Comprehensive Analysis of Pet Carrier Bag Types

For product design in the pet supplies industry, it is essential for development teams, procurement personnel, and brand managers to have a comprehensive understanding of the various types of pet carrier bags. This knowledge forms the foundation for planning new product lines or evaluating supplier capabilities. In this guide, we will explain the history of pet carrier bags, commonly used styles, and their specific functionalities, helping you build a clear product roadmap.

1.The development process of pet bags can be divided into four stages：

1.1  Early Stage (Early 20th Century): Practical Transportation Containers

• Single Function: Primarily used for transporting working dogs (such as hunting dogs and shepherd dogs) or carrying racing dogs. The materials were rough (such as canvas and metal cages), focusing on durability rather than comfort.
• Simple Design: Mostly open baskets or simple backpacks, lacking ventilation and safety features, resulting in lower comfort for the pets.
• Usage Scenario: Mainly used for functional transportation rather than daily companionship.

1.2  Functional Stage (Mid to Late 20th Century): The Material Revolution

• Transformation of Pets' Role: Pets gradually became family companions, and the demand for "carrying pets while traveling" increased, driving the commercialization of pet carriers. With the material revolution, the use of lighter and more comfortable materials became possible.
• Material Optimization: The use of lightweight materials such as nylon and Oxford cloth reduced the weight burden.
• Ventilation Design: Mesh windows were added to improve air circulation.
• Safety Basics: The inclusion of leash attachments, internal buckles, and other safety features.
• Emergence of New Types: The differentiation of types began, including backpacks (to free up the owner's hands) and airline-style carrier backpacks (with hard-shell structures, suitable for cats or small dogs).

1.3  Professional and Specialized Stage (2000-2010)

Scene Segmentation:

• Air Travel: Soft-shell or hard-shell backpacks that meet airline standards (e.g., foldable expandable types).
• Outdoor Hiking: Lightweight, durable materials with additional features such as water bottle pockets and storage space.
• Urban Commuting: Fashionable appearance with concealed designs (e.g., "space capsule" transparent window backpacks).
• Improvement in Pet Comfort:
• Structural Optimization: Ergonomically designed straps and adjustable chest straps to distribute weight.
• Functional Details: Shockproof bottom panels, removable soft padding, urine pad layers, and water dispensers.
• Safety Upgrades: Reflective strips, breathable ventilation holes to prevent suffocation, and reinforced locks

1.4  Smart and Humanized Stage (2010-Present)

Integration of Technology and User Experience as the New Focus

Smart Features Integration:

• Ventilation System: Built-in small fans or ventilation holes to optimize airflow.
• Temperature Control Design: Heat-insulating materials or layers that can insert ice pads.
• Smart Accessories: GPS tracking, lighting, cameras (which allow owners to check their pet's status via a mobile app).

Enhanced User Experience:

• Lightweight Materials: Carbon fiber frames and aviation-grade aluminum to reduce the burden.
• Multifunctional Expansion: Can be folded into a pet bed, or connected to car seat belts.
• Personalized Design: Custom colors, collaborations with trendy brands (e.g., fashionable pet backpacks).

Health and Environmental Considerations:

• Antibacterial Fabrics: To prevent bacteria growth.
• Eco-friendly Materials: Polyester made from recycled plastic bottles, biodegradable components.

The evolution of pet backpacks is essentially a reflection of the deepening relationship between humans and pets — from tools to companions, from function to emotion. In the future, innovation will continue to revolve around the "symbiotic experience." Below, we will elaborate on this topic from two dimensions: design features and functional segmentation.

2. The Design Structure and Functional Segmentation of Pet Bags

2.1  Classified according to external morphology

2.1.1  Double-Shoulder Backpack Style (Pet Backpack)

• Structural Features:

This is the most common and mainstream style, resembling a regular backpack. It is carried with double shoulder straps, which helps distribute weight evenly and frees the hands. It usually has a hard or semi-hard shell and includes an internal safety leash.

• Structural Advantages:

Comfortable, labor-saving, and allows flexible movement. It is suitable for carrying and moving over longer periods.

