10 Best Dog Carriers of 2022 – Dog Backpack, Tote & Sling Reviews – Good Housekeeping

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These cute carriers are your dog’s home away from home.
As a pet parent, you may feel like your furry friend is your actual baby and absolutely detest going anywhere without them. Enter, the dog carrier. Whether you’re planning an international vacay or just a trip to the farmers’ market, finding the right carrier for your pet can make all the difference when you start toting them around (and suddenly realize that 15 pounds of fluffy dog is actually heavier than you thought).
From a backpack to a front carrier, there are tons of styles to fit both your lifestyle and your dog’s breed. For avid travelers, finding something that’s TSA-approved and meets all FAA requirements may be your top priority (but always check with your airline specifically as regulations can vary). Other pet parents may just be looking for the right carrier to get to and from the vet. It may take a minute (and many peanut butter dog biscuits) to get your pet used to their new travel accommodations, but as long as you assure they fit comfortably, the bag can safely hold their weight and you won’t cause them (or you) any discomfort, a dog carrier can be just as cute as it is functional.

Before your start buying a matching carrier for your favorite luggage, picking out the best carry-ons to strap your pet on top of or swapping out your favorite beach-ready tote for one that fits a pup, check out our recommendations for the best dog carriers of 2022.
There’s a reason Away is such a popular travel brand (and why we rated them our favorite overall luggage). Their high-quality products don’t stop at luggage carry-ons. The Away Pet Carrier is chic, sleek and durable, and it comes in two colors. While testing, we found this bag to be made of high-quality materials. We particularly loved the retractable privacy screen which can be rolled up so your pup can look through a mesh window, or rolled down if you want to reduce their stimulation. Use the strap on the back to easily slip the carrier over the handle of your luggage, or use the two latches to safely secure your pet to the seatbelt in your car. While we weren’t able to test the Away carrier on the road, the latches are simple to secure and the luggage comes with easy-to-follow instructions for how to properly make your pet car-ready. The best part, it meets all of the Federal Aviation Administration requirements so you shouldn’t have a problem toting this on a plane.
• Available Sizes: One size
• Weight: 4.3 pounds
• Materials: Nylon, leather
• Dimensions: 18.7″ x 10.8″ x 10.8″
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 18 pounds
If you’ve got a pet that hates getting into a carrier, Le Sure’s collapsable pet carrier will help you get them inside in a breeze. Its larger-than-average zipper section makes it incredibly easy to load pets of all sizes. The mesh top can be zippered all the way shut for pets who try to make a break for it or left open halfway so your furry friend can poke out their head and take in the scenery. Our experts love that the carrier has quite a bit of storage space and can easily be slipped over the handle of a suitcase for seamless travel. The medium-sized carrier is compliant with TSA regulations so you don’t have to worry about fitting it under your seat on the airplane. Once you’re done traveling, remove the fluffy base mat and fold the bag up for storage. Plus, if you’re in a pinch the shoulder strap can be clipped onto your pup and transform into a last-minute leash if you forget where you packed your real one. One thing we noticed while testing, however, was that the bag had a noticeable smell upon unpacking, but it dissipates over the a few days after opening.
• Available Size: Medium; Large
• Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Materials: Polyester, mesh
• Dimensions: 17″ x 11.8″ x 10″; 19″ x 13″ x 10”
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 15 pounds; 18 pounds
For the fashion-forward pet parent, Wild One’s Everyday Carrier is the dog purse of your dreams. It comes in three colors, including a lilac that’s great for summer. According to the company, each carrier is made using recycled materials and uses 80 water bottles to create its knit body. While testing, we loved that this carrier came didn’t require too much assembly, and we found the two different length straps very useful. We also found the sides of the bag to be taller than other similar tote bags, which makes it easier for a larger pet to squeeze inside and still feel secure. When standing on its own, this carrier retains its shape and doesn’t cave in on itself, so it’s easier to drop your pooch inside with less of a struggle.

• Available Sizes: One size
• Weight: 3.44 pounds
• Materials: Polyester
• Dimensions: 21.5″ x 7.5″ x 14.3″
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 pounds
The Sherpa Original Deluxe is a great no-frills option that is budget friendly and won’t give you any trouble at the airport. According to the brand, all sizes of this carrier are approved for use on most domestic airlines. The small and medium sizes are Guaranteed on Board, which means that if your pet is in one of those carriers, you’re guaranteed to not be turned away at the gate, and if you are, you’ll be reimbursed for all your pet fees. While it’s not the lightest carrier you can buy, the versatility of the shoulder strap and handles mean you won’t have any trouble carting your pooch around for short trips. It has a wider top-loading opening than a few of the other options we saw, which makes it easy to get your pet in and out of the carrier. While testing, we did notice that the carrier lacked a safety leash, so make sure your pet is securely fitted into the carrier at all times and that the top and front are fully zippered shut.

