The 7 Best Dog Backpack Carriers of 2025, Tested by PEOPLE – ryan

Don’t you wish you could take your dog everywhere you go? Having a shoulder bag or dog backpack carrier can often allow your pup into places where you wouldn’t likely see a large dog, such as retail stores and boutiques. It can also allow you to travel with your dog more comfortably, whether on a bike, bus, or through the airport.

Dog backpack carriers are growing more popular by the minute — there are over 800 million views of the topic on TikTok alone, so we set out to uncover the best dog backpack carriers on the market. We started by rounding up the 14 best-selling dog backpack carriers to test for ourselves. Then, we evaluated them in five key categories, including overall performance, comfort, quality, and value.

 Ahead, the best dog backpack carriers PEOPLE Tested.

We loved the JESPET & GOOPAWS Pet Backpack for tiny dogs (we think it’s best for pooches weighing under 10 pounds). Made of scratch-resistant fabric with mesh panels and a fleece-lined inner pad, this backpack is comfortable to wear and cozy for your pup to sit in. This dog backpack carrier features a thick plastic mat (with a removable, machine-washable cover) in the bottom, so it maintains its shape beneath your pet’s weight. 

One of this dog backpack carrier’s highlights is that it doubles as a travel crate. When upright, the backpack is spacious enough for small dogs to sit comfortably; when laid on its side, they can lie down. While this makes it a bit more cumbersome to carry, it’s worth it for this feature. It also has three zipper openings: a main top opening and two mesh window openings. The backpack has pockets on each side to store poop bags, treats, or anything you’d like on hand. It also has a waist strap to ensure it remains sturdy on your back. When the plastic bottom liner is removed, the backpack can fold flat for easy storage. 

Size: 13 x 12 x 17 inches | Material: Scratch-resistant material (not specified) and fleece | Colors: 3

While many dog backpack carriers look a bit dated (read: unstylish), the Kurgo Nomad Backpack has a squared silhouette similar to a Fjällräven backpack, complete with a zippered front compartment, two side pockets, and reinforced top handles, so you can carry the bag as easily on your back as you can in the crook of your arm. What makes the silhouette especially dog-friendly is the interior tether clip and large vented panels on either side to ensure ample airflow. Additionally, the bottom of the backpack has a thick, waterproof base lined with a removable, machine-washable pad to ensure longevity, stability, and mess-free wear. 

Something that sets this backpack apart is its wearer-friendly design. Unlike many dog backpack carriers (and carriers in general), this one has plenty of space for storing wallets, keys, phones, and more. There’s even an interior padded tablet sleeve (though, if your pup’s a chewer, you may not want to use it).

Size: 11.25 x 7.5 x 15 inches | Material: Nylon | Colors: 2

The K9 Sport Sack Air is a great option for those who enjoy hiking or bike riding. Designed with armholes, the top-rated backpack lets dogs ride piggyback, facing forward, while on the go. Once your pup is strapped in, you can clip on the removable backpack compartment to store water, treats, toys, and more. It also features adjustable padded straps and a padded back for comfortable wear. 

Since it requires your dog’s front legs to be stuck through the back of the pack, and it’s meant to be tightened around their body for support, it may feel too constricting for some (even though it’s specifically designed to not feel that way). That said, one of our testers found that her anxious, older dog with joint issues had no problem with the carrier. It was a bit of a struggle to get him inside, but once inside, he fit comfortably and remained calm while in transit. This carrier is pricey, but we found that its impressive storage and adjustable design make it well worth it. 

Size: 9 x 8 x 15 inches (XS); 10 x 8 x 17 inches (S); 11 x 9 x 19 inches (M); 12 x 10 x 22 inches (L) | Material: Polyester and nylon | Colors: 3

With 5-star ratings across the board, the Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack is among the top four that we tested — and it has an affordable price. Perfect for running errands, this dog backpack carrier features a spacious, squared-off silhouette accented with four wide mesh panels that can be zipped open or closed. Where the panels on the sides of the backpack only open from the top down, two front panels zip open individually. This design allows pets to easily look out whether they’re sitting or lying down in the backpack. 

While so many openings might seem like cause for concern, this pack is equipped with a connected safety tether. From a wearer’s perspective, the pack features thick padded straps, chest and waist belts, and a padded back for a stable design. And since it folds down flat, it won’t take up much storage space.

Size: 12.6 x 11.4 x 16.8 inches | Material: Polycast | Colors: 7

The Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack is a fan-favorite pick that performed especially well in our tests. Designed to look like a traditional hiking backpack, this carrier features thick padded straps; a padded back; hip and sternum straps for added balance and security; a reinforced, waterproof bottom; and two stretchy mesh water bottle pockets. It even has a padded laptop sleeve. 

The pack has a roll-up mesh window (for your pup to pop their head out), an interior swivel tether to keep them safe, and a padded cover in the base for comfort. When laid on its side, the backpack can be carried by the sturdy handle on the front of the pack. The back of the pack even has compartments that the straps can tuck into, so they won’t get in your way. While it’s a bit of a splurge, we found that the quality is hard to beat, especially for folks looking to take their pup on rugged outdoor adventures. 

Size: 13 x 10 x 21 inches | Material: Polyester | Colors: 4

The YUDODO Reflective Pet Dog Sling Carrier lets you carry your pup hands-free (as long as your dog weighs less than 14 pounds). The 5-star-rated, messenger-style pack is designed to be worn across the front of your body to let your pup nestle on your stomach/chest. The close contact might just keep them calmer on the go, as most dogs find heartbeats to be soothing.

While this sling is fully enclosed with just your pup’s head poking out, it’s made of sturdy yet well-ventilated breathable mesh. Additionally, thanks to its design, your pup will be able to comfortably lie down. Keep in mind, though, that it only has a slip phone pocket and since it places most of the weight on one shoulder, you may feel your pup’s weight faster than with a classic backpack. Still, the direct eye on your little one makes it a must-have in our book.

Size: 15 x 3.9  x 7.8 inches (L) | Material: PU leather and mesh | Colors: 13

If style is of the utmost importance to you, the Love Thy Beast Nylon Canvas Backpack Carrier, which is intended for pups up to 25 pounds, is worth considering. With a business-casual design that looks a lot like a traditional work backpack, the carrier is much sleeker than your average dog carrier. It has a large front zip pocket and side slip pockets, but the rest of the pack is dedicated to the pup. However, the front of the bag is totally opaque, so they’ll only be able to see out the sides. 

This high-quality, comfortable bag has a padded nylon back and plush adjustable straps. One of our editors has this bag and loves it. (She puts a blanket in the bottom and lets her Chihuahua snuggle up in it.) Only you can decide if it’s worth the splurge, though. 

Size: 18 x 14 x 6 inches | Material: Nylon canvas | Colors: 1

Our Expert Panel

Taylor Wilkinson is a veterinary technician and the operations coordinator for The Vets, a stress-free way to book vet appointments