Subcategories

1）Cat Backpacks 

• Cat bubble backpack ： This is the most popular style, featuring a spherical transparent “bubble” window on the front, typically made of PC or acrylic material. The sides usually use reinforced breathable mesh, EVA back panels, or supporting plates to form a semi-hard or hard shell structure that prevents deformation and maintains a stable interior space for the cat. During production, it often requires reinforced bottom panels, scratch-resistant and wear-resistant materials, and safety-ensured ventilation for the front or side windows. Smooth zipper operation is also crucial to prevent cat fur from getting caught while opening or closing.

• Cat carrier backpack ：The appearance is similar to a regular backpack, made with relatively soft materials. Three sides feature tear-resistant PVC mesh to ensure ventilation and visibility. The backpack is foldable for easy carrying and is suitable for lightweight small to medium cats and dogs for travel and outdoor walks.

• Cat hiking backpack：This cat hiking backpack emphasizes carrying comfort and helps distribute shoulder pressure, featuring padded shoulder straps and back support. Its materials and design prioritize durability, comfort, breathability, and safety. The outer layer is made of waterproof, tear-resistant nylon, with a breathable mesh lining inside. The bottom is reinforced with EVA panels, PP boards, or thickened Oxford cloth, while mesh windows on the sides and top provide visibility and ventilation. An expandable design increases interior space, reducing discomfort during long trips.

2）Backpack for dogs / Dog Rucksack

• Dog travel backpack ：Dog backpacks generally feature a top full-opening or large-opening design, allowing active dogs to enter and exit easily. Designing an excellent dog travel backpack should follow the core principles of “pet comfort first, owner carrying ease, and versatile scenario adaptability.” The main fabric should be high-density nylon with tear strength ≥800 N and a waterproof coating. A breathable mesh lining quickly wicks away moisture. Mid- to high-end models may include integrated sensors, with an app displaying real-time data inside the backpack and automatic alerts if thresholds are exceeded. A reinforced bottom board combined with a spine support ensures that the backpack does not deform or collapse even when carrying up to 10 kg

• Puppy Backpack Carrier ：Puppy backpacks require a softer internal space and a more stable bag structure. The body of the backpack is typically made of denser breathable mesh, such as sandwich mesh, and the interior is equipped with a thickened padding for added comfort. Additionally, the top features an adjustable, escape-proof design for enhanced security.

Main Differences in Design Between Cat Backpacks and Dog Backpacks

2.1.2  Sling bag

Subcategories

1）Cat sling / Cat carrier sling : Cats lack a sense of security and prefer to curl up more naturally inside the bag. Therefore, cat sling bags are usually designed to allow cats to maintain a sitting or lying posture with strong wrapping. Some cats may like to stretch their heads out of the bag to observe the world, so the design will take into account the size of the opening and safety. Typically, a zipper closure is used to ensure that the cat cannot easily escape. The fabric is selected to be soft and skin-friendly, with a focus on the width of the shoulder straps, support structure, and internal safety leash.

2）Dog Sling Bag / Dog Carrying Sling / Puppy carrier bag ：Compared to cats, dogs are usually more active and enjoy looking around or interacting with their owners. Therefore, dog slings are often designed with larger openings to satisfy their curiosity about the environment. They typically include a dedicated safety leash to prevent the dog from jumping or escaping. Since dogs are generally larger, the design emphasizes close support and shoulder load reduction. The materials are usually soft fabrics, such as cotton-linen blends, twill, and reinforced mesh. Key design aspects include shoulder strap width, support structure, and internal safety leash.

2.1.3 Pet Tote Carrier / Pet Purse Carrier / Soft Pet Carrier Bag/ Dog Handbag

Subcategories

1）Dog Carrier Tote ：These dog tote bags are often designed to combine aesthetics with practicality. The materials commonly used include ultra-light nylon twill and taffeta fabric with padded stitching. The handles are usually finished with PU leather trim, and the bottom of the bag features a removable padded insert. When not carrying a dog, the insert can be removed, instantly transforming the bag into a fashion purse carrier.

2) Dog Handbag ：Dog handbags place greater emphasis on the style and feel of the materials. They often use fabrics such as embossed PU or velvet-like PU leather, maintaining basic space for the pet while ensuring the owner's fashion taste remains on point. Overall, higher standards are applied to leather quality, stitching, edge finishing (such as edge painting), hardware texture, and corrosion- and rust-resistance of the metal components.

