Best Dog Carrier Slings: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Judie Sigdel
Updated: December 6, 2022
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Every type of dog has a unique quality to them that makes you fall in love. Larger dogs like Labrador retrievers are known for their friendly and well-balanced natures while smaller dogs like the Japanese chin are known for their intelligence and unique appearance, growing only to 11 or 12 pounds. For smaller pups, it’s easy for them to become lapdogs, joining you wherever you go whether inside your home or out. Instead of carrying your dog around the way you would a baby, it’s much more comfortable for your dog and efficient for you to use a dog sling. Dog slings come in a variety of different styles, with some being better suited for puppies while others are best for travel. The slings are designed in a way that provides your dog with ergonomic support, so when you’re out and about with your favorite furry friend, he can enjoy his time with you without feeling squished or uncomfortable.

When you have a smaller dog, you can usually take them to places where other, larger dogs, wouldn’t be able to go. Dog slings resemble baby carriers, but they are specifically designed for small dogs. When you use a dog carrier sling, you’re freeing up your arms and hands to operate more efficiently, instead of holding onto your sweet pup. There are many different dog slings to select from, featuring different materials, straps, and support for your dog. Venturing out to find a good one may take more time than you have. To make your life just a little bit easier and your dog a little bit more comfortable, we have compiled a list of the best dog carrier slings for you to select from. We chose each one with different considerations in mind, understanding that you may prefer something for outdoor adventures or an option that’s extremely budget-friendly. Whatever you had in mind, you’re sure to find a dog sling in this list that’s perfect for your little companion.

  1. Alfie Pet - Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier
    • Soft, comfortable, and attractive
    • Adjustable shoulder strap
    • Suitable for dogs and puppies up to 12 pounds
    • Hands-free design
    Check Amazon
  2. YZCXNDS Pet Dog Sling Carrier
    • Breathable fabric, and adjustable shoulder strap
    • Made from a comfortable, sponge-like material
    • Drawstring design prevents your pup from escaping
    Check Amazon
  3. Outward Hound Pooch Pouch Dog Sling
    • Holds dogs of up to 15 pounds
    • Fabric is soft and water-resistant
    • Safety harness attachment
    Check Chewy
  4. FurryFido Classic Reversible Dog & Cat Carrier Sling
    • Suitable for dogs weighing less than 13 pounds
    • Hands-free design
    • Fully reversible 
    • Made with high-quality, soft cotton
    Check Chewy
  5. Katziela Expandable Sling Dog & Cat Carrier
    • Airline-approved
    • Suitable for dogs that weigh up to 10 pounds
    • Extra safety feature
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

The Top Picks for the Dog Carrier Sling: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: Alfie Pet — Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier

The Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier by Alfie Pet is our top choice because it features an adjustable shoulder strap, and it’s made with a soft cotton cloth material that is comfortable for both you and your pup. Your dog will remain securely held against your body where you can pet him, comfort him, and hug him. This is the top pick because it combines both convenience and style, allowing you to take your pet wherever you go while they accompany you in a soft, warm pouch. This pet sling is suitable for dogs and puppies up to 12 pounds, though reviewers indicated that carrying anything other than a “very small dog” in the sling was uncomfortable.

Aside from being soft, comfortable, and attractive, this dog sling includes safety features that give you two options for securing the collar hook and two ways of securing the shoulder strap. The adjustable shoulder strap ranges from 14 inches to 35 inches in length and this pet sling is machine washable — just throw it in a simple cold wash and it’ll be looking and smelling good as new.

The height of the sling measures 9 inches and the width is 21 inches, not including the shoulder strap. It’s a hands-free design that allows you to take your pet with you on all your adventures, even if it’s just a quick visit to see one of your friends. You know your dog would rather go with you than be left behind, and this dog carrier sling makes it easy for you to take your fluffy buddy on all your trips. It’s available in several different colors including denim and brown, gray and denim, pink and denim, solid blue, solid gray, or solid pink.

