Do you love an evening bike ride but miss hanging out with your best four-legged friend? You’re in luck. You can take your dog on a ride with you by adding a dog basket or carrier to the front of your bike. To help you find the best option, we sifted through hundreds of products to find the 5 best dog baskets and carriers for your bike.
Our Picks for the Best Dog Baskets & Carriers for Bikes
1. PetSafe Wicker Bike Basket for Dogs
The PetSafe Wicker Dog Basket is a sturdy, weatherproof bike carrier that fits on any set of handlebars. The soft liner inside the basket is made of real sheepskin that can be easily removed and machine washed.
Key Features:
- Wicker dog basket that attaches to front handlebars
- Supports dogs up to 13 pounds
- Comes with a removable sun shield
- Basket dimensions are 15 x 11 x 9.5 inches
Pros:
- Made of weather resistant resin
- Includes safety clip that latches on to your dog’s collar or harness
- Real sheepskin liner that is removable and machine washable
- Fits any set of handlebars
- Sturdy hard wicker design
Cons:
- Requires some assembly before riding
2. BarkBay Dog Bike Carrier & Backpack
The BarkBay Dog Bike Carrier is an easy pop-on-your-bike option with no assembly required. It’s also an “all-in-one carrier” that can be used as a dog backpack or car seat.
Key Features:
- Dog bike carrier that converts to a dog backpack, car seat, or shoulder bag
- Includes safety clip that attaches to your dog’s collar or harness
- No assembly required
- Built with extra storage pockets for treats, toys, wallet, etc
Pros:
- Floor board is removable for easy cleaning
- Mesh front cover for extra ventilation when riding
- Comes with a drawstring top mesh covering with hole for extra safety
- Quick release buckles to easily pop on or off your bike
- Collapsible design for easy storage
Cons:
- This basket is deep. Your bike needs 14 inches of height between the handlebars and top of the front tire. We advise to measure your bike beforehand.
3. PetSafe Sport Nylon Dog Bike Basket
Looking for a sleek, sporty looking dog basket? The PetSafe Sport is a breathable nylon carrier with zippered pockets, a removable sun shade, and convertible design.
Key Features:
- Nylon dog bicycle basket that attaches to front handlebars
- Includes removable sun shield
- Supports dogs up to 13 pounds
- Dimensions are 13.5 x 10 x 10.5 inches
Pros:
- Can also be used as shoulder carrier
- Breathable material for a breezy ride
- Zippered pockets for extra storage
- Includes adjustable safety leash to attach to a collar or harness
- Easy to pop on and off your bike
Cons:
- Can take up most of the bike handlebar space, leaving very little area for lights, a bell, or other accessories
- To maintain longevity of the basket, we would recommend this specifically for dogs under 10 pounds (the basket is technically rated for up to 13 pounds)
4. Snoozer Buddy Bike Basket for Dogs
The Snoozer Buddy Basket is durable canvas style bike basket, complete with a safety clip, storage pockets, and removable inner lining. It comfortably supports dogs up to 14 pounds in weight.
Key Features:
- Durable basket made from canvas material
- Supports dogs up to 14 pounds
- Removable inner pad for easy cleaning
- Buckles are 1 inch wide and spaced 10 inches apart, we recommend quickly measuring your bike handlebars. Basket has a 10 inch depth from where it’s attached.
Pros:
- Includes safety clip to attach dog harness
- Comes with removable rain cover
- Pockets for storage
- Easy to install on front of bike
- Folds flat for compact packing
Cons:
- Well built, though not as sturdy as a hard metal or plastic basket
5. K&H Travel Dog Bike Basket
The K&H Travel Dog Bike Basket is an ideal bike basket for those with safety in mind. The design includes a dual leash safety system meant to securely, and comfortably, hold your dog in place. It’s also a best bet if you have a larger pup, as the bigger option can hold dogs up to 20 pounds.
Key Features:
- Easy to mount dog basket
- Available in two different sizes: small size fits dogs up to 10 pounds, while the larger option supports dogs up to 20 pounds
- Made with a dual safety leash to help secure dogs in the basket
- Small basket dimensions: 12.5 x 9 x 8 inches (l x w x h)
- Large basket dimensions: 16 x 12 x 10 inches (l x w x h)
Pros:
- Can be either front mounted or back mounted with an optional rear seat accessory (see below)
- Includes zippered pockets for additional storage
- Liner is removable and machine washable
Cons:
- Does not include a sun shield or rain cover
Note: If you’re looking a rear-attached basket to free up handlebar space, this is your best bet. You can purchase an optional rear bike seat mount from Chewy as seen below.