3）Dog purse / Dog purse carrier / Puppy purse carrier /Cat Purse Carrier：A purse carrier is a pet carrier bag designed to resemble a fashionable handbag. It is usually smaller than a tote bag, making it suitable for carrying small pets such as puppies and cats. Common materials include leather, fabric, and nylon. Its stylish appearance allows it to be used as a daily accessory, especially for taking pets to shopping, restaurants, cafés, and other social venues.

4)Soft Pet Carrier Bag：A soft pet carrier bag is a pet bag made from soft materials such as canvas, nylon, or polyester. It is typically used for carrying small pets, such as cats or small dogs, during daily outings, short trips, or visits to the veterinarian. Key design and craftsmanship considerations include the proportion of breathable structures, scratch-resistant lining materials, reinforced shoulder straps for load-bearing, and the use of eco-friendly materials that meet export standards.

2.1.4  Cat Carrying Case/Padded Dog Travel Case / Pet Travel Case

1):  Cat Carrying Case：These are mostly hard-shell cases, requiring injection molding or thermoforming processes. Strict standards apply to the locks, ventilation openings, and the case’s compression resistance. They are sturdy and provide excellent protection for pets (against crushing), with relatively independent interior space, making them suitable for placement on car back seats or for short-distance carrying.

2）Padded Dog Travel Case / Pet Travel Case：Travel-style bags usually feature multiple compartments and a large-capacity design, requiring extensive stitching, edge binding, and anti-deformation craftsmanship. The fabrics are primarily durable nylon or blended Oxford cloth, with reinforced frames added to maintain the bag’s shape.

2.1.5  Pet Carrier on Wheels / Wheels Pet Carrier Bag：Pet rolling bags typically use a lightweight aluminum alloy telescopic handle and a PP/PC board base. Production focuses on the durability of the wheels and a structural design that evenly distributes stress across the bottom.

2.2  Classification by Specific Function

2.2.1  Cycling Pet Carrier Bag

1）dog backpack for biking：Backpacks designed for cycling with dogs should be lightweight, wind-resistant, and feature a stable, close-fitting structure. The shoulder straps must be widened and equipped with a chest buckle to ensure the bag remains secure and does not sway during rides.

2）Dog Backpack for Motorcycle / Motorcycling Dog Backpack ：Cycling dog backpacks must offer high stability and shock resistance. The fabric is usually made of windproof and waterproof nylon, with internal cushioning structures. The shoulder strap system must feature thickened, anti-slip padding.

2.2.2  Backpack for Dogs / Dog Backpack

1）Dog Hiking Backpack ：Outdoor hiking backpacks primarily use durable fabric combined with large breathable mesh structures. Production focuses on frame stability and proper distribution of shoulder load, often incorporating chest or waist buckles for secure fastening.

2）Daily Dog Backpack ：This is a wearable pet backpack, with a focus on the stability of the shoulder and chest strap system. During production, special attention must be paid to edge binding with rubber strips, reinforced stitching points, and the tensile strength of buckles to prevent shifting or slipping when the dog runs. The design also needs to allow for adjustable space to accommodate different dog body types.

2.2.3  Pet Treat Holder / Dog Treat Holder : Small treat bags have a simple structure but require convenient opening and closing as well as oil-resistant interiors. They often use inner layers with waterproof coatings or TPU linings.

2.2.4  dog poop holder / dog poop bag carrier : These are small functional accessories, emphasizing lightweight, waterproof, and durable design. 

Production focuses on smooth zippers, proper opening for roll-bag outlets, and the sturdiness of hooks and webbing. They are used to carry dog waste bags. 

Inside the carrier, there is usually a rotating spindle to make it easier to pull out plastic bags smoothly. The exterior of the carrier often features a metal clip, allowing it to be attached to items such as a leash collar, backpack, or leash.

3.Summary

Pet bags cover a wide range of designs, from daily commuter bags to outdoor hiking backpacks, and from tote bags to rolling travel cases. Understanding these categories helps wholesalers, brands, and OEM clients plan their product portfolios more effectively, assess production feasibility, and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly growing global pet market.

We hope the above information is helpful for your selection and planning of pet bags. We offer professional customization services for a variety of needs—please feel free to contact us for any inquiries.

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