After 47 hours spent researching the best dog bike carriers, we think Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot MAX Dog Bike Carrier is the best for most people.
This choice is based on several criteria: brand, color, weight capacity, material, lining, storage, attachment, handle, top cover, easy to install, weather proof, breathable, reflective, sturdy, and easy to clean, among other things.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Quality | Durability | Appearance | Maintenance | Value for Money | brand | color | weight capacity | material | lining | storage | attachment | handle | top cover | easy to install | weather proof | breathable | reflective | sturdy | easy to clean | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot MAX Dog Bike Carrier | Check Price | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | Travelin K9 | 9 colors | Up to 20 lbs | Nylon | Fleece pad | 2 side pockets | Patented frame | Not specified | No cover | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Jack and Dixie Traveler 2-in-1 Dog Bike Carrier | Check Price | 4.4 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Jack and Dixie | Black | Up to 15 lbs | Nylon | Foam | 1 front, 2 side pockets | Straps | Shoulder strap | No cover | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
 | PetSafe Happy Ride Basket Dog Bike Carrier | Check Price | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | PetSafe | Light grey | Up to 13 lbs | Nylon | Foam | 1 front, 2 side pockets | Straps | Shoulder strap | Removable shade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PetSafe Solvit Tagalong Wicker Dog Bike Carrier | Check Price | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | PetSafe | Brown | Up to 13 lbs | Resin wicker | Sheepskin | None | Straps | Not specified | Removable shade | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
 | Petsfit Safety Basket Dog Bike Carrier | Check Price | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | Petsfit | Grey, green | Up to 15 lbs | Oxford cloth | Plush | 2 side pockets | Straps | Shoulder strap | Removable mesh | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The best dog bike carrier makes it simple for you to transport your furry friend anywhere you please.
Having a safe, secure place for them to be while you’re traveling via bike is a great investment for you and your dog.
Traveling with your pup can be a bit of an obstacle for some families. You need to have the right dog carrier or dog retractable leash so that they can feel comfortable and be ready to go. And, if you’re taking a flight, a sturdy dog crate is also necessary.
You need to pack up a bag with all of the essentials – a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste, their dog bowl, and a dog chew toy to keep them calm. You can even bring along their dog water fountain if it’s not too much trouble.
If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, be sure that they get their dog flea treatment sorted out. Keep a dog dematting tool handy and bring along their fabric dog cone in case they need it.
Having safety measures in place in case they get lost is important too. Their dog training collar or regular dog collar should always have some form of identification, like a dog tag. A microchip is a good idea, as well.
If you’re someone that enjoys biking, having a great dog bike carrier is also a worthwhile investment. It keeps your dog safe and secure and allows you to enjoy being outdoors together in a new, fun way.
Selection Of The Best Dog Bike Carriers
Here are the best dog bike carriers for most people according to Outlinist:
Buying Guide
Front or Back?
When you start looking at the different types of baskets and carriers out there, you will often find that the first question you’re asking is whether you want it to be a front or back of bike dog carrier.
Front carriers allow you a lot more control over your pet. But, if you have a relaxed dog that is just going to nap and hang out, then a back option can give you more flexibility and maneuverability while you’re riding. It depends on your preference.
Maximum Dog Weight
Every option for a dog basket or carrier is going to have a maximum weight associated with it. For the majority of carriers, you are going to be looking at 15 lbs. or less, so only smaller dogs can use them.
Some of the 2 dog carriers for bike options are going to be able to hold up to 30 lbs. Much more than that and you will have problems balancing your bike while you are riding, and tipping over is the last thing that you want to happen.
Basket Dimensions
If you’re looking at a small or medium dog bike carrier, you want to be sure that they are tall enough for whatever dog that you’re going to be toting around with you.
In short, you want enough space for your dog to sit in there comfortably. If you have a toy-sized dog, they should be able to lie down in the carrier as well. Measure the length of your dog while it’s lying down and its height while it’s sitting up, and use those dimensions as your guide.
Rain Cover
Even if it looks nice outside when you get started with your bike ride, you may find yourself in the midst of a bit of a sprinkle. Instead of letting your furry friend get wet, you may want to consider a rain cover.
You can also find some carriers that have a zip-up top while still providing ventilation through the windows. These can also help to keep your dog as dry as possible while you’re biking home.
Additional Padding
This is a place where your dog is just going to be hanging out and checking out the scenery, so you want them to feel as comfortable as possible.
Check to see if there is an extra layer of padding in the bottom of the carrier. Some of the fancier options that you’ll find on the web will also have padding on the sides, so your dog is able to be comfortable no matter how they decide to sit or lie in the basket.
Convertible Options
We all want to have multi-use tools and items, especially when it comes to our canine companions. Because of that, you may want to consider bike carriers for dogs that can be used in other contexts.
The most common options are baskets or carriers that can be converted into a comfortable dog car seat or a dog bed. These are especially helpful if you’re going to be traveling with your bike and your dog. Then, you don’t need to bring a separate bed for them; they can just use the bike carrier when you get back to your hotel.
Attachment System
How is the dog carrier attached to the bike? The attachment system must be as secure as possible. You want absolutely no give once the carrier is attached, because you don’t want sudden movement (from you or the dog) to be able to jostle it loose.
A system that uses screws or nuts and bolts to hold the carrier in place is usually best. You should be able to tighten it as much as necessary, and it should be easy for you to make the adjustments you may need to make.
