Being a proud dog owner doesn’t mean you cannot also enjoy bike trips like you used to when there wasn’t a dog in your life. If your pup is a small or medium breed, you can safely travel with your dog in the front or in the back of the bike using a special dog carrier for bike. However, not all bike baskets for dogs are equally suitable for all dogs and their owners, and here is the ultimate guide to choosing the dog bike seat plus a list of our favorite bike dog baskets you can get right now.
Top 4 Bike Dog Baskets
PetSafe Wicker Bicycle Basket for Dogs
Еditor’s Choice
The PetSafe dog basket features a lovely vintage design, but it has much more to offer than just its attractive looks. This is a weather-resistant basket with a removable sun shield that will keep your dog comfortable no matter what the weather is like. The plush lining of the basket will make each ride even comfier, and the security leash will keep your pup safe by attaching to his harness. It’s designed to carry small dogs and cats weighing up to 13lbs. The inner lining is easily removable and machine washable, and the basket itself is water-resistant and very practical.
ANZOME Bike Basket
Budget pick
If you want your new dog bicycle basket to be not only good-looking, but also practical and durable, consider the ANZOME bike basket. Designed in a functional black color and made from waterproof, easily cleanable fabric, this basket will give you and your pet some of the loveliest memories ever. It can safely carry a dog or cat up to 11lbs and features inside pockets for carrying your dog’s necessities or even your personal items. There are four legs on the bottom of the basket so that you could put it anywhere without the risk of getting it dirty.
Lixada Bike Basket Folding
Best front bike basket for dogs
Dog baskets for bikes don’t always come in fun designs that can spice up your bike rides, but the Lixada bike basket for dogs is a welcome exception. Available in five cute patterns, this is one of the few dog bike basket 20 lbs options out there. It’s made from durable Oxford fabric that can be easily cleaned and is perfect for any weather conditions. The basket is equipped with metal supports on the bottom for extra strength, multiple storage pockets, and reflective strips for visibility during night rides. You can also use the Lixada dog bike basket as a carrier for your grocery shopping trips or picnics.
Snoozer Pet Rider Rear Bicycle Seat
Best rear bike basket for dog
If you prefer to install your dog bicycle seat in the rear of your bike, here is the perfect option for you. The Snoozer dog bike basket is designed for quick and easy installation on the rear frame, and it can be just as easily uninstalled when you need to get it cleaned. The basket is made from foam and plywood for added durability and stability plus a quilted cover for comfortable and soft rides. There is a three-point security strap to keep your pup secure and a large reflective strip to increase the visibility of the basket in the darkness.
Features To Consider When Buying Dog Carriers For Bikes
Choosing the perfect product among dog carriers for bikes is all about paying attention to the features that matter to you. Here are the most important features to take into account when shopping for the best dog basket for bike:
- Dimensions and weight restrictions. If you have a small breed or a cat, you shouldn’t worry about the right size, as most dog bike carriers will fit your pup perfectly. On the other hand, a dog bike basket 30 lbs capacity is pretty rare, so you’ll need to check extra carefully. A good rule of thumb is that a dog bike basket should allow your pup to freely stand up, lie down, and turn around, but not be too large since it will occupy too much useful storage space in your home.
- Safety. Riding a bike with your dog can be very exciting, but it also needs to be safe. The most essential safety features in bike seats for dogs include reflective strips, drawstring-adjusted openings, and security straps for attaching the harness.
- Comfort. You want each bike journey to feel comfortable for your pup, and there are plenty of convenience features to look for. The most common ones are a padded mattress and padded walls, a sun cover, and mesh windows for constant ventilation.
- Durability. Ideally, a bike dog carrier should last you at least for your dog’s lifetime, and there are some easy ways to achieve it. A sturdy frame, waterproof and scratch-resistant material, and removable pad for easy cleaning are the must-have features here.
- Installation. There are dog bicycle seats that can be attached to the handlebar, rear rack, or seat tube. The installation can be done in a few steps or require you to spend a considerable amount of time to attach the carrier to your bike. Research the installation requirements of the carrier before making the final choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to ride a bike with a dog?
Yes, riding the bike with your furry companion can be not only fun and thrilling, but also perfectly safe. However, absolute safely is only possible when you follow the safety requirements and choose the right dog bike basket for your situation. The carrier should be securely mounted to your bike, fit your dog’s weight and dimensions, and come with certain security features such as drawstring openings and security leashes for the level of safety your dog deserves. Needless to say, you also need to follow the general bike riding requirements and think extra hard before making a risky move when your dog rides the bike with you.
How do I ride a bike with a dog?
When you want to experience the joy of a bike ride together with your pooch, there are several options for you and your four-legged passenger. The most obvious one is a front bike dog basket that can be attached to the handlebar. However, those baskets are typically designed for dogs under 12lbs. If you have a medium breed, consider rear-mounted bike dog baskets that are safer for larger dogs.
In case you have a large dog or a medium breed with high energy levels, you can do without any dog bicycle seat at all and get your pup to tag along on your ride with the help of a dog bicycle leash. If you are a fast rider, it can be a good idea to get your dog a pair of goggles to prevent eye discomfort or damage.
How do I train my dog to ride in the basket?
Some dogs are so excited to spend time with their owners that they need little to no training to sit calmly in the career during the rides. However, those situations are not that common and in most cases, you will need to let your dog get used to the new mode of transportation. The easiest way to do it is to put the pup in the basket when it’s on the ground and get him to spend five minutes inside, gradually increasing this period. You can add your dog’s favorite toy, blanket, or small treats to keep him motivated. After the pup feels confident enough in the basket, start taking him on bike rides, but start slow and with journeys that last no more than 10 minutes, gradually building up the speed and length.