A quick note: We’re reader supported! If you buy a product through our links we may earn a commission. The price you pay will always be the same as normal.
Dog Bike Basket & Carrier Buying Guide
Types of Bike Dog Baskets and Carriers
Deciding you want a dog carrier isn’t as simple going to the store, grabbing the first one you see, and heading out on a bike ride with your dog. There are different types of dog baskets for you to choose from depending on the features you’re looking for and your dog’s specific needs. Some options to consider are:
Hard Dog Baskets
Made from high-quality plastic or metal, these dog baskets are some of the strongest on the market due to their hard exterior. While they might be a bit more intimidating, they’ll be the easiest to clean after a long ride with your pup. And with plenty of ventilation, these carriers make it easy for your dog to enjoy the breeze flowing through their hair. Metal or plastic dog baskets are ideal for smaller dogs.
Soft Dog Carriers
Another option is a soft dog carrier, which is typically made of nylon fabric and paired with a solid bottom. The sides of the carrier usually feature zippers that when unzipped reveal mesh lining, allowing for better air circulation. Soft dog carriers are a great option if you’re looking for bonus features like a domed top, pockets, handles, or shoulder straps for easy transportation. Due to the material, this basket is a bit more difficult to keep clean.
Dog Basket Features to Consider
Thought you were done with the tough choices now that you’ve determined which type of bike carrier is the right choice? Not quite. There are a variety of features available to you that might improve the cycling experience for you and your pooch. When picking out a basket for your next ride, make sure you’re considering:
Size and Weight Restrictions
Not all dog baskets are made equal. What works for one dog might not be the right size for another. Make sure you’re referencing the size and weight restrictions of each dog basket to find one that aligns with your dog’s measurement.
This guide from the Beach & Dog Co. can help you properly measure your dog. To summarize, your dog should be able to comfortably sit, lie down, and turn around in the dog carrier.
Carrier Bottom
What is the bottom of the basket made of? With metal baskets, you should be looking to see if it has a solid bottom or if it has wired slits that your dog’s paw could slip through. Fabric baskets provide another concern—is the bottom fabric or made of a sturdier material? You want to make sure there’s enough support on the bottom of the dog carrier to hold your pup safely in place for the duration of the bicycle ride. Some carriers also feature bottoms that are easily removed for fast cleaning.
Harness Anchors
Even if you’re not riding your bike fast, your dog can still get injured if they jump out. A high-quality basket will have anchors built into it that you can attach a harness or leash to — keeping them secure in the basket at all times. Ensure that the anchors are made of a durable material that can withstand an excited dog’s tugging. Along with checking for anchors, you’ll want to ensure your current leash or harness will be compatible with the anchors.
Storage Space
Some dog carriers have additional storage space built into them, making it possible for you to bring along some of their favorite toys or treats as a reward along your ride. They’re also a great place for you to store your personal belongings like your wallet, cellphone, house keys, or anything else you might want to bring along.
Multi-Purpose Carriers
Your bicycle dog carrier no longer has to serve just one purpose! Some brands offer multi-use dog baskets that can transition from your bike to your vehicle as a car seat, your living space as a dog bed, a dog backpack, or anywhere on the go as a portable carrier. While you might not think you need this feature initially, a multi-functional carrier is sure to come in handy over the years.
Basket Position
There are a number of different positions on a bike where a basket can attach, each with its own pros and cons.
One common location is on the front handlebars of a bike. While this style provides easy access to your pup at all times, it can add extra weight to your handlebars, making turning more difficult. Carriers that attach to the back of your bike are easier in this regard, however, come at the expense of constant vision of your dog.
Size of Bike
The size of your bike is an often overlooked but important part of buying a dog basket. Make sure the dimensions of your carrier fit wherever you’re looking to place it. For example, if you’re planning on purchasing a front-attached basket, make sure the length from your handlebars to the top of your front tire is enough to handle the depth of the basket. Bike basket manufacturers provide this dimension information on their product buying pages.
Comfort
You want your dog to enjoy hitting the empty streets with you on your daily rides. If they aren’t comfortable in their carrier, for whatever reason, there’s a chance they play hard to get the next time you try to take them out. Make sure the carrier you choose has proper ventilation to keep the breeze blowing on them. If the area where you ride is out in the open, you might consider a dog basket with a sunshade to keep them cool. Another bonus is having a padded bottom, helping to stifle some of the bumps along the way.
