Did you know that 52% of travelers adjust their travel plans to accommodate their pets? Choosing the right dog backpack carrier can give you flexibility for future adventures.
Dog backpacks are helpful in many situations during pet travel, such as carrying your dog when it’s tired or injured. They can also keep the dog safe or calm in stressful or dangerous environments and help dog owners comply while using public transportation.
With a wide variety of dog carriers on the market, it can be hard to find the right one for you and your pup. Whether you have back problems, a large dog, or a pup with special needs, there is a backpack that will work for you!
What Exactly Are Dog Backpack Carriers?
So, what exactly is a dog backpack carrier? For the sake of this post, it’s a bag you use to carry your dog. These bags have three main designs: you can wear them on your front, back, or side (like a sling).
These carriers have many variations and features like side pockets, extra padding, harnesses, and sternum straps.
Benefits of Using a Dog Backpack
A backpack carrier is fantastic for dog travel. It allows you to be one of the 48% that don’t have to change their travel plans for their pets. This line of pet products can help you embrace safe dog travel wherever you go. It can help you to:
- Contain your dog in public without lugging around a dog crate or kennel.
- Protect your pup in crowded areas.
- Help you carry your pup if they get injured or too tired to walk.
- Safely transport your pet over unsafe ground while freeing up your hands. This allows you to navigate ladders, bridges, or even over areas with lots of fleas, ticks, broken glass, or sharp rocks.
- Bring your dog on bike rides without depending on a bike basket.
- Take your dog on public transportation. (Always check the rules and regulations first!)
- Socialize your pup since being higher up can make them feel more comfortable and secure in new situations.
- Take your dog into buildings or outdoor areas that are typically not dog-friendly since your pup is secured and off the ground. (Again, make sure to check first!)
How Do You Choose the Best Dog Backpack?
With so many dog backpack carriers on the market, you are probably wondering how to choose the perfect one for you and your pup. When selecting your pet gear, focus your search based on your dog’s weight, physical requirements, personality, and your capabilities.
Another thing to consider is how you will use it the most. Do you plan a lot of dog-friendly vacations or shorter, nearby adventures? This is one fashionable accessory you don’t want to choose based solely on how it looks!
Choose based on your dog’s weight
When choosing your pet carrier, your dog’s weight will be the most limiting factor. The majority of backpacks are designed for small dogs under 20-25 lbs. This means that if you have a medium or large-sized dog, you will have a much smaller selection to choose from.
Most front or side sling carriers are made for small dogs. So, if you have a larger dog, look at carriers that can be worn on your back.
Choose based on YOUR physical limitations
The next factor to consider when selecting a backpack to carry your doggy in is your physical limitations. There is no point in spending money on a backpack carrier you cannot use safely.
This is especially important if you have neck, back, or shoulder issues.
Front carriers tend to put additional pressure on your lower back, and side carriers can strain your shoulder and neck.
Back carriers tend to distribute a dog’s weight best because of the multiple straps and buckles that secure the bag to your torso. It helps even more to have features like a waist strap, sternal strap, padded shoulder straps, and back panel.
Take the time to test out all three styles with some weight in the bags so you can decide which is better suited to your body.
Choose based on your dog’s personality and physical needs
Your pup’s weight is not the only factor that will come into play when selecting your doggie backpack. Each breed has different physical features that may affect which pet carrier you can choose.
Your dog’s length and body structure will be important as well. If your new puppy is still growing, some brands like K9 Sport Sack provide booster blocks so you can use the same travel bag as they grow.
Another factor is whether your puppy has any medical conditions that affect how they can sit in the carrier. This could be something like a back, hip, or breathing issue that requires them to remain on all fours.
Look for products that will support your pup properly or companies that have worked with veterinarians while creating their bags or have vet approval. Of course, always check with your vet to make sure the dog carrier you choose won’t aggravate any condition that your furry friend may have.
Your dog’s personality is another factor to keep in mind. Some canines are more comfortable and less reactive when they see the world from a higher vantage point. In this case, a carrier worn on your back instead of a sling might make your dog feel safer. Dogs that struggle with separation anxiety might be better off in a pet carrier where they can always see or touch you.
Choose based on how and where you plan to use it
The last main point to consider when picking your perfect dog carrier backpack is HOW and WHERE you plan to use it most. If this is a piece of pet gear you plan on using often or in rougher environments, you want to make sure your purchase is durable, well-made, and with features that will benefit you the most.
Warmer or wetter climates require a bag that dries quickly and is made of more breathable material, such as mesh or nylon, to help lower the chance of your dog overheating. You might even look for one with a detachable waterproof cover to help keep your pet dry when it rains.
You’ll benefit from additional comfort features if you go on dog-friendly camping trips, longer hikes, or bike rides with your dog in a backpack. For example, you can look for padded shoulder straps or back support. You should also consider the amount of usable storage space to make it easier to carry pet supplies like collapsible dog bowls, dog treats, water bottles, and poop bags.
