Dogs love to go with us when we travel or go on adventures, but they can’t always keep up. That’s doubly true if they are small pups or older dogs who don’t have as much energy as they used to. A good dog carrier backpack could let you take your canine companion anywhere you go.
But before you buy, you’ll want to consider factors like:
- How much weight a backpack can take
- The material and quality of the dog carrier backpack
- Whether the carrier backpack is adjustable
- Whether the backpack is comfortable for you
Let’s break down the best dog carrier backpacks in detail.
Best for Airline Travel: KOPEKS Deluxe Backpack Pet Travel Carrier with Double Wheels
Key specs: 13 inches long, 12 inches wide, 20 inches high
The Kopeks Deluxe Backpack is the ultimate dog carrier backpack thanks to its price and variety of features.
Pros
This dog backpack can hold a variety of small dog breeds, and it comes with smooth spinning wheels. This makes it easy to transport your dog through a busy airport, for example. More importantly, it’s approved for travel on most airlines, and it’s made of heavy-duty materials like 600D Oxford fabric. Ventilating mesh panels and three ways to carry the bag, like a telescoping handle and a backpack strap setup, make this a great choice from start to finish.
Cons
It’s not the lightest dog carrier backpack on the market, partially because it can transform so capably. It’s also not the easiest to store when not in use because of the wheels and the protruding feet.
Best for Backpacking: WOYYHO Pet Dog Carrier Backpack Puppy Dog Travel Carrier
Key specs: 15 inches long, 9.1 inches wide, 18.5 high
Woyyho’s Pet Dog Carrier Backpack could also be an excellent choice if you want to take your dog backpacking with you or hiking frequently.
Pros
Capable of carrying dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small pets, this polyester and nylon carrier backpack has adjustable shoulder straps. A neck hole drawstring design helps your dog look out of the top without being able to jump out or escape. It also features a built-in security leash and clamp, which can connect to your dog’s collar. The ergonomic, comfortable backpack puts less strain on your shoulders, which is a big benefit when walking around with a pup on your back.
Cons
That said, the bag could be a little more durable, especially if you plan to use it often. In addition, the bag’s adjustable safety lock is not very tough, so don’t rely on it to keep your things or your dog safe in a pinch.
Best for Comfortable Travel: PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier
Key specs: 12.5 long, 10.2 wide, 16.3 high
The PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier is the go-to choice for dog owners who want to prioritize comfortable travel for themselves and their dogs.
Pros
That’s because this ventilated carrier backpack has two openings for easy access and is airline-approved. More importantly, both the back and shoulder straps of this dog carrier backpack have extra thick padding that ensures comfortable travel for you and your dog during long trips.
Waist and chest buckles also allow you to distribute the weight of the backpack more evenly across your body. Add to that a collapsible pet bowl and a front pocket for storing supplies, and it’s a great solution.
Cons
The zippers have a tendency to break, and the polyester material is not the most resilient on the market. Don’t choose this if your dog tends to scratch or try to climb out of a backpack.
Best for Pet Safety: Outward Hound PoochPouch
Key specs: 11 long, 8 inches wide, 10 inches high
The Outward Hound PoochPouch is a top choice if you are concerned about your dog’s safety.
Pros
This padded strap pet carrier comes with a top-tier interior safety harness. This clips onto your dog’s harness and allows you to cinch the top drawstring to keep them secure no matter what. It’s breathable and water-resistant, as well, making it great for outdoor excursions.
Cons
This backpack must be hand-washed. Plus, the dimensions mean that it won’t be a great choice for small-breed dogs, so consider your dog’s size.
Best for Very Small Dogs: PAWABOO Pet Carrier Backpack
Key specs: 11 inches long, 7.5 inches wide, 10.5 inches high
Pawaboo’s Pet Carrier Backpack is the overall best dog carrier backpack if your canine companion happens to be a very small breed.
Pros
This small and lightweight pet carrier has a legs-and-tail-out design, so your dog essentially sits in the carrier compartment. It can be worn on your back or on your front, depending on your preferences, but the thickened sponge pads are great for relieving any excess burden on your shoulders. You might also appreciate this dog carrier backpack because it comes in a variety of colors and aesthetic styles.
