7 Best Dog Carriers For Bikes: Baskets, Rear-Mounted, Backpacks & More

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If you want to take your dog on as many outings as possible, biking is an excellent way to enjoy an exhilarating adventure with your pup. But is biking with your furry friend safe and easy? Most certainly — with the ideal gear. We found a surprising number of dog carriers for bikes on the market, and some are much safer and easier to use than others. See which products we’ve uncovered from our thorough research to help you find your best options.

At A Glance: Our Top Picks

Front BasketRear-MountedFor Large DogsBackpack
BABEYER dog carrierSnoozer dog bed for bikeSchwinn Rascal Bike Pet TrailerK9 Sport Sack Air 2
BABEYERSnoozer LookoutSchwinn Rascal TrailerK9 Sport Sack Air 2
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Best Dog Carrier For Bikes

We chose our top picks for the best bike dog carrier based on several factors, including safety, ease of use, comfort for your pup, customer feedback, pricing, and more. And we broke them down into specific categories to help you decide what’s best for your biking needs.

Best Dog Basket For Bikes: BABEYER Dog Bike Basket Review

BABEYER dog carrier

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This BABEYER dog bike basket is a multi-functional product that’s easy to install, fits securely on your bike’s handlebars, and has many fantastic features that make it an excellent value. And it comes in two sizes to fit dogs 6-18 pounds. Your dog can stay safe and comfortable with the inner tether that clips to her collar or harness, four ventilation mesh windows for ideal airflow, and an inner pad that’s fleece on one side and suede on the other. It also has reflective strips and covers to shield your pup from rain.

With four different openings, it’s easy to place your pup inside however you choose. And you can store treats, poop bags, and other necessities in the zippered side pouch. Another huge plus, you can also use this product as a car booster seat, dog backpack, or pet shoulder bag. It gets overall fantastic customer reviews.

ProsCons
Adjustable safety tetherRequires at least 13″ to fit above the wheel, so it doesn’t work with some bikes
Easy to install and removeStorage pouch is fairly small
Spacious for dogs 6-18 pounds
Excellent ventilation
Also useful as a pet backpack, shoulder bag, and car seat
Has an exandable side
Folds up for easy storage

Price

Best Rear-Mounted Dog Carrier For Bikes: Snoozer Lookout Dog Rear Rider Review

Snoozer dog bed for bike with dog inside

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If you’d prefer your dog to ride behind you or have a slightly larger dog (up to 24 pounds), this Snoozer rear-mounted dog bike carrier could be your best solution. It fits on top of a standard rear bike rack (not included), and the multiple buckles attach easily and tightly to the bike frame.

This carrier has a foam-form plywood base to keep it sturdy and secure, and the quilted/fleece cover is removable, machine washable, and can even go in your dryer. The adjustable three-point safety strap keeps dogs safe from jumping out, and large reflective strips make biking with your pup at night safer.

ProsCons
Adjustable 3-point safety strapSafety strap may not adjust short enough for very small dogs who are prone to jumping out
Easy to install and removePricey for a dog bike basket
Fits dogs up to 24 pounds
Roomy and airy
Cover is machine washable

Price

Best Large Dog Carrier For Bikes: Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer

Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer

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Don’t leave your medium-sized or large furry friend out of all your biking adventures. This Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer holds dogs up to 100 pounds. It connects easily to almost any bike’s rear wheel hub. Safety features include a non-slip surface inside, an adjustable leash to prevent leaping out of the trailer, and 20″ air-filled tires to ensure a smooth ride.

With plenty of mesh windows so, your dog will have more than enough ventilation and a great view. The front panel has a zippered weather and bug shield screen to protect them from the elements. The top is also zippered, giving you the option of protecting your dog from the sun or inclement weather exposure or letting your pup ride with the breeze in her face. It also has a folding frame for compact storage when not in use.

ProsCons
Excellent for large dogs and those with joint problems (low-to-the-ground entrance)On the pricey side for a dog trailer
Adjustable safety tetherRequires assembly
Easy to connect and disconnect from bikeMore difficult to attach to bike than other options
Two sizes fit dogs up to 100 pounds
Plenty of ventilation
Solid waterproof floorboard with a removable cushion mat
Folding frame for compact storage

Price

Best Dog Backpack For Biking: K9 Sport Sack Air 2 Review

K9 Sport Sack Air 2

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The combination of quality materials and comfort and safety features make the K9 Sport Sack Air 2 backpack a favorite among pet parents for hiking, bike rides, and other outdoor adventures. Your dog sits snugly on a thick rest pad surrounded by well-ventilated fabric, but her head and front paws are free from constraint. It has a built-in safety D-ring you hook to your dog’s collar for added safety and two storage pockets for essentials.

The long, well-constructed zipper has a fur flap to keep your pup’s hair from getting snagged. And a clip fits around your dog’s body to keep her secure. It’s also comfortable for bikers, with its compact design and padded, adjustable chest and shoulder straps. It comes in four sizes to accommodate dogs from four to 30 pounds.

