Things to look for in a dog sling carrier
Not all dog slings are created equal. There are a few things to consider when finding the best dog sling carrier for you and your pup.
When looking at the following categories, keep in mind that all of the qualities that you’re looking for in a dog sling carrier relate back to keeping your dog safe. Whether it is a durable material to keep your sling carrier in dog worthy condition or the strong collar clips that keep your small dog in place. Safety is extremely important when considering which dog sling carrier is best for you and your dog’s needs!
Comfort is key when considering materials for a dog sling. Not only is this important for your dog, because they will be lounging around in the sling for extended periods of time, but it’s also important for you, the carrier.
Popular dog slings are made of breathable but durable materials (e.g., cotton material, fleece or polyester). However, it’s important to consider the weather and/or climate when finding the right dog sling. Some materials, like fleece, will offer more warmth and comfort but may not be appropriate for warmer temperatures.
Several companies have solved this problem by offering reversible designs with interchangeable materials so they are functional in varying climates or circumstances.
It is also recommended that you find material that is machine-washable so you can keep the sling free of pet hair and dirt.
Every dog and dog owner is different, so it’s important to have flexibility in how you want to carry your pup. Some consumers reported that they would periodically change the height of straps after a few hours, to shift their pet’s weight and prevent fatigue.
Not all brands offer adjustable straps, so if you want more options while carrying your pup, you’ll want to look for brands that offer plastic buckles or metal rings that allow for adjustable length or height.
Arguably the most important factor when carrying your pet with you is safety. Collar clips are metal or plastic clips that fasten your pet to the pet sling to keep them from sliding or falling from the sling.
Most companies have addressed safety concerns by designing their products to keep pets from jumping, falling or sliding from the sling. However, collar clips offer added piece of mind, especially if you have a rambunctious, spirited pup.
In addition to collar clips, some dog slings offer Velcro, zippers or buttons to partially enclose the sling and keep your dog from falling or jumping out. In order for these to be effective, they should be functional, so reading reviews on the type of enclosure will help you decide if this is the type of closure you’re looking for.
Some consumers have reported that zipper closures may pull or get snagged on longer dog hair, whereas snaps may not keep more high-spirited pups from breaking free from the enclosure. You’ll want to consider closures that are both sturdy and flexible so your dog can still peek their head out and experience their surroundings.
Some slings have enough space for you to add a comfort item or blanket, while others include “comfort pads.” These pads will provide your pet with support, similar to a bed on the go.
One of the main benefits to comfort pads is that they are not only durable, but removable. So, on days where you don’t need the extra padding, you can ditch the pad or replace it with a small blanket or toy.
Here are our picks for the three best options to choose from when buying a dog sling carrier.
Petoga Couture (parent brand for Alfie Pet is a reputable pet brand from Seattle, Washington, that aspires to provide pet lovers a means to pamper their pets. They boast a meaningful mission: to support nonprofit organizations that help animals in need by donating pet supplies and facilitating their daily activities and operations.
So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they market their Alfie Pet Sling as a means to keep your pup closer to your heart. The Chico 2.0 is a trendy 9-inch sling with adjustable shoulder straps.
The Chico 2.0 can carry a pup that weighs up to 12 pounds and offers a safety collar hook for added security. As an added bonus, the Alfie Pet also comes in four different colors: pink, gray, blue and denim. So, if you’re interested in functionality but don’t want to sacrifice fashion, this is the sling for you.
Here’s we gathered about Petoga Couture’s Alfie Pet Sling:
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You can read more reviews and buy the Alfie Pet Chico 2.0 at Amazon.
FurryFido is a company founded relatively recently by a group of pet parents in New York City. They place pet wellness and happiness as a top priority of their brand. After looking into their products, it’s clear that their values translate to very high-quality pet sling carrier
The FurryFido Pet Sling can comfortably accommodate small pets up to 13 pounds. Keep in mind that different breeds hold their weight differently, so depending on their size and shapes this weight limit may be slightly different.
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You can purchase the FurryFido at Amazon.
The BreaDeep Pet Carrier is a breathable mesh small-dog sling equipped with collar hooks and an adjustable contraction rope to keep your dog safely tucked inside.
Unlike the other two slings mentioned, the BreaDeep offers two different sizes. The small is equipped to carry dogs up to 6.6 pounds, while the medium can carry dogs up to 13.2 pounds. Make sure to measure your dog’s back length (tail-to-neck distance) to make sure you get the right size.
Something also worth noting because the BreaDeep Carrier offers varying sizes is that it does not offer adjustable straps, so you’ll want to review the specs for the size you purchase to make sure it is best suited for you and your pet. It does, however, offer a small storage compartment for personal items and is considered ideal for the smallest breeds.
Here’s what customers have to say about the BreaDeep Pet Carrier:
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You can read more reviews and buy the BreaDeep Pet Carrier at Amazon.
Our Top Pick: Cuby Dog Sling Carrier
If you’re looking for the most well-rounded pet carrier sling for your dog, the Cuby Dog Sling Carrier is probably it. This carrier can safely tote dogs up to 10 pounds, so it’s perfect for puppies or small breeds that enjoy being held by their fur parents sometimes. With a wide, adjustable shoulder strap, the Cuby Dog Sling Carrier is comfortable for you to wear while keeping your pooch (or even your cat!) snugly in front of you.
The Cuby Dog Sling Carrier is also reversible, and comes in a choice of 9 fashionable prints. It is made from a breathable, non-toxic, durable cotton. A safety belt is included, so you can rest assured your dog will be safe in secure in this well-made carrier sling.
More than 3,000 Amazon reviewers have given this carrier an average 4.4 rating, proving that it’s a stand-out in its category. One of the most common praises reviewers have for this sling carrier is that their dogs seem relaxed and secure when they’re in it.
Cuby Dog Sling Carrier Key Features:
Best Large Dog Sling Carrier: Retro Pug Pet Carrier
No sling carrier is designed to carry large dogs (that job is best left to larger dog carriers) but some slings have a higher maximum weight than others. The Retro Pug Pet Carrier is one of the best of its kind, offering secure toting for small to medium-sized dogs up to 20 lbs.
Thanks to its wide strap design, this carrier distributes the weight of larger dogs evenly around your chest, shoulder, and back for comfortable control. The carrier’s deep pocket allows a 15 to 20-pound dog to sit securely inside with gentle cradling. The material is even somewhat waterproof to keep your pup as dry as possible in wet conditions.
Retro Pug Pet Carrier Key Features:
The Most Amazing Dog Sling Ever▪︎Review
As a dog owner, you probably want to take your pooch with you wherever you go. Unfortunately for small dogs, their little legs could feel otherwise. If your puppy or small dog gets tired out quickly on walks but you still want to take her on some adventures with you, then a sling carrier might be the perfect solution for both of you. These carriers keep your hands free and lay conveniently and comfortably around your shoulder and in front of you, so you can keep your dog close without physically carrying her.
We reviewed dozens of dog carrier slings to identify the best of the best. In our search, we looked for slings that are comfortable for you and for your dog, safe to carry small dogs in, and have some extra features for convenience, like adjustability and storage pockets.
The Cuby Dog Sling Carrier stood out as the clear winner because of its breathable cotton fabric, its convenient size for small dogs, and its adjustable strap that makes it possible for you to tailor it to your needs for comfort.