In a rush and just want my recommendation? I think the Pet-Pilot ORIGINAL Dog Bike Carrier is a great choice.
If your mode of travel is pedal-powered, or you love cycling for fun and would like to include your hound, then you may need to consider fitting a dog carrier to your bike. It’s fair to say that it would be unusual to see a Labrador in a bike carrier, but even a smaller dog requires a sturdy, safe and comfortable transporter.
In this article, I’m reviewing the following dog carriers for bikes.
- Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Wicker MAX
- RAYMACE Dog Bike Basket
- ANZOME Dog Bicycle Carrier
- PetSafe Happy Ride Bicycle Basket
- Pet-Pilot ORIGINAL Dog Bike Carrier
5 Best Dog Carriers For Bikes Reviewed
Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Wicker MAX
This is a stylish, vintage looking carrier, made from Resin wicker over a steel frame. Resin wicker is not a natural basket wicker, but is made of a synthetic material, generally polyethylene. This gives the carrier anti-odor, and moisture-proof properties. Always a great feature when you may get caught in wet weather.
Speaking of weather, there’s a great little sun-shade over the wire top, for those days when your hound needs shelter from the direct heat.
Safety-wise, this front carrier is equipped with a stable handlebar mount, and two safety leashes are included. The thick, padded foam floor and washable plush black removable liner provides comfort and cleanliness for your dog.
A screwdriver is required to fit the mount, and installation is an easy latching system. Attach the bracket to the handlebars, lock the basket on with the handle, attach the safety strap, and attach your dog’s harness.
Pros:
- Well made
- Easy installation
- Comfortable
- Sturdy
- Good quality straps
- Suitable for dogs up to 20lbs
Cons:
- Wire shade top harder to fit
- Carrier not compatible with some e-bikes
RAYMACE Dog Bike Basket
The Raymace is a multi-functional carrier, and can be used as a backpack, car seat, shoulder carrier and bike carrier.
It’s highly visible, being bright orange with a horizontal reflective stripe. This is a great feature if you plan to ride out in low-light conditions.
This is a durable carrier, easy to install and super-easy to clean. A good customer care service offers instructions if you’re not sure about whether this carrier will suit your bike.
The draw-string top encloses your dog, but there is a roll-up mesh window for air-flow.
Pros:
- Highly visible
- Storage pockets
- Good sizing
- Affordable
- Easy to fit
Cons:
- Too high for smaller dogs
- Bottom not sturdy enough for some dogs
ANZOME Dog Bicycle Carrier
This is a multi-functional, handlebar mount carrier, which also doubles as a shoulder bag carrier. It’s fold-able when off the bike, so can be stowed away easily. The Anzome carrier is for dogs up to 11lbs, so little hounds only.
This carrier is Oxford fabric over an aluminum frame, so is waterproof and washable. Two wide reflective strips add high visibility at night.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Low price point
- Washable
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Poor quality clips
- Carrier not sturdy
- No way to secure your dog inside the carrier
PetSafe Happy Ride Bicycle Basket
The PetSafe is a light grey, nylon bike carrier that converts to a shoulder bag for carrying your dog. The basket attaches to the handlebar of your bike with the brackets and safety straps, and there is an internal safety clip for attaching to your dog’s harness.
This carrier is good for hounds up to 13lbs. It has a little sun-shade which is removable, and the three side pockets are extremely generous sizing. There’s also a mesh bottle holder. This is a stylish and very affordable carrier, which is easy to install and remove should you want to use it as a bag for your hound.
The bottom of the bag is a little firm, so pop a thin cushion or folded blanket inside for comfort.
PetSafe have been in the pet market for 30 years, so are happy to stand by the quality of their products.
Pros:
- Value for money
- Durable
- Stable
- Easy to install
- Generous storage pockets
Cons:
- Harness strap too short
- Bottom stitching may fail
- Needs pad on bottom for comfort
Pet-Pilot ORIGINAL Dog Bike Carrier
This comfy carrier is for dogs up to 8lbs. If you need a larger carrier, the ‘MAX’ model is also available. That said, this carrier is very roomy and comfortable. Measure your hound sitting to get the correct size.
The top pads are padded, and the interior is lined with a soft, fluffy sherpa material. The outer shell is a heavy-duty fabric over a durable, powder-coated steel frame and mount.
The handlebar mount is patented, and the manufacturer claims that this carrier can carry more weight without moving and swaying, than any other front bicycle dog carrier on the market today. Rubber sleeves on the mounting protects your bike from friction, and provides a smoother ride.
