best Carriers for dogs
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
Bottom Line
Acrylic sweater made for the cold weather that’s easy to put on and take off. Ideal for first-time sweater wearers.
Fashionable fleece sweater for the winter weather.
Classy looking sweater made of soft acrylic. Another option for first-timers.
Blended material sweater with a classic design. Environment conscious owners will appreciate the renewable material.
Soft cotton blend sweatshirt to keep your dog warm even on winter nights.
Pros
Effective in keeping your dog warm, very soft material that dogs like, accurate sizing for small dogs, inexpensive.
Multiple colors to choose from, soft materials, easy to put on and take off, easy to wash.
Well constructed, soft material, comes in multiple colors, easy to put on and off, most affordable option.
High quality, wool blend yarn is soft, odor-resistant, and made of renewable material. Comes in multiple color options.
High quality, very soft material. Warm and available in different colors.
Cons
Material stretches out easily, not so durable, limited design options.
Size runs very small and doesn’t stretch.
Size runs big and can stretch out too much.
Not made for winter, size runs big, most expensive option.
Snug fit and size runs small, sleeves might be too long for some dog breeds.
- As Good As It Gets
petisfam Soft Pet Carrier for Medium Cats and Small Dogs with Cozy Bed
Bottom Line
Acrylic sweater made for the cold weather that’s easy to put on and take off. Ideal for first-time sweater wearers.
Pros
Effective in keeping your dog warm, very soft material that dogs like, accurate sizing for small dogs, inexpensive.
Cons
Material stretches out easily, not so durable, limited design options.
- Best On A Budget
X-ZONE PET Airline Approved Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier for Dogs and Cats
Bottom Line
Fashionable fleece sweater for the winter weather.
Pros
Multiple colors to choose from, soft materials, easy to put on and take off, easy to wash.
Cons
Size runs very small and doesn’t stretch.
Pecute Pet Carrier Backpack, Dog Carrier Backpack
Bottom Line
Classy looking sweater made of soft acrylic. Another option for first-timers.
Pros
Well constructed, soft material, comes in multiple colors, easy to put on and off, most affordable option.
Cons
Size runs big and can stretch out too much.
PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack for Small Cats and Dogs, Puppies
Bottom Line
Blended material sweater with a classic design. Environment conscious owners will appreciate the renewable material.
Pros
High quality, wool blend yarn is soft, odor-resistant, and made of renewable material. Comes in multiple color options.
Cons
Not made for winter, size runs big, most expensive option.
PetAmi Pet Carrier Backpack for Small Cats, Dogs, Puppies | Airline Approved
Bottom Line
Soft cotton blend sweatshirt to keep your dog warm even on winter nights.
Pros
High quality, very soft material. Warm and available in different colors.
Cons
Snug fit and size runs small, sleeves might be too long for some dog breeds.
How We Decided
To decide which sweater will make your dog feel comfortable and look stylish, we hunted for online reviews, tested, and fit them on our team of dog testers! Here’s the breakdown of how we arrived with the best sweater for your small dog.
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide for the Best Carriers for Dogs
Sweaters do more than just make your dog look good, their main purpose is to keep your dog warm during the onset of the cold season. There are tons of options out there for the best sweaters for your small dog, from the cheap to the more expensive ones. They come in all colors and designs that fit your fancy.
Because style is subjective, the most important guide is the function of the sweater. So make sure it keeps your small, furry friend warm and comfortable so that they won’t freeze trying to look good.
Buying Guide for the Best Carriers for Dogs
Sweaters do more than just make your dog look good, their main purpose is to keep your dog warm during the onset of the cold season. There are tons of options out there for the best sweaters for your small dog, from the cheap to the more expensive ones. They come in all colors and designs that fit your fancy.
Because style is subjective, the most important guide is the function of the sweater. So make sure it keeps your small, furry friend warm and comfortable so that they won’t freeze trying to look good.
