Small Dog Pet Carriers: Best Purse Style Dog Carriers for Tiny Pets

It's amazing how heavy a tiny kitten or Chihuahua feels after you have toted him or her for several hours. This must explain why the current trend of purse style pet carriers is gaining such wide acceptance.

These handy accessories come in many different types from bowling bag styles and straw totes to faux exotic skins and leathers. The advantage of these carriers is they make it easy to transport your pet to most public places.

Because most are equipped with special features like restraints, leash clips, and closed tops, they ensure your pet's safety while complying with most regulations.

The main disadvantage is they are not as sturdy as a cage or crate and do not provide as much protection. Here's the lowdown on three of the best brands of small dog pet carriers.

If you need to carry your dog or cat out in public, this faux crocodile pet purse is a realistic way to take your special friend with you in absolute comfort. It features straps and handles so you can sling it over your shoulder or simply carry it at your side. For all you fashion divas, the perky pink shade adds a punch of color to any ensemble.

Whether you are headed to a concert in the park or meeting your best girlfriend for lunch, your pet travels in haute style and comfort. As a plus, if you are planning to travel by air with your pet, the carrier is airline approved.

Use the handy zipper for fast and easy access to your pet, and just clip her leash or harness to the interior leash attachment to be assured of her safety.

This item measures 7 x 13 x 9 and is recommended for small breeds like Yorkies, Maltese or Chihuahuas or any breed that is considered to be a toy or teacup size. It's available in pink or black and retails for under $35.

Just got a new puppy or kitten and want to introduce him to all your friends? Need to transport a tiny Yorkie or Chihuahua?

Why not emulate your favorite celebrity's style and opt for this unique straw tote from Pet Alley?

The lacy, daisy motif design features a mesh lining to let the air flow through and keep your little one comfy. He or she will enjoy snuggling into the soft fleece bottom, while you will appreciate the fact that the lining is removable in case your pet has an accident.

Other important features are a collar or harness clip as well as zippered access. This unusual tote is designed for teacup size pets that weigh up to four pounds and measures 11 inches (L) by 3 1/2 inches (W) by 8 1/4 inches.

Buy it from Pet Alley: It's available in green and blue and retails for under $45.

Whether you are in the market for a timeless, classic style or you are looking for some Park Avenue chic, Glamour Dog offers a great, unique selection of pet carrier and purses.

There are casual duffels that are the perfect way to transport your pet to the beach or pet park as well as designer style bags in prints and fabrics to match almost any of your outfits.

However, the hottest, most versatile item in their extensive inventory has got to be their reversible Snuggle Bug.

What's so great about the Snuggle Bug? You get an extra bang for your buck with this purchase because this adorable bag transforms instantly into a snugglie bed or car seat. It comes with a coordinating pillow and blankie and accommodates pets that weigh up to 16 pounds.

What this means to you is you don't have to worry about rushing back home and cutting your fun short; you can always settle your pet down for a cozy nap. You can tote him comfortably for long periods or transport him all over town with ease.

Kittens and cats love this bag just as much as canines do because it appeals to their natural instinct to nest and burrow.

This product retails for just a little over $100, but when you consider that it is a bag, bed and car seat, the price is actually quite reasonable.

Look for well made bags that won't collapse or fall apart; check shoulder straps and handle seams to make sure they are firmly connected and well-sewn. Bags that have a padded floor or lining will be more comfortable if you plan to have the pet ride in them for long periods.

Your pet should be able to stretch and move around in the bag, and you may want to include his favorite chew toy or other item in case he gets bored. With all the available options in small dog or cat purse carriers, there's no reason to settle for less than the best for your beloved friend.