Cons
The obvious downside is that this won’t be a good choice if your dog is a little larger than others of the same small breed. Some dogs might find the unique design uncomfortable.
Best for Supply Carrying: PetAmi Dog Backpack Carrier, Airline Approved
Key specs: 12.5 inches long, 10.2 inches wide, 16.3 inches high
This PetAmi Dog Backpack Carrier model is a favorite among pet parents because it comes with a variety of extra pockets.
Pros
With a maximum weight limit of 18 pounds, it comes with plenty of extra pockets for carrying name tags, wipes, treats, and anything else you need. It also comes with a collapsible dog bowl for added value for money. Naturally, this carrier backpack is airline-approved and comes with cozy sherpa-lined bedding, ensuring extra comfort as you hike around.
Cons
However, tThis backpack doesn’t have the most comfortable shoulder straps on the market. On top of that, the boxy design may make it a little less ideal, depending on whether your dog likes to stand up or sit down while on the go.
Best for Cat or Dog Travel: Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack Pet Carriers for Cats and Dogs
Key specs: 12.6 inches long, 11.4 inches wide, 16.5 inches high
You may be in the market for a more versatile dog carrier backpack that can hold different types of pets. In that case, the Texsens Innovative Traveler Bubble Backpack is just the ticket.
Pros
This pet carrier is designed for cats and dogs, and it could likely serve other small pets like rabbits just as well. It’s made of high-quality polyvinyl chloride, and it can fit dogs of up to 15 pounds and cats of up to 18 pounds.
It also features a ventilated design for airflow and comes with chest buckles to reduce the burden on your shoulders. It’s fairly long-lasting and easy to store, as well, with scratch-resistant fabric.
Cons
However, tThis backpack only has a pair of small storage compartments, so you may need another bag to carry everything to keep your dog or cat content. The padding on the bottom also isn’t very squishy, so it may not be the most comfortable for your pet.
Best for Shoulder Comfort: Mogoko Comfortable Dog Backpack
Key specs: 10.6 inches long, 6.3 inches wide, 13 inches high
The Mogoko Comfortable Dog Backpack is a prime choice if you want to keep your shoulders comfortable and avoid sprains, especially when lugging your dog around on a long hike.
Pros
This excellent dog backpack is fairly roomy, and it’s made of durable and comfortable materials. It features foam padded sides and back, which reduces the burden on your shoulders and helps you enjoy more comfort as you walk around.
The straps and interior drawstring are all adjustable, and there’s an interior rope with a clip that you can attach to your dog’s collar for extra security and peace of mind. The mesh pockets, meanwhile, add even more value for money so you can store treats or other tools when needed.
Cons
This dog backpack requires your dog to look through the drawstring hole, and there’s nowhere for them to lie down. This makes it better for hiking and walking around, not necessarily extended travel.
Best for Larger (Carriable) Dogs: Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack for Large/Small Cats and Dogs
Key specs: 12.6 inches long, 11.4 wide, 16.8 high
If you have a large dog, Apollo Walker’s Pet Carrier Backpack is a perfect choice.
Pros
That’s because of the bag’s dimensions. It’s a sturdy, spacious backpack from start to finish, featuring a two-way entry and a top mesh window to give your pet more headroom and visibility. The soft fleece bedding is also nice for keeping your pet comfortable on a long trip, and the carrier features a leash tether that you can attach to your dog’s collar if they like to try to escape. This is a practically escape-proof bag featuring claw-proof mesh and reinforced zippers.
Cons
That all said, tThis bag is not guaranteed airline-friendly, and it’s only available in a handful of neutral colors. Be sure that this bag will suit your airline’s pet carrier requirements before buying it.
The Bottom Line
With so many different dog carrier backpacks to choose from, you’re sure to find one that works for your dog. Consider your personal preferences as well. For instance, the Mogoko Comfortable Dog Backpack is a top choice if your shoulders tend to feel sore, while Pawaboo’s Pet Carrier Backpack is even better if you have a small dog you want to bring with you on a plane trip. Whatever you choose, one of these dog carrier backpacks will help you travel with your canine in style and comfort!
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