10 Best dog backpacks

If you’re looking for a backpack to give to your dog this summer, you’ve landed on the right page. Dog backpacks can make great gifts for dogs, especially if they enjoy staying active and are self-sufficient.

“A pet owner would want to invest in a dog backpack if they travel often with their dogs, especially with outdoor activities, because they allow a dog owner to have their dogs carry their supplies,” explains Dwight Alleyne, DVM and veterinarian expert for JustAnswer. “Because dogs carry their own supplies, it can help add physical exercise into their routine and provide great health benefits, in addition to the sense of purpose carrying a dog backpack allows.”

To find the best dog backpacks, I consulted with Alleyne and other veterinarians to learn more about dog backpacks, focusing on their features, safety aspects, pockets and dimensions, plus their top dog backpack recommendations.

What to consider when buying a dog backpack

While some of the best dog crates and even your best dog stroller can also help store your pet’s belongings, a dog backpack gives your dog a sense of purpose wherever they are. Here’s what to look for.

Features

Before purchasing a dog backpack for your pet, you’ll want to ensure it has the necessary features. Sara Ochoa, DVM at The Animal Hospital of West Monroe and co-founder of Howto-pets.com, notes that comfort features, including padded straps and ventilation, are essential to ensure a secure and pleasant fit. Alleyne adds that a leash attachment and water resistance features are key, especially if you plan on having your dog wear their backpack outdoors.

Safety features

When it comes to safety features, “these backpacks should be made out of very sturdy material that doesn’t rip easily, because some dogs may be rough with the backpack,” notes Alleyne. “They should also have reflective material to allow for easy visibility in low light, in addition to easily adjustable buckles or straps.”

Pockets

Pockets are an essential part of a dog backpack because they can provide places for your (but mostly your pup’s) belongings. “The ideal backpack should have multiple pockets with different sizes to accommodate the essentials,” says Alleyne. Ochoa notes that you should consider what your dog will be carrying and ensure that the backpack’s pockets accommodate those items. For example, if you plan on having your dog carry their toys, you should opt for backpacks with bigger pockets, whereas if you’d like them to carry their treats or waste bags, the pockets can be smaller.

Our top picks for the best dog backpacks

How we selected the best dog backpacks

Expert advice and online research

I selected the best dog backpacks after consulting with Sara Ochoa, DVM at The Animal Hospital of West Monroe and co-founder of Howto-pets.com, and Dwight Alleyne, DVM and veterinarian expert for JustAnswer, about the most important features of a dog backpack. Their recommendations informed my research and selection of picks for this list. I also included several of their recommendations.

Features

According to the recommendations of the veterinarians I spoke with, most of the picks on this list are made of breathable materials or mesh and contain padded straps or harnesses that aid in comfort.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I train my dog to wear a backpack?

There isn’t one specific method to follow when it comes to training your dog to wear a backpack because every dog is different. However, there are some best practices that you can try incorporating during training sessions with your dog. “You can first let your dog get familiar with the backpack, maybe even adding an enticing scent,” says Alleyne. “Then you can place it on them in the house while empty (or with a light load) and let them wear it around, before adding things to the backpack so they can get used to the additional weight.”

Ochoa adds that you should be monitoring your dogs during training and looking for signs of discomfort, which may include chafing or difficulty with movement, to either make adjustments or shop for a different or more comfortable backpack for your dog. Ochoa adds that keeping training sessions lighthearted and fun is the best way to ensure the best possible experience for you and your dog. Furthermore, it’s key that your dog is only carrying 10% to 15% of their body weight, explains Ochoa.

Can I use a dog backpack for puppies?

Alleyne advises against placing a dog backpack on a puppy because the puppy’s muscles and bones are still developing, so wearing a backpack could increase the risk of harm and potential injury. Furthermore, he notes that since puppies typically have shorter attention spans, wearing backpacks can be distracting.

Are dog backpacks suitable for senior dogs?

Both Ochoa and Alleyne note that dog backpacks can be suitable for senior dogs. However, it’s important that if you have a senior dog and you plan on giving them a backpack, you ensure they’re in good health beforehand. “As long as senior dogs do not have any major known orthopedic or other health conditions, backpacks should be fine with senior dogs,” explains Alleyne.

Are dog backpacks comfortable for dogs?

Dog backpacks can be comfortable for dogs, depending on their type and material. Furthermore, a lot of the comfort or discomfort that can come from a dog wearing a backpack depends on its fit. “A well-fitted backpack should distribute weight evenly across your dog’s shoulders and back, avoiding any strain,” says Ochoa.

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