The best dog sling carriers need to provide affordability, comfort, and safety, with premium quality materials for dogs of all sizes. Dog slings offer dog owners the ability to bring their pets everywhere without them needing to be on a leash. Dog slings are also known as wearable dog carriers, pet slings, and dog sling carriers.
Dog sling carriers come with different features. The 3 main features are color, size, and material. Breathable slings are a popular material well-liked by pet owners. Breathable slings are popular because they have better air circulation, which helps avoid the dog from overheating.
Some of the best dog sling carriers include Yudodo for its comfortability, FurryFido for being best for small dogs, and Alfie Pet Chico for its reversible ability. There are many other dog slings that are best for specific circumstances, which we shall discuss below.
Best Dog Carrier Slings
1. Best Overall: Yudodo Pet Dog Sling Carrier
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 |
| Quality | 4.9/5 |
Dimensions: 8”-11.5” | Materials: Leather & mesh | Brand: YUDODO | Color: Black reflective | Features: breathable mesh, air circulation
What We Liked
- Breathable
- Comes in 3 sizes to accommodate dogs up to 14 pounds
- Lightweight and comfy to wear
- Comes in a variety of colors on the mesh part
What We Didn’t Like
- Plastic catch is fragile
Comfort & Safety
The combination of leather and mesh provides a premium experience for you and the dog. The sling is wide, soft, and padded. On numerous occasions, we took note of our small pups resting with content during our testing of this sling.
This sling is also comfortable for the dog owner. The strap is wide and padded and will rest easily on your shoulder without adding any strain. With this carrier, you won’t need to carry an additional bag for your keys, wallet, and phone because it also has a roomy storage pocket.
To us, safety is important, and we always test to make sure products like this don’t restrict a dog’s breath. The premium mesh is breathable and allows air circulation while your dog is in the sling.
For an additional measure of safety, it also comes with a safety hook that you can attach to the pet collar which prevents the dog from jumping out. We found this especially valuable for our squirmier dogs.
Sizing & Quality
This sling comes in 3 sizes and can accommodate a dog up to 14 pounds. The space of the pouch is generously built, giving the dogs ample space to rest and feel secure at the same time.
For the affordable price, the quality of this carrier sling is superb. These materials are high quality and durable and will last a long time.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON2. Best for Small Dogs: FurryFido Reversible Pet Sling
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 4.2/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Safety | 4.8/5 |
| Sizing | 4/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Dimensions: 3 x 9 x 7.8 inches | Materials: Cotton | Brand: Furry Fido | Color: Black | Features: Reversible design
What We Liked
- Perfect for tiny dogs
- Reversible design
- Multiple color options to choose from
What We Didn’t Like
- Some of the options are pricier
- The sling has a wider top that doesn’t close very snugly
Comfort & Safety
This sling carrier is made of a soft cotton cloth that is comfortable to wear and keep your small dog snuggled up.
Though comfort is important, we are also concerned about safety here at BarkVa. This sling does have an attached safety collar hook to keep the dog from falling out. However, it doesn’t close at the top like some of the other carriers which is why we recommend using this with a smaller dog who isn’t prone to squirming around.
Sizing & Quality
The manufacturer states that this sling can hold a dog that is up to 13 pounds. The small sling size is great if your dog is tiny, especially like a French Bulldog or Teacup Poodle.
This sling carrier is built with great quality – it is durable and is good to use in the washing machine. The reversible design adds to the level of quality, allowing you to match your look and still have the convenience of toting around your pup, handsfree.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY3. Best for Style: Alfie Pet Chico Reversible Pet Sling
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 |
| Quality | 4.8/5 |
Dimensions: 21”x 9” | Materials: Cotton | Brand: Alfie | Color: Gray and Denim | Features: Adjustable Shoulder Strap
What We Liked
- Safety collar hook to prevent escaping or falling
- Machine washable
- Super-soft sling material
What We Didn’t Like
- Some issues with the color running
Comfort & Safety
This sling is very comfortable because it is made of soft and plush cotton. The deep sling provides the dog ample room to snuggle up and not feel constricted.
The strap is adjustable to your preferences, and we found that it was very comfortable to wear without chafing the skin or straining the shoulder. We were very pleased with the overall safety and comfort of this sling.
(During Testing)
Sizing & Quality
The sling is 9” deep and can comfortably hold a dog of up to 12 pounds. It is built to provide just enough space and security for the dog to be comfortable and safe. The attached safety collar hook helps to avoid jumping or falling.
The adjustable strap also allows you to carry the sling comfortably without any potential straining of the shoulder or back.
