Choosing the right carrier for your small dog isn't only about convenience — it's about safety, comfort, and matching the carrier to how you actually move through the world. A carrier that's perfect for a quick café run won't work for a transatlantic flight.
Here's a breakdown of the main carrier types, what each offers, and how to decide what fits your life.
Sling carriers
A fabric pouch worn across your body like a crossbody bag, with your dog nestled against your chest or hip.
Slings keep your hands free while holding your dog close, and they're lightweight enough to fold into almost nothing — ideal for quick errands, cafés, or public transport. Dogs who get anxious in enclosed carriers often settle better here, against your body, and most slings are machine washable. The trade-offs: the weight sits on one shoulder, which tires over long wear; there's little structure, so your dog can shift; and they aren't airline-approved or suited to dogs much over 5–6 kg.
Best for: ultra-small dogs under 5 kg, short urban trips, owners who want constant contact, and dogs recovering from surgery or anxiety.
Look for: an adjustable, padded strap, a breathable mesh panel, an internal safety clip for the harness, and washable fabric.
Backpack carriers
A structured backpack with your dog riding on your back, often with a mesh or bubble window to look out.
Because the weight spreads across both shoulders, a backpack is comfortable for longer wear, with your hands completely free — good for hiking, travel, crowded events, and long days out. The structure keeps your dog secure, ventilation is usually strong, and many models are airline-approved. The downsides: they're bulkier than a sling or tote, you can't see your dog behind you, getting them in and out means taking the pack off, and they can run warm in summer.
Best for: active owners, hiking and travel, crowded markets, and dogs 4–10 kg who enjoy a high vantage point.
Look for: padded, adjustable shoulder and chest straps, a waist belt to shift weight to the hips, top and side entry, multi-side ventilation, a built-in leash clip, and airline-approved dimensions if you fly.
Shoulder bag and tote carriers
Designed to look like a stylish handbag — often indistinguishable from a regular bag — with your dog inside.
A tote is discreet, easy to match to your aesthetic, and gives quick top access for a dog who likes to peek out. It's a good choice for public transport where an obvious pet carrier draws attention. As with a sling, the weight rests on one shoulder, and there's less structure, so it's not built for long distances or heavier dogs, and it can swing if poorly balanced.
Best for: urban owners, short trips, cafés and restaurants, and dogs who like to observe from the top of the bag.
Look for: a structured base that won't sag, breathable mesh panels, an internal safety tether, a wipeable lining, and reinforced handles.
Wheeled carriers
A carrier on wheels you pull behind you like luggage — many convert to a backpack when you need to lift it.
The big advantage is no weight on your body at all, which makes wheeled carriers excellent for airports, stations, long walks, and owners with back or shoulder issues. They handle heavier small dogs and offer plenty of storage. But they're bulky on stairs and buses, the wheels struggle on cobblestones, gravel and grass, and your dog rides low to the ground — closer to other dogs, feet and noise.
Best for: air and train travel, long-distance trips, owners with mobility concerns, and heavier small dogs.
Look for: smooth 360° swivel wheels, convertible backpack straps, a telescoping handle, multi-side ventilation, and a removable, washable pad.
Soft-sided airline-approved carriers
A collapsible soft fabric carrier designed specifically to fit under an aeroplane seat — usually rectangular, with mesh sides.
These are built to meet cabin requirements, store flat when not in use, and offer ventilation on multiple sides with top and side entry for security screening. The caveats: they aren't rigid, so they can collapse inward if you're not careful, they're less comfortable for long carrying than a backpack, and they have limited use outside travel.
Best for: cabin air travel, train travel, and calm dogs comfortable in enclosed spaces.
Look for: mesh on at least three sides, a padded bottom, a collapsible frame, a shoulder strap and top handle — and dimensions that match your specific airline.
On sizing: a common cabin limit is around 46 × 28 × 24 cm, but this varies significantly by airline. Always measure your dog and confirm your airline's exact requirements before buying.
Hard-sided carriers
A rigid plastic or hard-shell carrier with a metal door — the standard for cargo travel and car transport.
This is the most secure and protective option: required for cargo-hold air travel, excellent for the car where it straps into a seatbelt, durable, easy to wipe clean, and usable as a crate in hotels. In return, it's heavy and bulky, can't fold, takes up real storage space, and generally isn't allowed in aeroplane cabins.
