Not to be confused with dog backpacks, dog carrier backpacks aren’t meant to be worn by your dog. Instead, they allow you to wear your dog wherever you go, including onto airplanes and hiking trails. For your small dog’s comfort and safety, here are the best dog carrier backpacks and purses for toting your pup.
We included Django on our best dog raincoats post because as a brand, they’re dedicated to accessorizing small pups. They offer this stylish waxed canvas dog travel tote, which straddles the line between dog purse and weekender bag. The inside includes a safety tether and a pad which is covered in a machine washable sherpa liner for maximum comfort.
It measures 14.5 inches long by 8 inches wide by 12.5 tall. Choose from black or olive green.
Compared to the PetGear version, this is more heavily skewed to being a roller bag. Nevertheless, it can easily be worn as a backpack to carry dogs up to 20 pounds. The side storage pouches are a bit more generous on this version and in general, the bag is somewhat more robust, which makes sense given the price.
There are two sizes to choose from and a couple different color options, as well. All have an internal tether and a platform on the inside that keeps your dog upright even when tipped.
This offering from Kurgo is styled to look just like an ordinary, everyday backpack, making it easy to wear even for longer journeys. A handle on the front means that it can also be laid on its side and carried like a traditional pet carrier.
Inside, there’s a removeable, machine-washable pad while the bottom is waterproof. Dogs up to 25 pounds can safely ride inside and there are plenty of useful storage pockets.
PetGear offers a dog backpack that is capable of being much more than that. This unit offers five different functions, depending on your needs. In addition to being a backpack, it can be a roller bag, car seat, tote and airplan carry-on, depending on which handle you use.
There are four different size and configuration combinations, as well as storage pouches and a fleece pad. Depending on which you choose, the color options are: black, blue, copper, pink or green.
This inexpensive offering is a front-carry dog backpack for those who treat their dogs like a human baby. Two sizes are available for dogs up to 20 pounds in your choice of blue or gray.
Otherwise, this is a relatively simple offering, light on other features compared to some of the more expensive options. This one is all about comfortably carrying your pup so you can still see them.
Mogoko makes a variant of the backpack made by Kurgo, stripped down both in features and in price. This simple backpack is available in three sizes for dogs up to 15 pounds, each available in black, blue, green, orange or pink.
The main compartment is accented by a couple of storage pouches, while the mesh construction makes it breatheable. This is a lightweight bag for lightweight breeds.
Resembling a hiking or camping backpack, the four size variations of this dog backpack allows you to carry dogs up to 40 pounds, depending on the model you choose. Each model has a slight variation in style, as well, collectively accounting for 12 different color options.
The design of this backpack includes five different safety mechanisms, which, when properly engaged, means your dog cannot fall out or escape from the bag without your help. They include: carabiner collar clip, lumbar and zipper support straps, zipper loop, side cinch straps, sternum straps, mesh side panels for cooling. In addition, the Air Plus models include a backpack for your backpack to haul all your dog-related gear in.
This dog carrier backpack combines ease of entry and exit with good airflow and a generous capacity. Though there are no size options available, dogs up to 18 pounds can fit comfortably. Both sides open fully to make it simple for your dog to get in or out.
The entire structure is reinforced to keep it from collapsing on itself and the bottom cushion is sherpa covered. Choose from 12 different colors.
Some find these sling-style dog purses to be more comfortable than other options, which means you can comfortably carry your dog around for longer periods of time. The padded, adjustable strap can be set between about 18 inches to 35 inches in length to accommodate dogs up to 13 pounds.
This purse is machine washable and comes in three different configurations. The normal version is available in fuchsia, green, gray, black, or pink. There’s a water resistant version in black or brown and a breatheable material verison in gray.
Here’s another rolling option to consider, which again is multi-funtional with four usage modes. The obvious is the rolling carrier and the backpack, but it can also be used as a pet car seat and a dog bed when necessary. Two available sizes allow you to accommodate dogs up to 17 pounds.
This is a fairly lightweight option and not quite as robust as more expensive rolling style dog backpacks. Still, it’s priced right and worthy of consideration.
This option from Dexdog comes in the form of a durable canvas tote. It’s relatively simple and aimed at durability, with reinforced double stitching at each seam. The top zipper will keep rain off your dog and keep them safely inside.
There are two sizes available: Medium is for dogs up to 12 inches in length, 14 inches in height, and 11 pounds. Large is for dogs up to 15 inches in length, 14 inches in height, and 25 pounds. You choice of dark or light gray, both with navy trim.
Aimed at the smallest toy breeds, this dog purse looks almost like a normal, everyday handbag. The major difference, of course, is the roll-back flap across the top that can be tied back to reveal a mesh top for maximum dog ventilation. The straps offer a drop of 10 inches, which should be just enough to use it on your shoulder, if you prefer.
The interior dimensions are 16 inches long by 7.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches high. It’s certainly a compact solution, but it will keep your small dog snug and comfortable. Choose from black, purple or turquoise. If you prefer, you can get a faux patent leather finish in a related design, as well.
