Dog slings are great alternatives. These are designed for smaller dogs and toy breeds, usually feature a single strap, and come in various fabrics, colors, and styles. Our tester selected the medium sized YUDODO Reflective Pet Sling Carrier for their 12-pound dog. She felt that it offered ample space to keep her dog protected and secure without feeling restricted. Placement of optional stabilizing rods reduces internal space for dog, and our tester found the rods difficult to install Have you been in a situation where your dog can’t keep up with your pace, especially when you are out on a strenuous hike, because of their short legs or because they don’t have the energy to continue?

They loved that they can comfortably carry their pups and their stuff all at once — which makes it a great fit for active pet parents or commuters.

If you have a toy or small dog, you can probably carry them in your arms the rest of the way. And, even then, it can be quite tiring after some time. Knowing that your dog may give up halfway on the trail, the chances are that you’ll choose to leave them at home the next time you plan for a hike. But what if your pup wants to tag along? The bottom of the bag is waterproof with ventilation panels on each side. The zippered main compartment also has two separate zippers, so you can either zip it fully closed or zip up a separate mesh panel for additional ventilation. While we appreciated the multiple ways to ventilate, the mesh is a little too heavy-duty to allow as much airflow as our tester would have liked. The design is perfect for the pet and the owner; it is spacious for the pet and structured so that they do not get crushed or feel smushed. It is spacious for the owners in the sense that you can carry your own items with ease.” — Barbara S. The parcel is designed to stand on its own, making it easier to place your dog inside, where it will find a cushioned base. The bag is recommended for dogs under 15 pounds and is designed to give a dog plenty of space to move around as it pleases. An interior clip attached to a collar or harness will keep your dog safely inside, and a mesh panel at the top can be unzipped without your worrying about your dog escaping.