Chelsea DickanIf you own both a small dog and a bicycle and you have not thought at least once about putting the pup in a bike basket á la Toto in the Wizard of Oz, I don’t believe you. I mean, c’mon, what could be better than emulating the iconic stylings of a classic film while also sharing the company of your pup on a bike ride (without the flying monkeys, of course)?
Okay, maybe I’m just jealous of those with larger dogs that are able to take them running, hiking, or on other activities more size-appropriate. But the ability to include your dog as a fellow rider on your bicycle (or tricycle!) adventures is unique to small dog owners. So it would be downright irresponsible not to take advantage of the opportunity. Right? Here we take a look at the best dog carrier bike baskets.
There are plenty of different styles and mounting variations, so take the time to pick a basket that works for you, your dog, and your bike, and soon you’ll be cruising in style with your pup.
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If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top picks. You can read in-depth about each basket below, as well as a complete buying guide for bike baskets for dogs.
Top Seven Bike Baskets for Dogs
PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Bicycle Basket
The PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Bicycle Basket is made of synthetic resin wicker (giving a nod to the classic Wizard of Oz look), which is easy to clean and breathable.
The carrier includes a washable sheepskin liner and a removable sunshade. A tether clip in the bottom of the carrier can be attached to your dog’s harness to keep it safely inside the carrier.
The basket does not include extra pockets, and should only be used by pets that weigh at or under 13 pounds. The basket connects to the bike via brackets and can be installed or removed quickly.
Some other features include:
- Three-way adjustments on the bracket for better handlebar fit
- Safety leash is adjustable
- Optional wire safety cage
- Unique bracket system allows attachment/detachment in seconds with one hand
BARKBAY Pet Carrier Bicycle Basket Pet Carrier
The versatile BARKBAY Pet Carrier Bicycle Basket Bag Pet Carrier functions both as a bike basket carrier and a shoulder-strap or backpack carrier. Once you’ve reached your destination by cycling, you can take the carrier off of the bicycle and bring your pooch with you in the carrier. This carrier would be especially useful for pets with limited mobility or who tire easily.
In addition to a tether inside the carrier, the opening can also be adjusted to be smaller so that your pet can keep its head outside of the carrier and its body inside. The front of the carrier has a flap that can be raised to increase air flow inside the basket.
Some other features include:
- Elastic storage pockets on the sides of the carrier
- Washable fleece liner pad
- Quick-release buckles for easy attachment/detachment
- Mesh venting
Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Max Dog Bicycle Basket Carrier
The Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot MAX Dog Bicycle Basket Carrier is a removable fabric carrier that fits onto a fixed handlebar mount. Although it requires an extra installation step, the process is simple and only requires a screwdriver. The carrier includes reflective strips on each side as an additional safety measure.
Unlike some other carriers, the Pet-Pilot MAX’s carrying capacity is not dictated by weight, but by size: If your pet fits comfortably in the carrier, it should be safe to ride inside. The carrier also features a two-point harness tether and a mesh front vent to help with air circulation.
Some other features include:
- A variety of color options
- Sherpa lining
- Sway-resistant stability design
Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Wicker MAX Dog Bicycle Basket
Like the fabric Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot MAX carrier, the Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Wicker MAX Dog Bicycle Basket can support any dog that fits comfortably inside the carrier. This carrier is made of synthetic resin wicker, and includes a removable dual wire top and sunshade. Along with the two-point tether inside the basket, the wire top will prevent your dog from jumping out of the carrier.
The wicker basket includes a removable and washable black plush liner, and the carrier attaches to the bike via a mount that can be installed with a screwdriver.
Some other features include:
- MAX Wicker Bike Basket system is odor and moisture resistant
- Includes two safety leashes
- Latching system allows for quick basket attachment
Budget-Friendly Option:
ANZOME Bike Basket Folding Small Dog Carrier
The ANZOME Bike Basket is a good budget-friendly fabric carrier for cyclists with dogs under 11 pounds. Although it does not feature a tether point for your dog, a harness could be attached to the metal frame around the mouth of the basket.
Although the carrier does have a drawstring mouth, the fabric does not include any venting. Because of this, it may not be a good idea to tighten the drawstring to keep your dog inside the basket.
Some other features include:
- Mount attachment that allows the basket to be easily removed
- Handles for easy carrying
- Pockets on both the inside and the outside of the basket
Rear Bike Seat Option:
Snoozer Pet Rider Rear Bicycle Seat
The Snoozer Pet Rider Rear Bicycle Seat might be a good option to consider if your bike has a rear rack (if it does not, you would need to install one in order to use this carrier). This seat can accommodate heavier pets that weigh up to 24 pounds.
The inside of the seat is made with plywood, and the sides are made from a foam form. The outer fabric cover can be removed, but if the dog inside had a major accident, it might be difficult to fully clean from the foam and plywood inside.
