Did you know that human-canine interactions can increase both species’ oxytocin and dopamine levels?¹ This means the more you hang out with your dog, the happier both of you will be!

One great way to get physically and emotionally closer to your dog is by using a dog sling. These handy portable carriers enable you to keep your small-breed dog at your side (literally!) wherever you go. If you are searching for ways to connect more deeply with your pup, this could be a great place to start.

Not all slings are created equal, however, and there are a few duds on the market. So, we researched all the options out there to bring you the following reviews. Read on to learn about the best dog slings and everything else you need to know before investing in one.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

The 10 Best Dog Slings

1. FurryFido Classic Reversible Dog Carrier Sling — Best Overall

The FurryFido Classic Reversible Dog Carrier Sling is the best overall dog sling on this list for many reasons. The sling is made with high-quality cotton that’s durable enough to hold pups up to 13 pounds. The material is soft to ensure comfort for both you and your pet.

The hands-free design of this sling will hold your dog comfortably at your side. Its over-the-shoulder strap is wide to ensure even weight distribution, so it won’t dig into your shoulders or hurt your back.

It comes with a safety hook to attach to your pup’s collar. This additional safety measure ensures your dog won’t run away if they happen to finagle their way out of the sling.

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2. Cozy Courier Pet Products Dog Carrier Sling — Best Value

If you’re looking to stretch your dollar, the Cozy Courier Pet Products Dog Carrier Sling is the best dog sling for the money. It’s made with a durable and breathable Oxford cloth material. This material choice makes the sling simple to clean by tossing it in the washing machine. The carrier is padded very well and even has additional cushioning in the shoulder strap to keep you pain free.

The shoulder strap is adjustable to find the exact fit you need to be comfortable. If going hands free during your adventures with your dog is important to you, you’ll love the large pocket on the strap that can hold your personal effects. The manufacturer has also outfitted the sling with a collar clip to ensure your pet won’t run away if they get out of the carrier.

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3. Pet Gear R & R Dog Carrier Sling — Premium Choice

The Pet Gear R & R Dog Carrier Sling provides a beautiful dog sling that is a step above the others in terms of quality and style. This fashion-forward bag is not only nice to look at but also functional. The exterior of the bag has leatherette detailing, which contrasts nicely with the color of the sling. You can choose between five different color and design options, from classic black to mulberry and even jaguar print.

There are four different pockets on the sling where you can store your items, as well as goodies for your dog. The quilted liner provides comfort and is also removable for simple cleaning. We love that the manufacturer provides a pad to put into the bottom of this sling too. This pad adds extra support for your dog so they can feel secure in your bag.

The manufacturers used measurement guidelines from most commercial airlines to bring you a bag that’s cabin friendly. No more storing your pet in the underbelly of the plane!

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4. Katziela Expandable Sling Dog Carrier — Best for Puppies

Puppies may be too small to fit comfortably in all dog slings. The Katziela Expandable Sling Dog Carrier is perfect in this case, as it works for your pup’s first few months and can then expand to fit them as they grow.

This sling is much less bulky than others on the market, making it a clear pick for people who like to pack light or those who take their dogs on a lot of adventures. Its sturdy polyester construction ensures your pup will feel secure and safe when they’re in it.

The sling closes via a drawstring for a close but comfortable fit around your dog’s neck and has an attached collar clip for safety. The hands-free mesh pocket on the shoulder strap sits in a perfect position to store small personal effects like credit cards or your smartphone.

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5. Alfie Pet – Chico 2.0 Reversible Pet Sling Carrier With Adjustable Strap

The Alfie Pet – Chico 2.0 Reversible Pet Sling Carrier With Adjustable Strap is a stylish and functional option that is soft and comfortable for your pet. It is made from cotton, so it stays lightweight and comfortable for you too. The shoulder strap can adjust anywhere between 14 and 35 inches, ensuring you find a way to wear the sling so it doesn’t hurt your back. You can choose to wear your dog on the front of your body or behind you, whatever is most convenient for you.

This carrier has a safety collar hook to keep your pup within arm’s reach at all times, even if they escape from the sling. The Chico sling is simple to clean, as it is machine washable.