These are just a few examples of features you should be keeping an eye out for when shopping for a bicycle dog basket. Each dog is different and you have to find a carrier that has options ideal for their needs.
Safety Tips When Using a Dog Basket
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when heading out on your next bike ride with your pup:
Fasten Your Dog In
The dog carrier you select should have anchors to clip your dog’s harness. You need to use these when cycling to ensure your dog will stay in place for the duration of the ride. Even the most well-trained dogs can get distracted when you pass a person, another dog, or a small animal like a squirrel.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that these anchors should only be clipped to a harness and not a collar. If your dog were to jump out, you don’t want them to get choked!
Use Dog Eye Protection
Depending on where you plan to take your pooch on cycling adventures, you might find yourself riding pretty fast. One option is investing in eye protection, such as goggles, to prevent your dog from getting debris kicked up by the tires in their eyes.
Follow Size and Weight Restrictions
The weight restrictions on a dog basket aren’t just a suggestion, but a rule that needs to be followed to avoid a potential accident. If your pup outgrows the basket you bought a few months back, don’t try squeezing them into the smaller carrier.
If the carrier isn’t designed to hold the weight of your dog, there’s a chance that the carrier could break mid-ride — leading to both you and your dog getting injured.
Never Leave Your Dog Unattended
Once your dog is secured into the basket, you should never leave their side. If you buckle up and realize you forgot something inside that you need for the ride, take the time to unfasten them and remove them from the basket. Leaving them in the basket unattended can cause them to get hurt if the bike were to fall over with them attached to it.
How to Train Your Dog to Ride in a Dog Carrier
Safety is key when it comes to taking your dog for a spin on your bike. Before taking your dog out for a spin around the block, you’ll to get them used to the dog carrier or basket. If you just throw them in and take off, they won’t know what’s going on and might become afraid of it — making it trickier for future rides.
1. Start Inside Your Home
You should first introduce your dog to the new carrier in the comfort of your home where they feel safe. Place it on the ground of your home in an area your dog frequents. Try luring them into the basket and once they’re inside, quickly release them and reward them with a treat. This will help to positively reinforce that the dog carrier is a safe space for them to be in.
Once they become comfortable with the basket on the ground, try carrying them around the house inside it. Doing so will help them get used to the feeling of moving around in the basket while in the air. Continue to offer them some of their favorite treats and praise to let them know that they’re being good in the carrier.
2. Introduce the Bike
After they feel confident about the carrier, you can attach it to your bike and place your dog inside. You must ease them into this part. You don’t want to hop straight on the bike and take off. Leave them in the basket, moving around the bike and in the general area of the bike. Praise and reward them as they stay in place. If they look uncomfortable or as if they are going to hop out of the carrier, move closer to them and reassure them that they are fine.
3. Start Slow
Once your dog seems relaxed hanging out in the carrier, you can introduce them to some simple bike riding. Begin slow and smooth, only riding in a small area by your house where they feel comfortable. Keep talking to them and make sure they’re having a positive experience on the bike.
4. Gradually Build Up Rides
Depending on your dog, you might need to practice a few smaller rides before embarking on a longer journey. If your dog is enjoying it, you can start taking them on longer rides and work your way up to more difficult terrains. Try a few bumps and a little more speed. As your pup gets more comfortable, take the ride a little longer each day until they feel completely at ease. One tip is to keep rewarding and praising them through every step of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bicycle carriers safe for dogs?
Yes, taking your dog on a bicycle ride in a dog carrier is safe. However, you’ll need to take the proper precautions. Before going on a ride, slowly introduce your dog to the carrier so they feel comfortable hopping inside.
While riding, your dog should be clipped in to prevent them from jumping out mid-ride and hurting themselves. Keep in mind, if you have a dog that is skittish or often scared of unfamiliar surroundings, a bike ride might not be the best activity for them.
Is my dog too big to ride in a bike carrier?
Dog carriers and baskets are ideal for small to medium-sized dogs less than 15 pounds. Before investing, you should weigh your dog to get the most accurate measurements. You will also want to factor in their age and consider if they still have room to grow.
For dogs heavier than 15 pounds, or larger breed sizes, you should consider a dog bike trailer that will tow them behind your bike. These are much sturdier and can easily handle the weight of larger dogs.
Sources:
Whole Dog Journal- https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/bike-riding-with-your-dog/
PetMD- https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_biking_with_your_dog_safely
More Pet Product Reviews:
