You’ve seen those people toting their pups around the city, taking them on the tube, through the park and with them into coffee shops. They look at ease – chic, even. That’s because they’ve cracked the code to the perfect shoulder bag. You know the one: the boat tote that has room for you and your pup’s travel water bottles, your sunglasses and their paw balmopens in a new tab, as well as some handy snacksopens in a new tab.
As all Londoners (and other city dwellers) know, finding the right bag to carry your daily essentials (phone, keys, wallet, headphones, etc) is a challenge all on its own. When you add a pup into the mix, dimensions, textiles and durability become astronomically more important. With the stakes being this high, it’s best to consult the experts. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favourite shoulder bags that double as carriers, so you can easily whisk your pup away for a stress-free day on the town.
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
To travel with a dog, you often have to sacrifice style for safety. However, Pretty Little Liars actress Shay Mitchell offered a solution without compromising either through her brand BÉIS and its Everyday Pet Tote. It’s a daily pet carrier that is as chic as it is functional.
Wild One has made a name in the pet care space for its minimalist-yet-playful accessories for millennial pet parents. But, did you know it produces eco-friendly products, too? The Everyday Pet Carrier is definitely stylish, but the fact its knit body is created out of 80 recycled bottles makes it all the more attractive.
This carrier comes fitted with an expandable waterproof mat, so your dog can chill outside the bag, too. Perfect for curling up on the floor of the train and waiting patiently for pats from strangers.
This tote is perfect for the person whose preferred colour palette is black and neutrals. It goes with everything and has a sleek look that’ll take you from your morning walk to the supermarket to happy hour with you (and your pup’s) besties. Plus, it’s made with heavyweight duck canvas so you can rest assured that it’s durable enough to hold your most prized possession.
If your fancy pup likes being carried around in style like a king or queen, this pretty floral carrier should be just the ticket. The inner lining is soft and luxurious, but the handles are reinforced with white webbing for added strength.
This Oskar&Friends tote strikes the perfect balance between utility and design with its stylish sage green colour and mesh roof, which provides ventilation while keeping your pup in place. Plus it’s vegan, which is always a bonus.
This felt tote is a breath of fresh air in the world of dog carriers. It comes with a matching attachable poo bag holder and a leather handle that will make taking your pup from home to lunch all the more practical. Plus, it has a removable striped cotton cushion that doubles as a dog bed (and which can easily be thrown in the wash).
Made from plain-weave Yorkshire tweed with a fleece lining, this compact dog carrier has got to be one of the cutest on the market. It also scores practicality points because it doubles as a travel bed and comes with an internal collar clasp to keep your dog safe when they’re on your shoulder.
Avery is a writer and producer. She has written for numerous publications, including Refinery29, BuzzFeed, and V Magazine. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her reading, practicing her Greek on Duolingo, and delving into the Sex and the City discourse. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and their cat, Chicken, who rules with an iron fist.