ProsCons
Sturdy, comfortable design for dogs and ownersOn the pricey side
Built-in D ring for collar hookupDoesn’t have a waist strap
Good side ventilation
4 sizes for dogs 4-30 pounds
Veterinarian-approved design

Price

What About Petsfit, PetSafe Happy Ride & RuffLyfe?

Although these front and rear-mounted bike carrier dog baskets didn’t make our top picks, you may find one of these products a better fit for your pup.

Petsfit Dog Bike Basket Review

Petsfit Dog Bike Basket

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The Petsfit front bike basket could be a good option if your dog is on the smaller side (up to 10 pounds). With solid bottom and side panels and a built-in safety tether, your pup can stay secure and happy. The mesh top has a drawstring design, so you can just let your pet’s head poke out. Some owners find this feature a safer option than an open-topped basket.

It also doesn’t require as much room above the wheel to fit as the BABEYER dog bike basket; however, some customers complained that the basket isn’t deep enough. You can also use it as a shoulder bag or a car seat.

ProsCons
Adjustable safety tetherOnly fits dogs up to 10 pounds
Easy to install and removeLacks side and front ventilation
Sturdy side and bottom panelsSome complaints that the safety tether broke
Drawstring top
Also useful as a pet shoulder bag and car seat

Price

PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Basket Review

PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Basket

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Are you looking for a classic and stylish dog bike basket? The traditional look of this wicker doggie bike carrier could be a perfect fit. The wicker basket is weather-resistant and sturdy and can hold dogs up to 13 pounds. The soft faux sheepskin liner is super comfy for dogs, and it’s machine washable. It also has a safety tether clip, and customers say the basket is sturdy when attached to the handlebars and bike frame.

ProsCons
Classicly stylish designOnly fits dogs under 13 pounds
Safety tether strapA few complaints that the straps that secure it to the bike frame broke after a few uses
Easy to install
Weather-resistant resin wicker
Machine-washable liner
Removable sunshade

Price

RuffLyfe CrateMate Review

RuffLyfe CrateMate

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This innovative kit is amazingly cool. In just a few easy steps, you can transform an ordinary 16 or 24-quart milk crate (not included) into a fully functional rear or front-mounted dog carrier on your bike rack (also not included). And it supports dogs up to 45 pounds; however, dogs over 20 pounds should be rear-mounted. This DIY kit includes 20 heavy-duty fasteners to secure the crate to your bike’s frame, a four-point safety harness, and a water-resistant seat and side cushion. Customers say that installation was simple, with no tools needed.

ProsCons
4-point safety harnessNot intended for dogs under 15 pounds
Easy installation with no tools requiredA bit pricey for what you get in the kit
Fits dogs up to 45 pounds
Airy and roomy
100% satisfaction guarantee

Price

Personal Experience With Dog Bike Trailers

“I have used a rear attaching bike trailer for my dogs similar to the PetSafe Happy Ride Trailer. Mine was originally a trailer for me to tow my kids around in. While they loved it, the dogs also took a liking to it. This was a great fit for my senior Chihuahua Cookie, who often grew tired and could not walk long distances. We would load the trailer up with a soft blanket, and water bowl, and go off for a great adventure. This trailer was also helpful when my larger dog, Bear, injured his paw by stepping on a cactus. He was heavy, about 85 pounds, and I was able to transport him home safely without any trouble in the trailer.

Using a trailer allowed me to cover longer distances, and because it was attached to my bike, it was less strain on my back when walking my bigger dogs. I would definitely recommend using one for any dog owner that has back trouble or wants to go on longer adventures with a dog than has mobility issues.”

Danielle DeGroot, Poodle Mix Parent, And Pet Care Expert

Safety Tips To Bike With Your Dog

Whenever you carry a dog on a bike, you should follow some basic safety measures, even if you think the doggie bike carrier you have is safe and secure. First, keep in mind that biking isn’t ideal for every dog. Anxious or highly active dogs may not do well on bike rides. All dogs are at risk of injuries on a bike ride gone wrong.

The safest and best way to carry a small dog on a bike is by using a basket with a safety clip. Although a backpack is another method, having your dog attached to your back can make some bike riders unstable, so make sure you’re confident with your ability to control your bike. Other tips:

  • Make sure you follow weight limit guidelines.
  • Start slow. First, make sure your pup is comfortable with the basket, trailer, or backpack before going on a ride.
  • Always use a safety tether or harness.
  • Use dog goggles on your pup to shield her eyes from debris and wind.
  • Avoid high-traffic roads.
  • Don’t take your pup biking on rough terrain.
  • Bring water with you and take plenty of water and potty breaks.

Keeping Your Pup Safe On Outings

If you enjoy taking your dog on all your adventures, ensure you have a safe car space for your pup. Our reviews of the best dog seat belts, car seats, and vehicle harnesses can help you narrow down the safest options for your needs. And if you take your pup on outdoor outings, check out our ultimate guide on hiking, camping, or backpacking with your dog.

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The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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