Key Considerations
Caution
There’s no denying that dressing up our dogs absolutely makes them more adorable. But more than just for our fancy, sweaters should fit your pet nicely and keep them warm properly.
Getting a size too small restricts their movement and can make them very uncomfortable. One too big can fall off easily and fail to keep the cold out of their bodies.
Before buying a sweater, take your dog’s measurement and compare them against the size chart of the brand you’re buying. Also, not every brand will have the same fit, so it’s a safe bet to ask for guidance if you’re unsure or buying for the first time.
Carriers Features
Sweaters don’t come with a lot of additional features but you will find that some have holes or slits for the harness/collar so you can attach the leash and take your dog out for a walk in their sweater.
Some have pockets where you can put small accessories like wipes or poop bags.
You’ll also find that some brands will highlight the materials the sweater is made of. These are the ones that are made from renewable materials, making them more eco-friendly to manufacture.
Expert Tip
It’s easy to get a sweater for your dog if you’re buying from the pet store and your dog can fit the product. However, it becomes tricky if you’re buying online.
Before making an online purchase, check for a return policy. In case the sweater doesn’t fit, a seller that allows you to return the product to exchange it for a different size saves you money. It may be inconvenient to return, but at least you don’t have a doggy sweater that you will just rot in the doggy closet!
Carriers Prices
The products featured here cost less than $15 for the small sizes. However, prices can go up depending on the size, material, and brand. Some brands cost upwards of $30 but they have more fashionable design options.
Unless you’re paying for a bespoke sweater, you control how much you want to spend. Of course, less expensive options might be of lesser quality compared to the higher priced ones. Nevertheless, to make sure you get more than you paid for, make sure to get the right size and check the reviews for quality and durability.
Tips
When buying a sweater for your dog, look at the things you normally consider when buying clothes for yourself.
- The right material for the season. Some sweaters are made of light materials for fall, some are made of thicker ones for winter. Make sure you’re getting the sweater for the appropriate weather. You don’t want your dog to freeze or to get too warm.
- Find comfort. Some are made from cotton, acrylic, or a blend. Find the right material that your dog would love the most.
- Check the size description. Sellers indicate what size or breed of the dog the product is appropriate for. In this case, make sure it’s for a small breed only.
- Measure accurately. Sellers also provide a guide on your dog’s measurements that you need to take to ensure an accurate fit. Getting the right size is important because you want a good fit that won’t restrict your dog’s movements or fall off their backs because it’s too big.
- Research for quality. A sweater may look well-made because it’s brand new, but unless it’s from a brand known for its quality, you won’t know how long it will last. Check for any feedback from other customers to give you an idea of how good or bad the quality is.
other products we Considered
If you want your dog to feel warm during the winter, a sweater might not cut it, especially for thin coated dogs. You can consider a winter coat for your dog instead. Similar to human winter coats, there are coats made with down or fleece for better protection from the cold.
Raincoats or parkas are also available for your four-legged companion to keep them dry during rainy days.
FAQ's
Why does my dog need a sweater?
Some dogs are naturally equipped to handle the cold weather. Breeds like the Pomeranians or Shih Tzus have double coats that allow them to withstand the cold naturally better. However, thin or single coated dogs like Chihuahuas will freeze in the cold without a sweater.
What size should I get for my small dog?
The size depends on the breed of your dog. Check the seller’s size chart to make sure it fits your dog perfectly.
How do I measure the fit of the sweater?
Normally, sellers will provide the size measurements of the product. You’ll then have to measure the length of your dog’s back, the chest and neck girths, and match this against their size chart.
Are sweaters waterproof?
Most sweaters are not waterproof since they are made for the cold weather and not for the rain.
What material is the best?
Sweaters are made of different materials and there is no best material out there. It will depend on your dog’s preference. You might have a dog that prefers cotton over acrylic; or wool blend over cotton. Once you find out which materials your dog prefers, you can consider that the best for them.
Are the sweaters machine washable?
It’s best to check the care description to determine how to wash the product. This varies from brand to brand and on the materials used.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director