Three different color inserts to choose from, silver, green and pink. A front air mesh vent provides important air flow. The padded floor provides even more comfort, and the internal safety strap keeps your hound safe and secure.
Pros:
- Sturdy carrier
- Easy installation
- Strong attachments
- Well designed
- Excellent quality
- Very Comfortable
- Value for money
Cons:
- Not compatible with some E-bikes
Guide To Buying Dog Carriers For Bikes
Is It Possible To Bicycle Travel With Your Dog?
Many people take their dogs with them on bicycle outings, or even just traveling to and from friends,family or the local park.
Amazingly, beloved hounds also go on bicycle vacations and wilderness tours. It’s all about preparation, training, and having the right equipment for your particular dog, and the trip itself.
Your dog is the best travel companion.
Can I put My Dog In a Bike Carrier?
Generally, smaller dogs who are less than 20lbs are suitable for a carrier. Bigger dogs can be pulled along in a trailer.
Are Carriers On Bicycles Safe For Dogs?
The safety of your hound in a bike carrier depends on four things:
- The design and build of the carrier
- The method of attaching the carrier to the bike
- Training your dog to stay in the carrier
- The environment you’re cycling in
What To Look For In A Dog Bike Carrier
Design and Build Of A Dog Bike Carrier
The safety of your hound is paramount, so tough, durable materials are a must-have. You also want high quality hardware and strong stitching on every part of the product. While cycling along on a busy road, there should be no possibility of your dog falling out of a poorly constructed carrier.
It’s recommended that you buy a carrier which exceeds the weight limit for your particular dog. Your hound may gain a couple of pounds now and then, so it’s much safer to err on the side of caution. Just go a little larger so you don’t have to buy a bigger carrier later on.
A slightly larger carrier will be more comfortable for your dog. They should be able to move, sit or lie down. Measure your dog from the neck, to the base of the tail. Then add a few inches to that measurement.
Safety Features
A safety strap attached to your dog’s harness is the safest way to ensure they don’t leap out of the carrier, or get thrown into the road if you fall. A light running harness is a better option than a collar in this instance. There is a high chance of neck injury, or choking if your hound does fall or jump out of the carrier. If you plan to incorporate some hiking, a hiking harness will work well, as there is usually room to store some water and treats.
Attaching A Dog Carrier To A Bike
There are front, handlebar carriers, and rear-rack attaching models. I’m a big fan of front attachments, just because I like to see my hound at all times. The larger the dog, the more difficult it will be for you to steer the bike reliably, especially if your hound is fidgety. Always look for durable attachments and strong straps.
Training Your Dog To Use A Bike Carrier
As with any training, start small and slow. Put your dog in the carrier at home, or in the car to start with. Let them get used to being in it.
Then put them in the carrier on the bike, just in the yard. If they seem happy, take them somewhere quiet for the first few rides. Slowly increase the distance of your rides, but keep it nice and smooth to start with. You don’t want to startle them and make the ride frightening.
Once they’re happy with that, try some bumpy terrain. You know your hound, and you’ll know when it’s safe to take them further.
Cycling With A Dog
Wherever you can cycle, you can take your dog! It opens up endless possibilities for trips away from home. You can cycle to a park, walk and play, picnic or even just sit and relax with your dog, then cycle home.
Visit friends and family who are within cycling distance. If you’re going on a long adventure, you may want to have pockets built into the carrier for a water bottle, treats, a leash and some poop bags.
Do I Need A Multi-functional Dog Carrier?
If you’re planning to secure it in the car, check that this is a function of your preferred carrier. If you think you may want to fly your dog somewhere, airlines have strict requirements for carriers. Generally speaking, a carrier that is specifically for use with a bicycle will be the safest and most functional design.
Key Points
On a practical note, you will want a carrier that is easy to attach to your bike, has all the safety attachments in place, is comfortable for your dog, and has room for accessories if needed.
I’ve looked at five products to help make your job of finding the best dog bike carrier, much easier.
Conclusion
A couple of these dog bike carriers stand-out for me. The winner as far as durability, safety and comfort is concerned, is the Pet-Pilot ORIGINAL Dog Bike Carrier.
I need to feel confident that my dog is safe and secure. She needs to be comfortable, warm, and able to move around a little. The attention to my hound’s comfort, as well as the protection of my bike and my ease of use makes this a really easy decision for me.
This carrier delivers on all counts, and I really appreciate the quality of the components. It’s functional and fit for purpose, and looks stylish, too.
The manufacturer has been developing this carrier,based on customer feedback since 2017. It really has proved to be a responsive company. Good customer support is there, if needed.