Ventilation
If you have a closed style option, then you want to be certain that there are windows or mesh that the dog can see out of and that will keep them cool. Many of these “zip-up” styles will have multiple windows that you can open and close as you wish.
Open models have plenty of ventilation, so you don’t need to worry too much about that. Your dog will be able to enjoy the air in their face and the speed at which you’re pedaling.
Durability
Cycling is not an easy sport, and everything on your bike is going to deal with wear and tear – including your dog bike basket.
Microfiber is one of the best options if you want a really durable bike carrier. You can also find wicker-style baskets, which are also a pretty durable option. Look for warranties, too, just in case the basket doesn’t last quite as long as you want it to.
Reflective Options
You should be wearing bright clothing when you ride a bike anyway, but it’s never a bad idea to have more options for reflective material.
Many dog baskets have at least one line of reflective material, so that anyone who is driving, biking, or walking toward you is going to notice that you have something in the front (or back) of your bike. It may also help you to be a little more visible if you’re riding at dusk or dawn.
Safety Straps for Dog
Keeping your dog secure in the basket or carrier is absolutely paramount. As previously mentioned, there are some models that allow you to completely close the carrier, zipping your dog safely in there while they have windows to look out of.
Other options, specifically baskets, will give you a place where you can connect the dog leash or dog harness to the carrier itself. It helps to keep your dog restrained while you’re on the bike and it makes it easier for you to maintain control while you’re biking.
Stability
Your dog is a big part of your life, and you want to know that they are going to be safe no matter where they go – so you want to know that their carrier is going to be stable.
A dog carrier for a road bike, touring bike or any other cycle should have a solid bottom; whether that’s a thick wooden material, plastic, or something else. It should also be reinforced on the sides, so that it doesn’t flop around while you’re riding.
Material
Getting a wicker basket for a dog on a bike is a solid idea, as long as you have a small dog that is going to stay in the basket. You can get basket-style options that are more secure, as well.
Other solid materials include microfiber, metal (steel specifically) and nylon. All of these are great options, as long as they are reinforced and you’re able to secure your dog as safely as you possibly can.
Ease of Cleaning
When you have a dog carrier for a bike, you’re likely taking your dog on long trips. Accidents happen, and you want to be able to clean off any urine or other bodily fluids.
Many of the aforementioned materials will easily clean with either a hose-down, a soft, wet cloth, or antibacterial wipes. Some carriers will also have an inner shell that you can take out and throw in the wash.
Storage Pockets
Storage pockets are really handy for lots of reasons. You can hold your dog’s supplies in them, or you can use them to store things like their ID, your ID, wallets, and whatever else you would otherwise have in your pants pockets or a purse.
The best dog bike carrier is convenient and comfortable, and pockets make it an even better solution for a busy person that is taking their dog on biking adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dog bike carrier absolutely necessary?
Not necessarily. If you aren’t planning on taking your dog on bike rides with you, or they will be transported another way, then a carrier isn’t necessary.
But, for simplicity’s sake, it’s a lot easier to find something like a carrier or a basket so that you know where your dog is and that they are going to be safe. Plus, the dog will enjoy being outside and having the wind in their face.
Can a large dog fit in a bike carrier?
When you start to look for a large dog carrier for a bike, you will find very few options. Why? Because they simply aren’t safe. The larger the dog, the more of an impact it will have on your balance and motion.
If you want to take your larger dog biking with you (larger being more than 30 lbs.), then you may want to invest in a dog bike trailer. These are towed behind the bike, allowing your dog to come along without making it more difficult for you to ride.
How do I get my dog used to a bike carrier?
The best way to do so is to leave it inside your home at first. If they are allowed to explore it, sit in it, and sniff it, they won’t be so nervous about it. You can also hide treats in there sometimes, which can help them to have a positive association with it.
Then, take them on short rides in it. Once they are comfortable, go for longer rides. Eventually, they’ll get used to their trips and you’ll both enjoy going on them.
Are there alternatives for bike carriers?
As previously mentioned, you can always tow your dog behind your bicycle with a trailer or wagon. These allow your dog to have more space and they won’t be any chance of a carrier affecting your balance.
A dog bicycle leash is another solid option for big, active, well-focused dogs. This allows them to keep up with you as you’re riding your bike, while also giving them some exercise. It’s not meant for long-distance trips (5+ miles), but if you’re just going down the street or somewhere nearby, a leash can be fun for you and your dog.
How can I be sure that my bike will balance with my dog on it?
Learning how to ride a bike with a dog in a basket can take some time, but you’ll get used to it. Put the basket on the front or back of your bike with some weight in it before you try it with your dog.
After a few rides with that weight, put your dog in there. It’ll take you a short bit to get comfortable, but if you have the best dog bike carrier, you’ll be ready to go in next to no time.
Sources
- How to Ride a Bicycle with Your Dog, The Spruce Pets, Jan 6, 2019
- Biking With Your Dog... Safely, petMD
- How to Ride a Bicycle with Your Dog: 11 Steps (with Pictures), Wikihow
- How To Ride A Bike With Your Dog, YouTube, Jan 26, 2018
- Pet carrier, Wikipedia
- Dog Bike Carrier, eBay
- Dog Bike Carrier, Wayfair
- Dog Bike Carrier, Alibaba
- Grandfather who took his dog for a walk on his bike is found guilty of dangerous cycling, Daily Mail, Dec 8, 2014
- Bicycle Safety Tips For People Who Bike With Their Dogs, Dogtime
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