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

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 Basket Rear-Mounted For Large Dogs Backpack

BABEYER dog carrier Snoozer dog bed for bike Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer K9 Sport Sack Air 2

BABEYER Snoozer Lookout Schwinn Rascal Trailer K9 Sport Sack Air 2

View on Amazon View on Chewy View on Amazon View on Chewy

Read Review Read Review Read Review Read Review

Table Of Contents

    Best Dog Carrier For Bikes

    What About Petsfit, PetSafe Happy Ride & RuffLyfe?

    Personal Experience With Dog Bike Trailers

    Safety Tips To Bike With Your Dog

    Keeping Your Pup Safe On Outings

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

View on Amazon

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.

Pros Cons

Adjustable safety tether Requires at least 13″ to fit above the wheel, so it doesn’t work with some bikes

Easy to install and remove Storage 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

    Starting at: $65.99

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

Snoozer dog bed for bike with dog inside

View on Chewy

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.

Pros Cons

Adjustable 3-point safety strap Safety strap may not adjust short enough for very small dogs who are prone to jumping out

Easy to install and remove Pricey for a dog bike basket

Fits dogs up to 24 pounds

Roomy and airy

Cover is machine washable

Price

    $107.99

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

Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer

View on Amazon

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.

Pros Cons

Excellent for large dogs and those with joint problems (low-to-the-ground entrance) On the pricey side for a dog trailer

Adjustable safety tether Requires assembly

Easy to connect and disconnect from bike More 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

    Starting at: $251.71

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

K9 Sport Sack Air 2

View on Chewy

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.

Pros Cons

Sturdy, comfortable design for dogs and owners On the pricey side

Built-in D ring for collar hookup Doesn’t have a waist strap

Good side ventilation

4 sizes for dogs 4-30 pounds

Veterinarian-approved design

Price

    All sizes: $74.95

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

View on Amazon

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.

Pros Cons

Adjustable safety tether Only fits dogs up to 10 pounds

Easy to install and remove Lacks side and front ventilation

Sturdy side and bottom panels Some complaints that the safety tether broke

Drawstring top

Also useful as a pet shoulder bag and car seat

Price

    Check Amazon for availability

PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Basket Review

PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Basket

View on Amazon

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.

Pros Cons

Classicly stylish design Only fits dogs under 13 pounds

Safety tether strap A 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

    $24.50

RuffLyfe CrateMate Review

RuffLyfe CrateMate

View on Amazon

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.

Pros Cons

4-point safety harness Not intended for dogs under 15 pounds

Easy installation with no tools required A bit pricey for what you get in the kit

Fits dogs up to 45 pounds

Airy and roomy

100% satisfaction guarantee

Price

    $54.99

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.