How do I get my dog to stay in a bike carrier?
In case your dog is very active and cannot stay in one place for a long time, you have several options. The first one is getting your pup to stay inside with the help of his favorite items or treats. Gentle encouragement from the owner is also an excellent motivator for dogs. However, even with the best-behaved pups, it’s important to take advantage of the safety features of your carrier, especially the leash strap that attaches to your dog’s leash or harness.
How to choose the correct dog bike seat size?
To find the right dog bike carrier size for your situation, measure your dog’s dimension when he’s standing up, sitting, and lying down. Those are the dimensions you’ll need to consider when shopping for a new dog bike seat. There is no need to go for a bigger size, since a bicycle dog carrier should feel rather snug to avoid excessive movement. Plus, a bigger, non-foldable seat will be harder to store when it’s not in use.
Which types of dogs do best in a dog bike basket?
The two important parameters of a dog you want to put in a dog bike basket are behavior and size. Needless to say, a dog who is naturally calm and easily adaptable will handle even long bike rides better than an active or easily stressed pup afraid of new environments. As for the size, the maximum recommended weight by most dog bicycle basket manufacturers is 20lbs, while for bigger dogs, you’d better go for a bike trailer or leash.
Will these dog baskets fit on any bicycle?
While there are some universal dog bike seats that will fit any bicycle available today, most of them are designed for a specific type of bikes and installation types. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations to make sure your bike is compatible with the carrier of your choosing. You can also get that information using the reviews from people who own similar bikes to yours and have already given the carrier a try.
Other Dog Carriers For Bikes
K&H Pet Products Universal Rear Bike Mount
The K&H bike carrier for dog has many reasons for you to consider it. First, it has a universal fit and can be installed on any seat tube in a matter of seconds. Second, it is sturdy enough to safely transport dogs and cats weighing up to 20lbs. Third, it features a practical waterproof exterior with storage pockets and a soft plush interior for the softest rides.
Pet Lovingly Bicycle Basket Bag for Dogs
This bike dog carrier is a multifunctional device that can be used both as a bike basket and a carrier for a dog or cat when you attach a convenient shoulder strap. It’s designed for small dogs and cats up to 10lbs. It’s made from durable waterproof fabric, has an easily foldable construction for practical storage, and features a mesh roof with a drawstring to keep your pooch secure in his new basket.
URBEST Bike Basket for Dogs
If you are looking for a classic bicycle dog carrier that attaches to your handlebar and can be easily installed and removed when necessary, the URBEST carrier should be one of your top options. It’s perfect for small dogs weighing up to 11lbs. Made from waterproof, easily cleanable fabric and metal frames for added strength, this basket is available in eight fun color options to suit every mood.
GreeSuit Dog Bike Basket
To get the most out of your dog carrier bicycle, you need to choose a durable and comfortable dog basket, and that is exactly what you’ll get with the GreeSuit dog bike basket. It can be easily transformed from a shoulder dog carrier into a bike basket and back without any extra assembly. Its design includes waterproof fabric, a soft plush pad that is removable, adjustable opening with a drawstring, a security leash, a storage pocket, and a reflective stripe to keep your furry passenger visible during the night.
GLE16 Bike Basket For Dogs
The GLE16 front bike basket for dog works great as a dog bike carrier, but it can also be used as a grocery shopping or picnic basket, so you can get a 2-in-1 or even 3-in-1 device for a sensible price. The aluminum frame of this basket is both lightweight and sturdy, and the waterproof fabric can be cleaned with a few strokes of a wet cloth. With 14 color options and patterns, you will easily find the right one for your taste.
Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot MAX Dog Bicycle Basket Carrier
Most bicycle baskets for dogs are designed for a certain dog’s weight, but this one takes the dimensions of your dog into account instead. If your pup can easily fit into the basket, then his weight will be easily supported by the steel frame. The Travelin K9 features a slightly more complex installation than many dog carrier bikes on our list, but the secure assembly, the practical design, and eight different color options are just some of the reasons to go for it.
PAWISE Bike Basket Folding Bag for Small Dog
The PAWISE dog carriers bike seat features a metal frame and durable, water-resistant and scratch-proof exterior. There is a soft interior that can be removed for easy cleaning, several mesh windows for proper ventilation, and a drawstring to keep your pooch secure. With a big storage pocket and a cup holder, your bike journeys are bound to get even comfier.
Sisenny Bike Basket Folding For Dogs
The Sisenny bike basket for dog is a multi-purpose device that can be used as a bike carrier, a shoulder carrier, and a hand carrier for pups weighing up to 20lbs. It includes a plastic frame that makes it sturdy yet lightweight, and easily cleanable, waterproof Oxford fabric. There is a drawstring closure for added security, a convenient storage pocket, and a choice from several color options that will fit any aesthetic.
LONCEVON Dog Bike Basket
Medium dog breeds also can experience the joy of riding a bike with their beloved owner, but they need something more durable and secure. The LONCEVON dog bike carrier, which is designed for dogs weighing up to 20lbs, can easily handle your dog’s bike travel needs. It’s practical, reliable, and features a huge reflective strip plus a safety strap inside. You can also use this carrier as a pet booster seat for your car.
Nanle Bike Basket
For small dogs who weigh under 13lbs, there is no need to go for a large dog bicycle basket. The Nanle bicycle dog carrier will meet all of your needs with its easy and secure installation, built-in safety leash, storage pockets, padded edges and removable soft pad for comfy rides, and a reflective strip for added visibility during low-lighting rides.