Pros and Cons of the Alfie Pet — Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier

ProsCons
This dog carrier sling is made from a machine washable soft cotton material and features an adjustable shoulder strap for your comfort.Some pet parents reported that carrying anything other than a “very small dog” in the sling was uncomfortable.
There are two ways to secure the collar hook and two ways to secure the shoulder strap.
The shoulder strap is adjustable from 14″ to 35″.
This hand-free design will allow you to take your puppy or dog weighing up to 12 pounds with you in style .
It’s available in a variety of colors, including denim and brown, gray and denim, pink and denim, solid blue, solid gray, or solid pink.
Best Overall
Alfie Pet - Chico Reversible Pet Sling Carrier
  • Soft, comfortable, and attractive
  • Adjustable shoulder strap
  • Suitable for dogs and puppies up to 12 pounds
  • Hands-free design
Check Amazon

2.  Best on a Budget: YZCXNDS Pet Dog Sling Carrier

The YZCXNDS Pet Dog Sling Carrier is ideal if you have a limited budget but still want to get a quality product. It’s available in different sizes to suit your dog. Be sure to refer to the sizing chart before making your final purchase! Some dog owners may worry about using a dog sling in warmer weather, and rightfully so. Dogs can overheat if the material being used is not breathable so it’s important to consider the weather in your area when purchasing a dog sling for your pup. This carrier has a breathable fabric, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a mobile phone pocket that makes it ultra-convenient for you to carry your device while keeping your dog secure and comfortable.

It’s available in black, dark blue, pink, and denim blue. You can look at the regular small size or check out their newest style, which is a more square-shaped sling with a bit more wiggle room for your dog. This strap has a comfortable, sponge-like material that makes it comfortable to wear, without digging into your skin. The bottom is made with a thick fabric that prevents pets from scratching and creating damage to the sling. It also has a drawstring design along with a zipper design that makes it easy for your pets to hop in and out. If you have a little escape artist, you’ll love that the drawstring design prevents your pup from being able to jump out and run away. However, some reviewers reported that they didn’t feel that their pups were secure in this carrier sling due to design flaws.

Pros and Cons of the YZCXNDS Pet Dog Sling Carrier

ProsCons
This dog sling carrier is budget priced.Due to perceived design flaws, some reviewers didn’t feel that their dogs were secure in this carrier sling.
It’s constructed from breathable fabric, has an adjustable shoulder strap , and even a pocket for your mobile phone.
It’s available in black, dark blue, pink, and denim blue.
You can purchase this dog sling carrier in a variety of sizes (refer to the sizing chart for the most comfortable fit)
The shoulder strap is padded for your comfort.
The bottom is made with a thick fabric that’s intended to prevent dogs from damaging the sling with their claws.
It also features a drawstring and a zipper to make onboarding easy…and escape more difficult.
Best on a Budget
YZCXNDS Pet Dog Sling Carrier
  • Breathable fabric, and adjustable shoulder strap
  • Made from a comfortable, sponge-like material
  • Drawstring design prevents your pup from escaping
Check Amazon

3. Best for Outdoor Adventures: Outward Hound PoochPouch Dog Sling

If you and your dog love going on outdoor adventures, the Outward Hound PoochPouch Dog Sling is the dog carrier sling for you. Available in an attractive blue color, this sling holds dogs up to 15 pounds. The material is flexible, and the fabric is both soft and water-resistant to last you for many adventures to come. The bottom of the pouch is padded to keep your dog extra comfortable, and there’s a safety harness attachment added for extra security. Feel free to adjust the shoulder strap to ensure the perfect fit and be on your way with your pup into the great outdoors.

This sling also features a small, zippered pocket so that you can store a small essential item, without having to carry it in your hand. Don’t get too excited because this pocket is not big enough to hold a cell phone, but it is capable of holding a set of keys or a couple of treats for your dog. Since the pouch itself is not very structured, it allows you freedom of movement, with your dog safely secured alongside you. To be extra safe, use the safety clip but be sure you’re only attaching it to your dog’s harness, never his collar.