For especially small toy breeds, this is the carrier to consider. It’s available in just one size that will accommodate a dog up to ten pounds while providing plenty of height. In fact, headroom for your dog could be unlimited if you open the top flap while carrying them.
There is ample padding and storage pouches, and they’ve even included two removeable fleece pads so you always have an extra on hand. For small dogs, this is a comfortable and compact solution.
There are a few variations of this style of dog carrier backpack out there, including offering from Lemonda and Giantex. We even included on on our best cat carriers post. This version from Blitzwolf comes in three different sizes in three slightly different formats, each featuring the novel bubble viewing window in them.
These carriers definitely lean more on the aesthetics and novelty aspects, but the waterproof outershell creates a secure environment for your small dog. Ventilation is also quite good on these and despite the interesting design, they wear comfortably like a traditional backpack. Choose from eight color options.
If weight is your primary concern, consider this dog purse. It weighs just over two pounds, adding very little to the total package as you tote your dog around. The straps are adjustable and there is an additional strap for sliding a seat belt through for extra security.
The mesh openings are dark enough that most people are unlikely to see your dog inside. The dimensions are 17 inches long by 9 inches wide by 12 inches tall. If the color isn’t quite for you, Argo makes a related bag in green. Alternatively, you could check out the funkier Petagon from Argo.
If bike riding is on the list of activities you want to do with your dog, this is the dog backpack for you. This dog backpack can serve as a bicycle basket dog carrier when properly outfitted with the included rigid panels. Naturally, you can also use it as a car booster seat, while the entire front face can fold up for superior ventilation.
There are no color nor size options available, but the flexibility and general shape means it will work for a number of different dog breeds. While it doesn’t close completely, it does include a safety tether in addition to the drawstring top, so your dog is unlikely to escape.
While it might be a slight stretch to call this a dog purse, the dimensions are just about right and the availability of eight fashionable colorways make it a contender. It measures 17 inches long by 12 inches tall by 10 inches wide, which is enough to carry a dog 16 inches long and up to 16 pounds.
All the expected features are here including a padded floor, safety strap, storage pocket, three entry options, and water resistant material. This is a good option for travel, as well.
Prefer something in leather? This option combines a classic leather with gold accents purse with the functionality of a dog carrier. Discreet mesh screens on either end offer good ventilation, while both sides hide storage compartments that will let you carry small items like your phone and keys and possibly even your wallet.
The overall dimensions are roughly 15 inches long by 7 inches wide by 9.5 inches tall. Black leather goes with almost anything, so this could the one to choose if you’re looking for something flexible.
A less expensive alternative to the Django on this list, this offering from Reddy includes a couple of dog accessories, as well. First, there’s a pickup back dispenser built-in, so you don’t have to remember to grab a roll as you’re leaving. Second, they include a pop-up rubber bowl for water or food on the go.
The bag itself is made of a rubberized canvas material that resists water. There’s a D-ring on the exterior of the bag you can use to attach your dog securely and the liner is removable. It measures 19 inches tall by 12 inches long by 9 inches high.
This dog purse from Prima Pet offers adjustable straps for the best fit. The entire top zips open for easy loading and unloading, while an internal tether keeps your dog in place. This is a padded cotton bag, which provides ample warmth even as the openings maintain good airflow.
There are two sizes available in black, patterned gray or wine red. The medium size measures 14.5 inches long by 7.8 inches wide by 7.8 inches high, while the large size measures 17 inches long by 9.8 inches wide by 8.2 inches tall.
This dog purse offers a classic design punched up with a little leopard print flair on the inside. Three large flaps allow for multiple configurations of entry and airflow and for allowing your pup to see what’s going on. The dual-zippered top has both a mesh layer and a full fabric layer which rolls out of the way.
The inside has a removable pad and a safety tether. Dimensions on this purse are 15.7 inches long by 11 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide. For more color options, check out this related design from Petparty.
This classic-look bag is made from faux leather, which benefits those who wish to go cruelty-free and those looking for a waterproof option. Both the exterior and the interior of this dog purse are waterproof in case of accidents or inclement weather.
Additionally, unlike other options, the sides of the bag are stiff so they keep their shape and won’t collapse on your dog. Measuring 14 inches long by 11 inches tall by 7 inches wide, you can fit most dogs up to 8 pounds easily.
If you like the idea of the weatherproof faux leather purse elsewhere on this list but were hoping for something in black, this is the option for you. This is a simple, understated dog purse with both handles and a shoulder strap. The top flap is mesh only for good airflow, while the size mesh window is coverable by a roll-up closure.
The dimensions are 16 inches long by 7 inches wide by 13 inches tall, suitable for dogs weighing up to 14 pounds.
Here’s another faux leather option, this time available in two patterns and two sizes. Choose from a loosely Louis Vuitton-inspired brown or a checker gray colorway for this classic dog purse. You can choose to carry it by the handles or an included shoulder strap and stash your small items in one of two external pockets.
The small size measures 14 inches long by 6 inches wide by 10 inches tall and can carry a dog up to nearly nine pounds. The large size measures 15 inches long by 6 inches wide by 11 inches tall and can carry a dog up to 12 pounds.
