---
title: "Measuring your dog for a harness or carrier"
description: "Two measurements, taken standing, and why the weight chart is only a starting point."
url: https://evapup.com/journal/carriers/measuring-for-a-harness
category: "Harnesses & Carriers"
author: "Olivia Marsh"
published: 2026-08-17
updated: 2026-09-13
---

# Measuring your dog for a harness or carrier

Two measurements, taken standing, and why the weight chart is only a starting point.

Weight charts assume an average shape. Dogs are not average. Measure the chest and the neck and use the chart as a tiebreaker.

## Chest

Around the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs, with the dog standing. Pull the tape snug, not tight.

> **Between sizes.** Go up on a growing puppy and down on an adult. A harness that is slightly loose slips; one that is slightly snug still adjusts.

## Neck

Where a collar would sit, low on the neck. Deep-chested breeds often measure a size up in the chest and a size down in the neck.

### Carriers

Length from nose to base of tail plus two inches, height from floor to top of head plus two inches. Airline carriers must also fit the airline's under-seat size, which varies.

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