Best for: cargo air travel, car travel, dogs needing extra security, and use as a travel crate.
Look for: IATA approval for air cargo, ventilation on multiple sides, a secure locking door, top and side handles, and enough room for your dog to stand, turn and lie down.
Convertible carriers
Multi-functional carriers that switch between backpack, shoulder bag, and sometimes wheeled modes.
The appeal is versatility — one carrier for several situations, which can be cost-effective for frequent travellers. The trade-off is the usual one for multi-purpose gear: it can be heavier, costs more upfront, and may not excel at any single function the way a dedicated carrier does.
Best for: frequent travellers who move between car, plane, train and walking and want one well-made carrier for everything.
Which carrier is right for your small dog
There's no universal best — it depends on your dog's size and temperament, and how you'll use it.
By weight: under 3 kg suits a sling or shoulder bag; 3–6 kg opens up backpacks and airline-approved soft-sided carriers too; 6–10 kg points to a backpack or wheeled carrier; above 10 kg, wheeled or hard-sided only.
By temperament: an anxious or clingy dog usually does best in a sling, close to your body; a calm, observant dog enjoys a backpack or tote; an active, squirmy dog needs the structure of a backpack or hard-sided carrier; a dog nervous in enclosed spaces does better with an open-top tote or sling.
By how you travel: flights call for a soft-sided airline-approved carrier or a convertible; hiking wants a backpack with waist support; urban errands suit a sling or tote; the car needs a hard-sided carrier secured with the seatbelt. And if you have back or shoulder issues, a wheeled carrier takes the load off entirely.
The carrier safety checklist
Whichever type you choose, every carrier should have:
- Proper ventilation — mesh on at least two sides, ideally three.
- An internal safety tether that clips to the harness to prevent escape.
- Secure closures that won't open accidentally.
- A washable or wipeable interior.
- Comfortable padding, especially on the bottom.
- The right size — your dog can stand, turn around and lie down, with no excess space.
- Durable construction and, for you, padded adjustable straps.
Helping your dog love their carrier
Most dogs don't take to a carrier naturally. Introduce it weeks before you actually need it, and make it inviting — leave it open in the living room with treats, a favourite toy, or meals inside, and let your dog explore on their own rather than being placed in. Build up slowly: a few seconds inside, then longer; a walk around the house; then short five-minute trips before anything longer. The goal is for the carrier to mean treats and calm, not only vet visits.
Dog carriers for small dogs: your questions answered
What size carrier does my dog need?
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail for length, and from the floor to the top of the head when sitting for height. Add 5–7 cm to each. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Can I use a regular backpack or bag as a dog carrier?
Not safely. Regular bags lack proper ventilation, structural support, and safety features like an internal tether. Always use a carrier designed for pets.
Should the carrier be big enough for my dog to move around?
Yes, but not too big. They should be able to stand, turn and lie down — but excess space is unsafe during sudden stops or turbulence. Snug is safer than spacious.
Can I carry two small dogs in one carrier?
Only if the carrier is designed for two and both dogs are comfortable together, with room to move without crowding. If you're flying, check the airline's rules — many allow only one pet per carrier.
Are bubble backpacks safe?
Generally yes, if well-ventilated and properly sized — the bubble window shouldn't be the only airflow. Avoid them in hot weather, where they can trap heat, and note that not every dog enjoys the exposure.
What's the difference between a carrier and a pet stroller?
A carrier is worn or carried; a stroller is wheeled and your dog rides inside. Strollers suit senior or injured dogs and very long outings, but are less portable.
My dog gets motion sick in carriers. What can I do?
Choose a carrier where they can see out, which helps, and avoid feeding right before travel. Take frequent breaks, and for longer trips, ask your vet about anti-nausea options.
Are expensive carriers worth it?
Usually, yes — better materials, comfort for both of you, stronger safety features, and a carrier that lasts years. Cheaper carriers often have poor ventilation and uncomfortable straps, and wear out quickly.
The right carrier keeps your dog safe, comfortable and secure while making your day easier. Choose based on how you actually move through it — the kind of trips you take, the distances you cover, the way you like to travel.
Explore our carrier collection, selected for small dogs on the move.