The plush cotton used for this sling is high quality, and we love that it’s machine washable. It comes in 6 different colors to match your style. While some users complained that the colors bleed, we didn’t find that with the slings we tested.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best Design: Cuby Dog Sling Carrier
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 |
| Quality | 4.7/5 |
Dimensions: 21” x 11” | Materials: Cotton | Brand: Cuby | Color: Blue | Features: Reversible design
What We Liked
- Reversible design for versatility
- Pocket available for phone/keys
- Good quality material
- Safe shape and depth
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users complain the stitching can be loose
Comfort & Safety
For the affordable price point, this sling goes a long way in delivering on comfort and safety. The sling has a reversible design made up of soft cotton that feels comfortable for the pup to snuggle in. The cotton is breathable and non-toxic, making for a very safe option for your furry friend.
Like the previous two slings we reviewed, this one also has a safety belt attached to the pet’s collar. We enjoyed using this with our active, eager puppies who want to jump around in the sling. It is a great safety measure to prevent the pups from falling out.
The adjustable shoulder strap and soft material make it comfortable for any dog owner to wear. The hoops that hold the strap are firm and hold the sling well.
Sizing & Quality
This sling comes in one size that accommodates pets up to 13 pounds. It is 11 inches deep and we find that this is the perfect depth for most small dogs to feel comfortable and secure.
Even though it’s large enough to hold your dog, it isn’t so big that storing it becomes a problem, which is what we really love about this sling. The strap allows you to adjust the sling until it is comfortable to wear.
The reversible design of this sling is built well and is sure to last well throughout the years. Our tests show that it is durable for everyday use.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON5. Best Price: Tomkas Dog Carrier
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 |
| Quality | 4.5/5 |
Size: 23.6” x 10.5” | Materials: Not stated | Brand: Tomkas | Color: Black | Features: Reversible design
What We Liked
- Affordability of this sling
- Adjustable strap for comfort
- Safety back buckle for safety
- Machine washable
What We Didn’t Like
- Flimsy safety strap
Comfort & Safety
This carrier sling is made of a breathable, soft fabric that is great for the pet’s comfort and enables you to comfortably wear the sling for longer.
The carrier fits the dog safely, and the security lock provides a good measure of safety for your precious pup.
The shoulder strap is also adjustable so you can carry the dog comfortably without shoulder and back strain. We enjoyed using this sling, and some of us enjoyed using it on bike rides, with the dog safely snuggled in the sling.
Sizing & Quality
The size of this sling is deep and wide enough to accommodate a small of up to 10 pounds. However, after testing this sling on our dogs, we agree with the manufacturer’s recommendation to use this with dogs who are under 10 pounds.
The quality of the material is overall comfortable and impressive. It holds up well through the washing machine. We were only concerned about the safety buckle that seems a little flimsy, which is why we recommend using this with a smaller dog.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON6. Best for Puppies: CRMADA Reversible Dog Sling
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4.6/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
Sizes: 10.6 x 6.9 x 2.4 inches | Materials: Polyester | Brand: CRMADA | Color: Gray | Features: External security hasp
What We Liked
- Soft cotton & polyester
- Machine washable
- Needs minimal storage space
- Has a dog collar clip for safety
What We Didn’t Like
- The top of the sling is wider, so it is less safe than others
- Sling is not padded
Comfort & Safety
This sling is perfect for smaller pups because of its comfortable, soft combination of cotton and polyester. It has an external security hasp to prevent your pup from jumping out, giving you peace of mind as you walk or bike with your dog in tow.
There’s no support on the bottom of the sling so if your dog is older, we recommend going with one of the padded slings we reviewed.
It is also very comfortable for the pet owner to wear. We found that the lightweight material and adjustable strap is very easy to manage.
Sizing & Quality
The size of this carrier sling is perfect for puppies and small breeds of up to 5 pounds. Its size is enough room for your pup to be comfortable and snug while you’re walking around.
The top of this sling is wider than others we tested, and it tempted our especially squirmy dogs to jump out. Our pups who prefer to lay in the bottom did fine, but keep this design in mind when considering the sling.
We appreciated the quality of this material and that it’s machine washable on a cold cycle. It’s durable and will last you while your puppy phases out of the puppy stages.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONComparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best Style | Best For Design | Best Price | Best For Small Dogs | Best For Puppies |
| Overall Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Affordability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.2/5 | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 5/5 |
| Sizing | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Quality | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
The Winner for best dog sling carrier
Overall, the best dog carrier sling is the Yudodo Pet Dog Sling Carrier. The premium build provides comfort and quality that is beneficial to both the dog and the dog’s owner. We enjoyed using this with our dogs as it was comfortable on the shoulder and has a beautiful, leather look.
It is perfect for any activity – shopping, biking, hiking, or even simple walks. We believe it will last a long time and provide a premium snuggle experience for your tiny best pal.
How We Chose the Best Dog Carrier Slings
Our mission to find the best dog carrier slings was a fun quest. We searched the pet products market for the highest-ranked brands that carry dog carriers and specifically narrowed it down to carrier slings.