• Available Sizes: Small; Medium; Large
• Weight: 3.45 pounds
• Materials: Polyester, mesh
• Dimensions: 15″ x 10″ x 8.5″; 17″ x 11″ x 10.5″; 19″ x 11.8″ x 11.5″
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 8 pounds; 16 pounds; 22 pounds
This hard-sided dog carrier takes just a few minutes to put together and doesn’t require any extra tools to assemble. Unlike some other hard-sided carriers we tested, we didn’t experience any bending or warping of the handle when carrying it around with a 15-pound weight inside it. Since the only way to transport the carrier is by the handle on top, we don’t recommend this one for long-distance walks since it’s not particularly comfortable. It is a good option if you need something to keep your pet in while at the vet, on public transportation or elsewhere. The plastic locking mechanism is fairly intuitive and the case comes with instructions that are easy to comprehend. One of our testers noted that while it feels less heavy-duty than some other hard-sided cases, it has truly stood the test of time and has not deteriorated with use. We don’t recommend using the hooks on top however as we noticed they can come detached from the carrier if they’re turned at the slightest angle.

• Available Sizes: Toy; Extra Small; Small
• Weight: 2.14 pounds
• Materials: Plastic, metal
• Dimensions: 17.9″ x 11.5″ x 12″ ; 20.7″ x 13.2″ x 14.1″ ; 22.5″ x 15.2″ x 14.9″
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: No recommendations; we tested the Toy size with 15 pounds
Nothing says beach-ready like this canvas tote from Lands’ End. According to the brand, this sturdy carrier is made from 100% cotton canvas and features a water-repellant base and trim so you don’t have to worry about setting it down in a puddle. One of our testers has used this bag to frequently tote around her 20-pound pooch and has experienced very little wear and tear aside from the scuffing of the bottom from placing it on the NYC subway. The short shoulder straps mean it’s not ideal for long trips as they can put too much pressure on one arm over time. But it’s perfect for public transportation or non-airline travel. It’s more stylish than some other bags at this price point and has a built-in safety leash that’s a great feature if your pet is too tall to zip inside.

• Available Sizes: One size
• Weight: 1.94 pounds
• Materials: Cotton canvas
• Dimensions: 16.5″ x 8″ x 12.5″
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 pounds
As the home away from home for the TikTok-famous NYC corgi Maxine, this dog carrier backpack can hold pets up to 50 pounds, which is by far the largest maximum weight of all the bags we’ve seen. It features handles on all four sides and a wide zipper section to make it easier for you to load your pooch in and out. The bag also comes with a chest buckle and easy-to-adjust shoulder straps to make it as comfortable to wear as possible. When testing, we found that this bag felt high-quality and had a ton of added accessories like the reinforced neck collar that offers your pup a bit more support for their head. “The runway” loading style makes it incredibly easy to board your pup into the bag when you fully unzip it and lie it flat on the ground. While it’s great for a day out on the town, public transportation or just a cute way to bring your dog on an adventure, the company recommends that you don’t carry your pet for longer than an hour at a time before taking a break.
• Available Sizes: Small; Regular
• Weight: 1.96 pounds
• Materials: Polyester, mesh
• Dimensions: 25” x 13.5″ x 4”
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 50 pounds
If you’ve been on the lookout for a sling-style carrier to turn you into the ultimate pet parent, this one from Yudodo is a strong contender. The super soft mesh is comfortable for both you and your pet, and the extra-wide padded strap is easy to adjust. It’s not furry inside so it might not be as warm as some of the fleece-lined options, but it’s versatile enough to use in warmer and colder weather. While testing, we especially loved how easy it was to check in on your pooch since their head peeks out from the top of the pouch. This also gives them a better opportunity for engagement since they can easily look at their surroundings. We also like that this sling leaves both your arms free. Plus, the little mesh pocket on the front perfectly fits your phone.