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6. SlowTon Hands-Free Padded & Adjustable Sling Dog Carrier

If you’ve tried slings in the past but couldn’t get past how much they hurt your shoulders or back, the SlowTon Hands-Free Padded & Adjustable Sling Dog Carrier could help. This carrier features an adjustable shoulder strap that enables you to choose the length you need for the sling to feel comfortable. It also has thick spongy padding, so there won’t be any painful digging into your shoulders.

The breathable and soft cotton material provides a comfortable spot for your pet to hang out. There’s an adjustable safety hook to link with your dog’s collar to prevent any escapes too. The sling has an easy-to-access front pocket to keep treats for your pup or your personal effects.

 

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7. Jespet GooPaws Comfy Dog Sling

The Jespet GooPaws Comfy Dog Sling is lightweight and super soft that’s cozy and comfortable for both you and your pup. The inner lining features a soft fleece material to keep your dog cozy and relaxed, while the exterior of the sling is made of an attractive knit material to keep you looking fashionable. This item is best used during the fall and winter months, as it provides the warmth your pup needs to stay comfortable during cooler weather.

There is a large pocket that hangs at the bottom of the strap where you can store toys, treats, or your cell phone. The pocket closes with a secure zipper so your items will stay safe and secure.

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8. YYUDODO Pet Dog Sling Carrier Breathable Mesh Travel Safe Sling Bag Carrier

The breathable and comfortable YUDODO Pet Dog Sling Carrier Breathable Mesh Travel Safe Sling Bag Carrier is a must-have for your warmer weather adventures. It is made with a mesh material to keep your dog cool in the heat and allow them to stay much more comfortable by your side.

The strap features an easy-to-access phone pocket and is extra wide and padded in design to reduce shoulder pressure. The phone pocket is open and does not zip or close shut. There is a drawstring closure on the bag that you can tighten as necessary to keep your dog feeling secure and safe. The manufacturer also outfitted the sling with an adjustable safety hook to attach to their collar for further security.

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9. Cuby Dog and Sling Carrier

The Cuby Dog Sling Carrier is made with high-quality cotton and polyester materials. These materials together provide a sturdy and comfortable place for your dog to hang out while you’re doing errands or hiking together. The materials are nice and thick, so your pup won’t have a hard time staying warm on cooler days.

The sling has a buckle that enables you to adjust it to where you need it to be most comfortable. It also has an open-style pocket to store personal effects.

One of the best things about this bag is that it’s reversible. While it’s not a must-have feature, it’s nice to have the choice of which fabric you’d like to have facing out. One side has a soft and cozy material, and the other is a slippery polyester fabric. It’s important to note that the pocket is not reversible.

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10. Jekeno Small Dog Sling Carrier Adjustable Strap Hand Free Pet Puppy Travel Bag Backpack

The Jekeno Small Dog Sling Carrier Adjustable Strap Hand Free Pet Puppy Travel Bag Backpack features a cotton and chiffon construction that provides a breathable and lightweight option for toting your pup around.

The sling connects with a strong and durable POM buckle for peace of mind. Your pup will always feel secure, and you won’t need to worry about the bag’s length loosening over time or with too much movement. The buckle also allows you to adjust the length of the strap to 36 inches. There is a convenient storage pocket on the strap for storing your smartphone.

Buyer’s Guide: Important Factors to Consider When Finding the Best Dog Slings

Buying the perfect dog sling isn’t as simple as picking one you like the look of and buying it. The best carrier will be functional first and attractive in design second. If this is your first time buying a dog sling, you might not know what factors you should consider before making your buy. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of functional dog slings so you can make an informed buying decision.

Material

The material the sling is made of is the most important factor to consider before buying. You want your dog to feel comfortable in the sling; otherwise, they’ll never want to get into it. More than that, you want the sling to feel comfortable to wear, or else you’ll hurt yourself or find wearing the sling unbearable.

Cotton is one of the most common materials for dog slings because it’s both cozy and breathable. Cotton is also very lightweight, so it’ll be easier for you to wear longer distances. The downfall of cotton is that it tends to absorb moisture instead of wicking it away, which can be bothersome during hot summer days.