We then tracked down popular stores that carry these brands and read and evaluated the top-rated dog carrier slings. Once we narrowed down the top dog carrier slings, we tested them with our small dogs.
It was important to find several top options that are affordable, comfortable for the dog to wear, and most importantly safe to use. We then evaluated these dog carrier slings for their overall quality.
After researching the highest-rated dog carrier slings, we tested 12 of them. We narrowed these down to the top 6 which we reviewed below, with another 6 earning an honorable mention.
If you’re also in the market for a carrier for your bigger dog, check out this article we wrote on the Best Dog Crates and Carriers for Car Travel.
How to Choose the Best Dog Carrier Sling
With the plethora of carrier slings available, we understand how difficult it can be to find the right one for your dog. Here is a list of guidelines we used while testing carrier slings.
Materials
If you plan to pack your pup with you on your adventures, choose a dog carrier sling that is made from comfortable materials.
Most slings you find are made of the following materials:
- Cotton
- Fleece
- Polyester
- Leather
To avoid overheating, you should also ensure that the material is breathable and allows air circulation. Our favorite slings have mesh on the sides to keep the dog cool or are made from a breathable material.
A fleece-lined sling is nice in the colder months, but we find our dogs are happy using the regular sling if we put their sweaters on and give them a snuggly blanket in the sling to keep them warm.
Collar Clips
These are small plastic or metal clips designed to keep your pup firmly attached to the sling. While they are labeled collar clips, these work most effectively when used with a dog harness rather than a collar. If your dog jumps out, hanging by a collar could be dangerous or even deadly.
We strongly recommend you train your dog to sit in a sling, rather than relying on these clips to keep them in place. We prefer metal clips to ensure our dogs will be safe in the sling.
Adjustable Straps
Many of the best dog carrier slings come with fully adjustable shoulder straps. Our testers who have a shorter stature require full adjustability, while taller individuals are fine with limited adjustability.
This ability to adjust the length provides a snug fit and comfortable wear without straining the shoulder. It also allows you to pull the dog up under your arm rather than hitting it with your thigh at every step.
Zippers
Some slings come with zippered tops to add another layer of security to the carrier. If your dog often wriggles around and is highly inquisitive, it’s worth grabbing a sling that comes with a zipper.
Comfort Pads
Last but not least, some dog carrier slings come equipped with removable comfort pads. These are less important for shorter walks, and they make the sling bulkier to wear. However, your dog needs this extra support when spending hours in the sling. It is also vital for keeping elderly dogs comfortable and protecting their joints.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a brief look at the 6 options that didn’t make our list.
1. Jekeno Small Dog Sling – Considered for Puppies
This sling is great if your dog is tiny or is still in the puppy stage because it accommodates pups up to 10 pounds. The combination of cotton and chiffon provides a comfortable and breathable sling for your dog.
However, we are concerned about the durability of chiffon and prefer the CRMADA Reversible Dog Sling, which is more forgiving with its polyester and cotton.
2. SlowTon Pet Carrier – Considered for Small Dogs
This carrier is comfy with its cotton material and is uniquely water-resistant. It does provide comfort and durability with the materials used for it. We like the way it comes in at the top for added safety.
It was a little more pricey and extremely similar to the FurryFido Reversible Pet Sling, so it didn’t get our top recommendation. However, it is well worth consideration.
3. Cuddlissimo Pet Sling Carrier – Considered for Design
This sling carrier is cleverly built for dogs that are up to 6 pounds. The cotton lining is soft and is sure to last long. This is a perfect sling for those who want a tighter, secure fit and a sporty look.
However, we really loved the leather and mesh of the Yudodo Pet Dog Sling Carrier. Either one of these slings is perfect for securely carrying a tiny dog, even on a bike or through a long day.
4. Alfie Pet Front Dog Sling Carrier – Considered for Style
We really liked the colors and stripes of the design of this carrier, but it can feel a bit bulky because it carries in the front, like a front-facing backpack. Over a day of testing with it, we found it was hard to do anything besides walk while wearing this sling.
We prefer the Alfie Pet Chico Reversible Pet Sling which is made of a softer material and is much more comfortable to wear.
5. IPrimio Dog Sling – Considered for Comfort
This sling is comfortable with a reversible cotton design. It’s breathable for the dog and comfortable for the human to carry. In comparison though, we would rather have the Yudodo Pet Dog Sling Carrier, which also has mesh but the leather makes it higher quality and gives it a better look.
6. Grtdrm Pet Sling Carrier – Considered for Small Dogs
This sling is a great option for dogs up to 16 pounds and comes in gray or pink. It is comfortable and reversible, allowing for flexibility in style and longer use. However, there are still better slings out there, such as the CRMADA Reversible Dog Sling, which costs less and looks better.
