Dog carrier bags

Dog carrier: weight decides almost everything

With dogs, choosing a carrier comes down first to one simple fact: its weight. A 3 kg chihuahua and a 15 kg cocker spaniel do not need the same object, and no model covers both. That is the first thing to settle, before material, colour or format.

The second criterion is real use: car, public transport, plane, hiking. This page brings together the whole range, organised by size and by use.

Choosing by weight

Up to 5 kg – chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, puppy. Anything is possible: shoulder bag, front carrier, small backpack. Carrying is never a problem at this weight. See small dog carriers.

Up to 10 kg – the most requested format, and the upper limit of comfortable back carrying. At this weight, padded shoulder straps and above all the chest strap stop being a luxury. See dog backpacks up to 10 kg.

From 15 to 20 kg – here, carrying is no longer reasonable over time. You move to reinforced models and above all to wheels: you pull instead of carrying, and the difference is huge in a station or an airport corridor. See large dog transport.

Careful: the stated load tells you what the seams can take, not whether the dog fits inside. Measure it from the nose to the base of the tail, compare with the interior dimensions, and check it can stand up, turn around and lie down.

The formats, and who they are for

The backpack. Hands free, weight spread over both shoulders: the best format in town and on public transport, up to about 10 kg. The full range is in dog backpacks.

The front carrier. The dog against you, in your scent. Very reassuring for puppies and anxious dogs, but only for small dogs. See front carriers & slings.

The shoulder bag or pouch. Simple and discreet for a short trip to the vet. Its limit comes quickly: after ten minutes, all the weight is on one shoulder. See shoulder bags & pouches.

The crate. The most protective in the car, the easiest to clean, and reassuring for dogs that like to feel sheltered. Bulky everywhere else. See transport crates.

The wheeled model. Essential above 10 kg or over long distances. Look for swivel wheels, which follow round corners instead of resisting. See wheeled bags.

By use

In the car. This is the most important point and the least often mentioned: a bag or crate that is not secured becomes a projectile under hard braking. Whatever the format, it must be strapped in with the seat belt or wedged on the floor behind a seat. See car carriers.

By plane. In the cabin, the bag must fit under the seat in front of you: airlines set their dimensions and a soft model is a must. Above the permitted weight, the dog travels in the hold in an approved crate. See air travel.

By motorbike or bicycle. The bag must hold firmly, ventilate properly and stop the dog being thrown about. A model worn on the back with a chest strap, or fixed to the handlebars for small dogs.

Hiking. Ventilated back, support straps, lasting comfort – and a way to switch between carrying and wheels when your shoulders tire.

What to check

• The interior dimensions, compared with the length of the dog – before anything else.
• Ventilation on several sides, not just a window.
• A firm base, otherwise the dog slides with every step.
• An internal leash clip to attach the harness, so it cannot escape when you open it.
• Reinforced seams and closures: they are the first to give way with a heavy dog.
• Suitable carrying: shoulder bag up to 5 kg, backpack with chest strap up to 10 kg, wheels beyond that.

Our guides

• What size of carrier should you choose for your dog?
• Dog carrier: bag, backpack or crate?
• Dog transport crate: buying guide
• Transporting your dog safely by car
• Flying with your dog: the IATA cabin carrier
• Dog front carrier: the right choice for small breeds

Frequently asked questions

Which carrier should I choose for my dog?

It comes down to its weight. Up to 5 kg, anything works. Up to 10 kg, a backpack with a chest strap. Above 15 kg, a reinforced or wheeled model. In every case, it must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down.

Up to what weight can you carry a dog on your back?

In practice, back carrying stays comfortable up to about 10 kg depending on your build. Beyond that, a wheeled model will spare your back on long trips.

Is a pet carrier safe in the car?

Only if it is secured. Strapped in with the seat belt or wedged on the floor, yes. Left loose on a seat, no – it becomes a projectile when you brake, whatever the format.

Can my dog travel in the aircraft cabin?

Small dogs are generally allowed, subject to weight and size conditions set by each airline. Always check before booking, as the number of animal places per flight is limited.