• Available Sizes: Small; Medium; Large
• Weight: 12 ounces
• Materials: Mesh
• Dimensions: 15.0″ x 3.9″ x 7.9″ ; 15″ x 3.9″ x 7.8″ inches
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 5.5 pounds; 10 pounds; 15 pounds
The chic Maxbone backpack is made of versatile nylon that’s comfortable on both you and your pet’s skin. One of the main benefits of a backpack carrier is that your hands and arms are free to text, carry another bag or open a door. While we haven’t gotten our hands on this nylon version, when testing the regular neoprene Go Everywhere Backpack we immediately noticed that the product looked and felt high quality with strong stitching that didn’t buckle under pressure and smooth zippers that didn’t snag. We especially love the tiny mesh window that lets your pet get a little fresh air. Or it can be zipped down so your pooch can poke their little head out. There’s also mesh on the top panels of the bag so you don’t have to worry about them overheating. The bag retained its shape while empty and its sturdy bottom means that your pet has somewhere to sit or lay even while the bag is held upright. While the neoprene bag did get scuffed up fairly quickly on the light fabric, the dark nylon of this bag might not experience the same issue.
• Available Sizes: One size
• Weight: 3.32 pounds
• Materials: Nylon
• Dimensions: 16″ x 12.5″ x 9.5″
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 17 pounds
For bikers who want to share their love of adventure with their furry friend, the K&H travel backpack lets you do just that. Whether you’re using it to attach your pet to the front of your ride, or just slinging it over your shoulder like a backpack, this versatile bag makes it easy to take your pet with you wherever you go. It comes with a front mounting system that can be installed on the front of your bike so you can peek down at your pet while you ride. While testing, we loved the large mesh front panel that lets your dog get some fresh air. You can even choose to unzip the top of the pouch to let your pet stick their head out and feel the wind on their face. The mesh pockets on the side are great for storing a few larger items but we noticed they aren’t terribly secure, so best to avoid putting valuables in there. While we didn’t get to hit the trails with a pup in this bag yet, we were able to hook up the mounting system to a bike and fit the bag on it. We found it to be quite secure and have easy-to-follow directions.
• Available Sizes: One size
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Materials: Polyester, mesh
• Dimensions: 9.5″ x 14″ x 15.8″
• Maximum Weight Recommendation: 15 pounds
Our team at the Good Housekeeping Institute reviews pet gear of all kinds from dog beds to dog harnesses. We read hundreds of reviews to discover which dog carriers were worth considering, then tested over a dozen of them in our Lab and sent them along to our consumer testers to evaluate them in real-world conditions. We based our recommendations on extensive research of the market, and testing. We assessed each brand and materials used, tested styles in real life and considered the following factors:

✔️Comfort and safety: We made sure that each pick could comfortably fit a pet of the recommended size and handle the maximum weight. For safety, we tested each bag by carrying it around filled with sandbags of the maximum recommended weight for each carrier. We assessed how comfortable they were to hold and hung them up for over an hour to see if the weight caused any puckering seams, stretched fabric or rips.

✔️Ease of use: Squeezing an active pooch into a tiny pet carrier isn’t the easiest thing in the world, so we considered carriers with wide zipper sections, top and front-loading options and quick installation so you can get your pet inside before they have the time to start squirming.
✔️Materials: It’s important to look at what each carrier is made of to ensure that it’s soft enough for your pet to be comfortable but durable enough that their claws won’t scratch right through. “Performance materials like nylon and polyester are ideal because they’re lightweight and durable,” says Lexie Sachs, the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at Good Housekeeping. “In fact, these are fabrics you typically find in backpacks, luggage and other bags. For more breathability, look for mesh ventilation.”
We also consider how easy it is to clean these particular materials if they’re water-resistant or easy to scuff up.
✔️Purpose: Depending on where you’re planning to take your dog, different carriers support different needs. Backpacks and front sling carriers can leave your hands free to multitask, while soft-sided carriers are great for fitting under airline seats. Hard-sided carriers work wonders when transporting your pet to the vet. Tote or purse carriers are also good if you’re just looking for something to sling over your shoulder on a day out. We assessed each style to find the best of the best.
For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a pet parent needs, including dog carriers. In her role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brings years of journalism experience to the Institute, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping like pet GPS trackers and cooling dog beds, as well as BuzzFeed, while also previously working in the parenting and pets sphere at People.

Jamie worked with Lexie Sachs, the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab to better understand the ideal materials used in dog carriers and which are best to keep you and your canine friend comfortable. Lexie has over 15 years of experience in the textile industry and covers all fabric-based products.

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