Polyester is another material you’ll see. It’s not as comfortable as cotton and can hold onto scents and be a little slippery, though, so proceed with caution. If you know your dog will get anxious in a sling that’s slippery on the interior, you may want to choose one made of cotton instead.

Some manufacturers use fleece on the interior of their slings. Fleece is great because it’s very soft and comfortable for your dog, but it does have some drawbacks. The biggest is that fleece can get very hot. If you plan on using your sling during the warmer months of the year, a fleece interior can cause your dog to overheat. If you’ll be using your carrier during autumn or winter, though, fleece should be a big selling point.

Comfort

The perfect sling will be comfortable for both your pet and you. Your sling needs to provide support. Some manufacturers provide thick cushioning or padding on the bottom of the inside of the sling. This will give your dog the support they need to feel safe and cozy.

For your dog to be comfortable in the bag, they need enough space but not too much. The key to finding the perfect size for your pooch is to take the necessary measurements. We didn’t include the sling dimensions in each review just for fun; they’re an essential component to choosing the perfectly sized bag. Pay attention to the weight restrictions too. A dog that’s 13 pounds isn’t likely to find a sling with a 10-pound limit to be very comfortable.

You should find a sling with wide straps that have extra padding. Too-narrow straps can dig into your shoulders and cause a lot of pain. Wider straps ensure even weight distribution across your shoulder. Padding will provide the extra support you need to comfortably carry your pup long distances.

Safety

The most important safety feature of dog slings is a collar attachment. Wriggly or anxious dogs might try to escape from your sling until they get used to it. If you’re not attaching their collar to the sling, you run the risk of your dog running away.

You might also consider slings that have zippers or drawstrings you can tighten around your dog’s head. You don’t want to tighten these too much, as you run the risk of hurting your dog, but when tightened just right, it will provide another barrier to escape.

Adjustability

Adjustable straps are almost always a must-have for pet carriers. No two people are sized the same, so having the opportunity to adjust the length of the straps will provide you with a more customized fitting sling. You must remember that you’ll be carrying up to an extra 13 pounds of animal in an unnatural place on your body. Studies suggest that shoulder bags can cause postural deviations across all the planes of your body, which can lead to strain on your spinal structures. The bottom line is that if you’re not wearing the carrier in just the right spot, you could be setting yourself up for injury.

If you fall in the average weight and height category, you can probably get away with a sling that isn’t adjustable, though.

Why Use a Dog Sling Over a Harness and Leash?

A harness and leash are not great options for all dogs. If your dog is sick, unpredictable, not yet vaccinated, or aging, leash walks could be dangerous and painful.

A sling enables you to always have your pet within reach. Sometimes the physical closeness that a sling provides is all an anxious dog needs to feel safe and comfortable as you two explore the great outdoors.

What Safety Precautions Should I Follow When Using the Dog Sling?

You must get your dog accustomed to the sling before you think about stepping outside with them in it. If your dog becomes uncomfortable or has a scary experience in the sling, they might be hesitant to ever get into it again. Practice putting them in the sling and walking around at home before embarking on your first outdoor adventure.

The first thing you should do before using the sling is attach the harness or collar to the safety clip in the sling. We recommend using a harness, as they tend to be safer and won’t hurt your dog’s neck if they do manage to jump out of the sling. The safety clip will ensure that your dog stays close by even if they do jump out of the sling.

As with any pet-centric item, you should check it regularly for signs of wear and tear. Inspect the exterior stitches and seams to make sure they’re holding strong. Look in the interior to ensure there are no loose threads that can wrap around your pups’ toenails or feet.

Be sure to check in with your pet regularly when they’re in the sling. Feel their body. Are they warm? Cold? If so, you may need to make adjustments to ensure that they’re not going to overheat or freeze.

See Also: Dog Safety Tips: How to Keep Your Pup Safe!

Conclusion

We found that the FurryFido sling is the overall best because it’s comfortable, lightweight, and durable. Coming in a close second is the very affordable sling from Cozy Courier. Its extra padding is a godsend for both you and your pup. Thanks to its classy design and the cozy quilted liner, Pet Gear R & R took the third-place position.

We hope that you have learned a little about what makes dog slings so great and that our buying guide has helped provide the insight you need to make an informed buying decision.

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Featured Image Credit: Susan Schmitz, Shutterstock