Some reviewers reported that the carrier sling was “much too big.”

Pros and Cons of the Outward Hound PoochPouch Dog Sling

ProsCons
This relatively unstructured blue carrier sling holds dogs weighting up to 15 pounds.Some buyers said that this carrier sling was “much too big.”
It’s made of flexible, durable, soft, water-resistant fabric.You should never attach the safety clip to your dog’s collar only to a harness.
The bottom of the pouch is padded for your dog’s comfort, and a safety harness attachment provides extra security.
The sling features a small, zippered pocket that’s big enough to hold your keys or some dog treats.
Best for Outdoor Adventures
Outward Hound Pooch Pouch Dog Sling
  • Holds dogs of up to 15 pounds
  • Fabric is soft and water-resistant
  • Safety harness attachment
Check Chewy

4. Best for Puppies: FurryFido Classic Reversible Dog Carrier Sling

This reversible dog carrier sling allows you to carry your puppy around with style. It’s available in black, gray, pink, and blue. The outer color is solid but when you reverse it, the inside print is brown with pink stars. Use this sling to carry your puppy around comfortably and keep it for use when he’s older, so long as he weighs less than 13 pounds. It’s made with high-quality, soft cotton that makes it comfortable to wear, soft for your puppy to nestle into, and easy to wash. It also comes with a safety collar hook that attaches to your puppy’s harness for an added layer of safety and security.

This is a hands-free design that allows you to get out and about to run your errands or just enjoy the day at the park and take your furry buddy with you. Puppies especially need a little extra tender, loving care, and with this sling, you can give them all the attention they need, wherever you’re off to. The reversible design allows you to get two looks out of one sling while being safe enough to use every day. One reviewer noted that their dog, which had torn its ACL, had a little trouble getting into the sling, but once she was situated comfortably, she rested with an at-ease attitude for the 1.5-hour adventure she went on.

Several reviewers noted that this carrier sling runs small.

Pros and Cons of the FurryFido Classic Reversible Dog Carrier Sling

ProsCons
This reversable carrier sling is solid black, gray, pink, or blue on the outside and the inside print is brown with pink stars.This carrier sling may run small.
It’s suitable for puppies and dogs under 13 pounds.It’s not appropriate for dogs weighing 13 pounds or more.
This carrier sling is made of high-quality, soft cotton that’s comfortable for your dog and for you and it’s easy to wash.
It features a safety collar hook that you can attach to your pup’s harness for additional security.
Best for Puppies
FurryFido Classic Reversible Dog & Cat Carrier Sling
  • Suitable for dogs weighing less than 13 pounds
  • Hands-free design
  • Fully reversible 
  • Made with high-quality, soft cotton
Check Chewy

5. Best for Travel: Katziela Expandable Sling Dog Carrier

This collapsible sling is airline-approved for those times when you need to take your pet on a flight with you. It’s made with expandable mesh and an extra-wide padded shoulder strap for your comfort. Use this whenever you’re traveling by plane or other public transportation to keep your dog secure and comfortable—all while adhering to public transportation regulations. It’s available in five colors including gray, black, red, blue, and green.

Since this sling is expandable, you can simply unzip the bottom and give your pup a little extra room. It’s suitable for dogs that weigh up to 10 pounds. When testing this carrier, we found it was a lot more seamless and comfortable than some other designs, which is what makes it so convenient for use on public transport. The extra safety feature that allows you to hook your dog’s harness into the clip also gives us some peace of mind, especially when you’re dealing with a stressed-out pet or one that wants to plan his great escape.