Some other features include:
- Three-point safety tether
- Reflective visibility strip
Dog Sling Carrier Option:
TOMKAS Dog Carrier for Small Dogs
If your bicycle cannot accommodate the other carrier options, or if your dog does not take to carriers or baskets, you might consider trying a sling-style dog carrier like the TOMKAS dog carrier. This carrier would work for a puppy or dog under 10 pounds, and could be worn while cycling.
The sling includes a safety buckle (tether), a button, and an adjustable strap to keep your pet safe inside. The carrier is machine washable and reversible, and includes a zipper pocket.
What Type of Basket is Best?
Dog bike baskets are typically made from one of three materials: fabric, metal, or wicker.
Fabric carriers generally include more features—such as pockets and shoulder straps—than metal or wicker carriers. Fabric carriers may be further reinforced by plastic or metal, but they are still less rigid than fully metal or wicker carriers.
Depending on the construction of the fabric carrier, it may sway and jostle your pet. It may also promote less airflow; however, some fabric carrier models counteract that by including mesh panels.
Plain metal carriers are the least popular type of dog basket carrier. Although some models include desirable design features like tether points, closed tops, and sunshades, most metal carriers are not very comfortable for your dog and would require additional padding.
If the spaces in the metal are too wide, your dog could snag its paw or leg and could get seriously hurt. A perk of metal carriers, though, is that they are very easy to clean if your dog has a bathroom accident during the ride.
Wicker carriers, which can be made either with wood or synthetic wicker, look vintage but are generally very durable. Although wicker carriers do not typically feature pockets or carrying handles, they may include other design features such as sunshades, metal covers, and tether points.
While many wicker carriers include a washable lining, a bathroom accident could be difficult to clean from the wicker itself, especially if it is not synthetic.
Getting Your Dog Comfortable with the Basket
No matter which bike basket you pick, it is important to give your dog ample time to become comfortable with the basket, both off and on the bike, before taking your first ride with it.
It is also important to be aware of your dog’s personality before investing in a carrier basket. If your dog is too anxious or neurotic, it may not be able to acclimate to the basket and enjoy the ride. It may even try to jump out of the carrier.
While many carriers do include tethers to prevent pets from jumping out, it is not a good idea to put your dog in a situation that will cause them stress. If your dog has a more relaxed personality, though, it might adjust fairly quickly to the carrier basket.
Once your bike basket arrives, put it in a place where the dog can sniff it and interact with it. Encourage your dog to sit inside, and consider rewarding it with treats for staying put in the basket.
Once the dog is comfortable with the basket, you can mount it on the bike. Put your dog in the basket on the bike and let it get comfortable, again providing treats to create a positive association.
After that, you can introduce your dog to the feeling of sitting in the bike while riding by walking the bicycle around with the dog in the carrier.
When you and your dog are ready, take a few short rides near your home. If your dog is still comfortable at that point, you can take longer rides together. Take care to avoid very bumpy roads, which could jostle your dog uncomfortably.
Safety Tips
- Take note of the measurements listed on each carrier’s product page. Be careful not to pick a carrier that will not fit your bicycle or tricycle. Poor fit can damage the carrier and, in turn, might hurt your dog.
- Always make sure your dog is comfortable in the carrier and is safely harnessed or tethered so that it cannot jump out and get hurt.
- Avoid riding on rough or bumpy terrain. Although some carriers have been made for sports bikes, it is a good idea to stay on smooth roads that won’t disturb your pup too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is too big for my dog to ride in a bike basket?
Generally speaking, 20 pounds seems to be the practical limit for putting a dog in a bike basket, although we’ve seen pups as large as 30 pounds able to ride comfortably. A lot depends on your dog’s biking disposition.
Are there any alternatives to a bike basket for larger dogs?
Bike trailers, similar to ones made for children, are a good option for medium sized dogs. They can handle heavier dogs than bike carrier baskets. These are also popular with those having special needs dogs with limited mobility.
For large dogs, teaching them to run along side the bike is an option, though this should only be practiced in safe environments (no cars or other bikes around) and with proper training and safety measures taken.
Which is preferable — a front mount or rear mount dog bike basket?
Both have their merits. If your bike already has a rear rack mounted, a rear basket can support more weight without swaying as much as front mount basket if your dog moves and shifts weight. But a front mount basket allows you to see your dog at all times while biking, which is especially reassuring for safety reasons.
Conclusion
While there are a number of good bike baskets for dogs available, we are partial to two models. The PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Basket is the most stylish in addition to being functional, while the BARKBAY Pet Carrier Bicycle Basket has numerous features, including the ability to easily convert from a bicycle basket to a backpack or shoulder bag. You want your dog to be able to experience all the sights and smells of the outdoors, and either of these carriers would allow them to do that safely.