Once you know how you and your furry friend will use the pet backpack the most, you’ll know what styles and extra features will be better for you.
Additional features to look for in a dog carrier backpack
Depending on how you and your four-legged friend plan on using your dog bag, some features are more important than others. Here are some of the extras to look for sorted by category.
Dog owner comfortability and safety:
- Sternal strap
- Padded back panels
- Waist straps or belts
- Padded shoulder straps
- Reflective stripes
- Emergency whistle
Dog safety and comfort:
- Ventilation holes/mesh side panels (air circulation)
- Extra padding in general (cushions and absorbs shock from bumps and reduces stress on your pup’s joints)
- Built-in dog harness, buckles, safety clips, heavy-duty zippers (keep your pup snug and secure in the pack)
- Waterproof hood or cover (keep your pet and bag dry in the rain)
- Adaptations to fit your dog as they grow
Everyday use:
- Storage compartments like side pockets
- Detachable/expandable smaller bag to carry extra dog gear for your road trip
- Washable material or removable liner
Popular Dog Carrier Companies
With so many dog carriers on the market, it’s hard to know what companies to start your search with. Here’s a brief list of the top brands that dog owners are currently talking about.
K9 Sport Sack: This company offers several sporty bags to wear on your back for added comfort and support. It is one of the only companies with a bag for large dogs (up to 80 lbs).
PetAmi: They make a line of different style carriers for small dogs (under 20 lbs). Choose from bags that you can wear as a sling, on your front, your back, or one that attaches to your bike. Some of their bags are even airline-approved.
Little Chonk: A new company with a backpack for dogs 40 lbs and under. Their product has a treat bag attachment option for easy access to small items like dog treats and poop bags without taking your entire carrier off.
Sherpa: Sherpa has an airline-approved 2-in-1 Pet Backpack & Carrier that can be carried over your shoulder or back. Since it is airline-approved, the pet weight limit for this backpack is only 16 lbs.
Fido Pro: This company’s backpack carrier is listed as an emergency harness and allows you to carry large dogs on your back. Depending on the size you purchase, it can hold dogs anywhere from 40 -150 lbs.
How To Save Money On Your Backpack Carrier
Dog backpacks can be expensive, but there are a few ways you can save money on them.
- Watch for sales around big holidays like Black Friday and the 4th of July.
- Check places like Facebook Marketplace for used bags. Many dog owners quickly give up training their dogs to use the bag or buy the wrong size. On resale sites, you can find a good backpack that was hardly used for a fraction of the price.
- Check the clearance section of the company’s sales page. You can get a nice discount while still buying your gear directly from the company. Just keep checking the site regularly so you can be ready to buy as soon as the right size and color pack appears.
Top Tips To Use Dog Backpack Carriers
Once you have selected the right dog backpack carrier for you and your pup, here are some of our top tips so you and your dog enjoy many happy trails together.
- Make sure the backpack properly fits your dog. Too small or too large of a bag can make your dog unstable in the carrier, leading to injuries from falling out, chaffing, or a learned fear of the bag.
- Give your dog time to get used to the carrier. Practice putting your dog in and out of the backpack, and reward calm behavior. Slowly increase the time your dog spends inside the carrier.
- Practice! Before you head out on a long trail, do a trial run with your pup. Find yourself struggling? Spend extra time training your body so you can carry your pup worry-free.
- Do regular safety checks of your pet carrier before and after use. Check the seams, clasps, zippers, straps, and handles for wear and tear. You want your pet to be safe any time you use it.
- Randomly check that your dog hasn’t shifted or slid into a position that can cause strain or chafing during use.
- Keep an eye on the clock. Your pet carrier should come with a recommendation on how long your pup can be in them safely. It’s important to avoid overuse because many backpacks require your pet to be in an abnormal position.
- Give your pup plenty of water and potty breaks! You want to be careful they don’t get dehydrated or overheat in the dog carriers. Bathroom breaks are also great opportunities for them to stretch their legs.
- Don’t forget a leash! Your dog can’t stay in the backpack forever; they need a leash when it’s time to walk.
Are You Ready To Pack Your Pup?
With more pet owners interested in finding ways to bring their fur friends along on their adventures, new pet travel products and companies are popping up left and right. Dog backpack carriers provide an easy way to bring your dog to more places while having the ability to keep them safe and comfortable.
As you try to find your perfect backpack, remember your priority is to find one you can safely use. No matter what style you buy, double-check that it’s the right size for your pup and that you can carry your dog in it.
Your backpack carrier can give you and your dog more opportunities to enjoy time together. It’s crucial to do your research and take the time to let your dog get comfortable with this new mode of transportation.
With a little effort, you will be ready to pack your pup and start exploring a whole new world together!
This article originally appeared on Travel Binger.