Pros and Cons of the Katziela Expandable Sling Dog Carrier

ProsCons
This collapsible sling dog carrier is airline-approved.This sling dog carrier may be uncomfortable both for the dog and for the person carrying it.
It’s made from expandable mesh, is available in gray, black, red, blue, and green, and features an extra-wide padded shoulder strap.
This expandable sling unzips at the bottom to give your dog more room.
It’s more seamless and comfortable than some other designs.
It features a harness clip to keep your dog more secure.
Best for Travel
Katziela Expandable Sling Dog & Cat Carrier
  • Airline-approved
  • Suitable for dogs that weigh up to 10 pounds
  • Extra safety feature
Check Chewy Check Amazon

How to Choose the Right Dog Carrier Slings

A dog sling is a pretty straightforward product but there are a few features that you should consider when selecting the right one for your dog. Simplicity can be a helpful attribute, as too many features can complicate the process of getting your dog in and out of a sling. However, too much simplicity renders an inefficient product that may not be as durable as you need it to be. Consider the following when choosing the right dog carrier sling:

Type of Material

The type of material used for a dog sling is important because it ensures both your dog’s comfort and your own. If you plan to have your dog in a sling for an extended period of time like during travel, comfort is everything. Make sure you’re selecting a sling that has extra padding at the bottom and that offers flexibility so your pup can wiggle around a little bit. Slings aren’t as big as other dog carriers and certainly not as spacious as a crate, but your dog should be able to nestle in and cozy up during a long trip without feeling cramped. You should also consider the breathability of the material you’re purchasing. In colder climates, your dog will be more comfortable with a softer, warmer material whereas, during hotter weather, breathable fabric will keep your dog from overheating. You’ll find the most popular types of materials used for dog slings include cotton, fleece, and polyester.

Safety Clips

Safety clips provide you with an extra sense of security. These are included with the dog sling and allow you to connect your dog’s harness to the clip, so even if your pup gets excited and wants to jump out, he won’t be able to. These clips are not the primary source of security, however, so be sure to use them only as a backup plan if for some reason your dog manages to try and escape. To ensure that your dog doesn’t try to jump out of the sling, you can ease him into it slowly by practicing around your home where he feels safe and secure already. It may take a little bit of training to get him comfortable with the sling but it’s worth it to keep him secure once you’re out and about. It’s also important you understand that although in many product descriptions, these safety clips are often called collar clips, you should never secure the safety clip to your dog’s collar. This could cause neck injuries and choking, so it’s best to only use the safety clips with a harness that wraps around your dog’s entire body, not just its neck.

Types of Closures

Harnesses have different types of closures including zippers, Velcro, and buttons. Most slings don’t have tops that close all the way, which allows your pup to stick his head out and enjoy the view alongside you. However, if you prefer to keep your dog neatly tucked in with a top that closes, make sure you use a sling with comfortable closures that don’t snag on your dog’s fur. For example, if you have a Biewer Terrier, you know how easy it would be for a zipper to get caught on their long fur. Keep your pup elegant and prevent any of these mishaps by thinking ahead and selecting a sling that will be comfortable for every aspect of your pet.

Strap Adjustability

Another important consideration when selecting the perfect dog carrier sling is the shoulder strap. You’re the one who’s going to be carrying around your pup and that strap has to be comfortable for you as well. We’ve considered the material, extra padding, and a safety clip, which are all features related to your dog’s comfort and safety, but you should also consider the type of strap you’d like to purchase. A wider strap with extra padding will feel a lot more comfortable, especially if your dog weighs a little closer to 15 pounds. A small, 6-pound dog may not feel like you’re carrying anything, which means you may not need an extra thick or padded shoulder strap. Also, consider the size of your torso and determine the best length for you to carry your dog comfortably. You want them to fit snugly against your body but without making you feel restricted while you’re moving. Check the product specifications for the sling you’re interested in to confirm that the shoulder strap will be comfortable for you.

Comfortable Padding

Especially for long trips, comfortable padding at the bottom of the dog sling can make the difference between your dog feeling scrunched up and your dog being able to take a cozy nap. If you purchase an unstructured sling, it may not have any padding at the bottom, so you may want to incorporate your own type of padding to make your dog more comfortable. This might be a small pillow or a neatly folded blanket to add a little extra structure and a little extra comfort for your pup. The same thing goes for the shoulder strap—some unstructured sling options may dig a little into your shoulder while padded shoulder straps may be preferable, depending on how frequently and for how long you plan to have your dog in the sling.

