry things like grocery bags, and there’s no need to put your pup down whenever you need to grab something!
Dogs who get anxious. Last but not least, dog slings can benefit anxious dogs. While it’s not proven, my friend’s Yorkie seems much calmer when she carries her in a sling. I believe it has something to do with the proximity to their humans and feeling secure, and the snug fit of most slings simulates the feeling of being held or hugged, which can be comforting for some dogs. Just like how swaddling works for human babies!
The Best Dog Slings Buyers’ Guide
Now that we know all the benefits of using a dog sling, it’s time to take a look at what factors to consider before making your purchase. This way, you can be sure to get the best possible sling carrier for your pup!
1. Comfortability
Carrying your furbaby in a sling means you’ll have pressure on your shoulders as you essentially use one arm to support your dog’s entire body weight. So ideally, the strap should be adjustable and needs to be wide enough, like the Retro Pug Pet Carrier and Slowton Pet Carrier. This will distribute your dog’s weight over a larger surface area and ensure it doesn’t dig into your shoulder, ultimately preventing any pain or discomfort.
And, of course, you should also consider your pup’s comfort. So, look for ones made from soft, breathable fabric, like the Puppy Eyes Waterproof Pet Carrier Sling and Retro Pug Pet Carrier, to provide better airflow and prevent your pooch from getting too hot. This is especially important if you’ll be using the sling for long periods.
2. Weight Limit
There is a reason manufacturers have this maximum weight that their slings can hold. If your dog exceeds the limit, the sling may not be able to support their weight and could break, which can put your fido in danger.
So, always check the weight limit before making a purchase! For your reference, most dog slings can only accommodate dogs that weigh up to 20 pounds. If your furbaby falls on the heavier side, or if you have a larger dog breed, you might want to consider a dog backpack carrier or a dog stroller instead.
3. Material
Needless to say, the sling’s material is extremely important as it will determine not only the durability but also your dog’s comfort.
As mentioned earlier, slings made from breathable fabric are ideal as they will help keep your pooch cool, especially in summer. But it’s also crucial to ensure the one you choose is made of sturdy material, like the iPrimio Dog Sling Carrier. After all, you don’t want it to tear easily and risk your pup falling out!
It’s also a good idea to look for ones made from water-resistant or waterproof material, like the Puppy Eyes Waterproof Pet Carrier Sling and Retro Pug Pet Carrier. Because even if the weather forecast said it’s not going to rain, you never know when a sudden downpour could happen! And the last thing you want is your pup to get soaked in the middle of your walk.
4. Safety
Some pups will get anxious while walking through crowded areas and may potentially jump out of the carrier.
So it’s essential to look for a sling with a leash hook or safety strap that attaches to your doggy’s harness, like the i’Pet Hands-Free Reversible Small Dog Sling Carrier, Cuby Dog Sling Carrier, and Alfie Pet Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier.
Some dog slings like the Puppy Eyes Waterproof Pet Carrier Sling even come with a built-in safety net to further safeguard your pooch.
5. Storage
This may not be a deal-breaker for some, but having a storage pocket is always handy when bringing along your pup on outings. It allows you to store things like treats, toys, your phone, keys, and whatnot without having to lug around an extra bag. So you would probably want to consider the Tomkas Small Dog Carrier Sling, Slowton Pet Carrier, or Puppy Eyes Waterproof Pet Carrier Sling.
6. Cleaning
Lastly, you would also want to consider getting a machine-washable sling, like the Furry Fido Black Classic Pet Sling, because it’ll inevitably get dirty from all the fur, drool, and paw prints! And let’s face it. Accidents happen. So it’s always a good idea to choose a carrier you can easily throw in the washing machine instead of having to hand-wash it each time.
Tips for Using a Dog Sling
- Test it out. Make sure to test the sling out at home when you first get it. This will help accustom your pup to being carried in the bag. Plus, it’ll allow you to see if it is comfortable for you and your dog and whether the safety features work as intended.
- Always use the safety clip. These are put in place for a reason, so make sure to use them! The last thing you want is your pooch accidentally jumps out and gets injured. Also, one thing to note is that don’t put the clip on their collar as it could potentially choke them and cause neck injuries if they were to jump out. Instead, attach it to their harness.
- Inspect the sling. Before each use, give the sling a quick once-over, especially the bottom part where your pooch rests its claws, to ensure there aren’t any rips or tears. If you spot any damage, do not use it and replace it with a new one.
- Keep your dog visible. Make sure to position the sling in a way that your pup is visible to you at all times, either in front or to the side. This way, you can keep an eye on them and quickly react if they look like they’re about to jump out.
- Check the temperature. I’m sure you know how dangerous it is if a dog is overheated. So always monitor your furry friend to ensure they’re not too hot in the sling. If you notice they start panting excessively, remove them from the bag and give them a break.
- Use a pee pad. If your four-legged friend has incontinence problems, consider placing a pee pad or something with absorbent material in the carrier. This way, they won’t have to sit in their own urine if they have an accident, and you can easily clean it up when you get home.
- Trim your dog’s nails. It’s always a good idea to trim your dog’s nails. Not only will it be more comfortable for them, but it’ll also help prevent the sling carrier from getting torn apart.
- Keep your dog clean. Consider wiping your four-legged friend with a wet cloth to remove any dirt or mud they may have picked up before putting them in the sling. This will help keep the carrier relatively clean and free from odor between washes.
- Clean your dog sling routinely. I’m sure your pooch will be more comfortable in a clean sling. So make sure to wash it regularly. And be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions so you don’t damage the material.
Are Dog Slings Safe ?
Yes, dog slings are safe so long as your dog’s weight is within the maximum weight capacity. Most slings are also equipped with a leash ring that you can use to attach your dog’s harness to keep your pup from jumping out and injuring themselves.
Are Dog Slings a Good Idea for Puppies ?
The answer is yes. Dog slings are a great idea for puppies! They provide a safe and convenient way to carry your young pooch around without having to leave them home alone. Plus, it can give them a sense of security as they will be close to you, not to mention you can also use it to help socialize your puppy even before they’re fully vaccinated.
Sling Carriers for Dogs Alternatives
You won’t be able to use a sling carrier for your dog forever as they’ll eventually outgrow it unless you have a toy- or small-sized breed. But don’t worry. There are plenty of other carriers you can use once your pup gets too big for their sling. Here are the alternatives.
1. Dog Carrier Backpack
This is perhaps the most popular type of carrier for dogs. In fact, you’ll often see people walking around with their canines in one of these dog carrier backpacks. It’s perfect for bringing your furry friend along on hikes, runs, or even everyday walks around the block.
2. Dog Stroller
A dog stroller is another great option, especially if you have an older dog that can’t walk long distances anymore. Many strollers come equipped with features such as cup holders and large storage baskets, allowing you to bring everything you need when taking your pooch on a stroll around town.
3. Dog Bike Trailer
If you are an avid cyclist and would love to bring your adventurous pooch along on bike rides, then a dog bike trailer is perfect! These trailers allow you to transport your canine companion behind your bicycle safely. Just be sure to secure it to your bike properly before hitting the road.
4. Bike Basket for Dogs
These bike baskets attach to the front or back of your bicycle and provide a safe and comfortable place for your furry friend to ride. They are a great option if you only need to bring your canine on short rides, though they are only suitable for small-sized dogs.