Our Criteria and Experience: How We Chose the Best

When making our recommendations for the best dog carrier slings, we researched many products to find ones with the following features present:

  • Functionality: Your dog will be comfortable and relaxed in the sling with a way to see out; padding at the bottom for your dog’s comfort; the straps are secure and comfortable for the adult, yet adjustable; we included an option for airline travel.
  • Durability: The carrier sling is made of strong fabrics with heavy-duty stitching to carry your dog without wearing holes in the material.
  • Safety: We looked for slings that included safety clips in case your dog escapes; we also sought ones made of materials that are safe for dogs whose skin is sensitive; we made sure there were no chewable parts that could easily break off i.e. zippers, buttons, tags
  • Aesthetics: We recommended a variety of designs in neutral colors to fit any occasion.

Up Next…

About the Author

My passion is writing about animals. I’ve published articles on pet parrots, birds, and small animal care and reviews about pet food and products. I have an ever-evolving aviary and menagerie that has included cockatiels, parakeets, conures, European starlings, a chukar partridge, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. I’m also the author of Faith without Labels: a Guide to Eclectic Spirituality.

Best Dog Carrier Slings: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are dog carrier slings safe?

Carrying your pup around in a dog sling isn’t exactly a dangerous activity but there are certain safety considerations that will ensure you and your dog always have a good time together. While some dogs will take to a dog sling right away, others may need a little coaxing. If something happens while your dog is in a sling, he may never want to get back into it, which would ruin all the together time you plan to have using that sling. Below we share a couple of safety guidelines to keep you and your pup happy!

Use the Safety Clip

The safety clip is there for a reason. Even the most well-behaved dog could use the added security that the safety clip offers. Strap the harness on your dog and clip him into the sling to make sure that even if something unexpected happens, he’ll remain safe within the sling and next to you.

Check Your Mobility

A carrier sling shouldn’t impede your mobility. When you purchase a sling, try walking around and adjusting it so that you are able to move your limbs freely.

Never Leave Your Dog Unattended

It might be tempting to hang a dog sling on a coat rack or on the seat of a bus, but slings are meant to be worn around your body, never left hanging unattended.

Keep Your Dog Within Sight

A sling should fit comfortably around your body and your dog’s head should pop out right around your chest or abdomen area. If you can’t see your dog, you don’t know if he’s cramped, uncomfortable, or overheating. Always keep him within sight when you’re wearing a sling.

Check Your Dog’s Temperature for Comfort

Depending on the material and the weather, slings can cause dogs to overheat. Keep a keen eye on your dog to make sure that you monitor for signs of overheating, like excessive panting, so you can remove him from the sling, give him some water, and let him cool off.

Can you use a baby sling for dogs?

No, you should not use a baby sling for a dog. Baby slings are structured differently and designed specifically for human babies and the human baby anatomy. Dog slings are designed specifically for dogs, to support their four-legged bodies the right way. You might think it’s convenient or even fun to pop your dog into a baby sling, but it’s much better to opt for a proper dog sling and protect your dog’s body.

How to properly care for your dog sling?

The best way to keep your dog sling in good condition is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for care. If they suggest a cold wash, use a cold wash whenever you need to clean it. If you are still training a puppy to pee outside, you may need to add some puppy pee pads to the bottom layer of the sling to prevent any accidents. Also, be sure to keep your dog’s claws neatly trimmed, especially if they love to scratch. Purchase a durable material instead of a softer cotton material if your pup is known for ruining fabrics. Finally, be sure to keep up with your dog’s regular grooming, as a stinky pup will make a sling smell unpleasant. With some practical and general upkeep, your dog’s sling should last you for many years to come!

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