I love taking my little dog for bike rides. It’s the perfect way for me to get some exercise while she can take in all the sights and smells without getting tired. She gets excited every time I bring my bike out. So, I definitely recommend a dog bike basket for anyone with a small dog who loves adventures.
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Should You Get a Bike Basket for Your Dog?
While my dog loves her bike basket, it’s not ideal for all dog parents. You should only get one for your dog if you think they would enjoy it. Dogs who easily get nervous in new situations, especially if they’re scared of riding in other things like cars and boats, probably aren’t ideal candidates for this activity. Cycling with your dog should be fun for both of you, not stressful.
Of course, you should also be confident in your bike riding abilities. If you haven’t ridden a bike in a long time or if you fall down frequently, a bike ride might not be safe for your furry friend. Please consider all these aspects before riding on a bike with your dog.
What to Look for in a Dog Bike Basket
If you think your dog would love a bike ride, you need to ensure you pick a bike basket that’s safe and comfortable for them. You should use a basket that’s made specifically for dogs to ensure they don’t get hurt. Look for the following features when making a decision.
Size
First, you’ll need to ensure the size of the bike basket is ideal for your dog. They should be able to comfortably lie down and turn around if needed. Most bike baskets are made for dogs under 20 pounds, so if you have a medium or large dog, you might want to consider a bike trailer instead (I’ve included one trailer option in the product section).
Comfort
Your dog’s comfort is a priority in the bike basket. The fabric should be soft so your dog won’t mind sitting in the basket for long periods. Make sure there are no holes that your dog’s nails could get caught on or sharp edges that could scratch them.
To add to the comfort level, the basket should have good ventilation. Many dog bike baskets have flaps that open into mesh windows for maximum breathability. Without a feature like that, your pup could overheat in the summer.
Safety Features
The main thing that sets pet bike baskets apart from normal bike baskets are the safety features. The bike basket you choose should have a safety tether to clip to your dog’s harness so they can’t jump out and hurt themselves. Always attach the tether to a harness instead of a collar so your dog can’t choke themselves.
Make sure the bike basket is also very stable and secure when you attach it to your bike. If the hardware makes it wobbly, it may not be safe enough to support your dog’s weight.
Best Dog Bike Basket Products
There are lots of great bike baskets out there, so I’ve chosen a few great options to help you narrow down your search. These products are better than regular bike baskets because they have features that specifically cater to pet comfort and safety.
This is the bike basket I currently use for my dog. It can also be used as a backpack and a car seat. It’s a little bulkier than other options, but that gives it plenty of space for your dog. My dog is about 15 pounds and she fits in it perfectly (the product listing says it supports up to 19 pounds). This basket has pockets on each side which are perfect for storing items like my phone and keys. Inside, it has a soft base for my dog to sit on and a tether to attach to her harness. You can also close the mesh top around your dog’s head for added security. I definitely recommend this bike basket to fellow dog parents, but it might be too big for certain bikes, so look at the measurements closely before buying it (you should do this with any bike basket).
This dog bike basket is both adorable and practical. It has a brown wicker exterior with a cozy plush lining inside. It has an attached wicker canopy to offer some shade to your canine companion. The liner is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning after adventures. This charming basket has a safety tether inside and supports pets up to 13 pounds. While this product doesn’t include pockets, there’s a nylon version that’s not as stylish but is more practical because it has plenty of storage space.
Here’s another dog bike basket by BarkBay that has great reviews. Like the other basket, it’s sturdy with a front that can roll up to reveal a mesh window. It has large pockets on the sides and a soft cushion inside. This product is unique from other bike baskets because one side can expand to give your dog more space. That feature is perfect for if you stop to take a break on your bike ride and want to give your pet more room while you recharge. This bag also has lots of reflective stitching so it’s easily visible at night. It’s ideal for any dog up to 18 pounds.
This PetAmi product not only works as a bike basket, but it can also be a backpack, car seat, and over-the-shoulder carrier. It has two large mesh pockets on the sides and a zippered pocket on the front so there’s plenty of room for your belongings. The interior is cushioned and the front has a mesh window. For safety, there’s an attached seat belt. The mesh part on the top can also close around your dog’s head for added security. Any dog 18 pounds and smaller can enjoy this cozy bike basket.
Here’s another adorable wicker bike basket with a canopy to provide shade. The canopy has metal bars on all sides to prevent pets from jumping out. The attached safety tether can also keep your pet secure. This stylish basket has a fuzzy interior so your dog can feel comfortable and relaxed while they ride. The basket also comes with durable metal hardware to ensure the basket securely attaches to your bike. According to the product description, if your dog fits in the basket, it will support their weight.
Snoozer makes lots of products designed specifically with your pet’s comfort in mind, so this bike basket is no different. It’s spacious with soft fabric so your dog won’t hurt themselves while sitting in it. There’s an attached harness clip inside, and the top can close around your dog’s head to keep their body inside while their head sticks out. It has several storage pockets, including a spot for a water bottle and a front pocket that closes securely. It’s ideal for any small dog up to 15 pounds.
If your dog is too big to fit in a bike basket, you can try a bike trailer like this one instead. Any dog up to 50 pounds can fit in this trailer, allowing bigger dogs to enjoy the thrill of bike rides. The trailer has mesh windows for breathability, along with a top that opens so your dog’s head can poke out. Of course, there’s a safety tether inside to keep your pup secure. The fabric on this product is water-resistant, helping it last long in outdoor elements. When you’re done using it, you can fold it up for easy storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Safe to Put a Dog in a Bike Basket?
Yes, it’s safe to put a dog in a bike basket as long as there’s a safety tether attached to their harness. Also, make sure you can safely ride a bike with the empty bike basket before adding your dog to it.
How Do You Train a Dog to Use a Bike Basket?
Start by introducing your dog to the bike basket before it’s on your bike. Have them sit in the bike basket on the ground and reward them. Then, try riding short distances, such as down the street or around the block to make sure they’re comfortable before taking them on a longer bike ride.
Can a Dog Bike Basket be Used as an Airline Carrier?
In most cases, no, a dog bike basket cannot be used as an airline carrier. Dog airline carriers need to fit under the seat in front of you, but dog bike baskets are usually bulky and don’t close all the way. Check your airline’s pet restrictions to ensure you bring a proper carrier.
How Do You Make a Bike Basket for Dogs?
It’s best not to make your own bike basket for dogs. Bike baskets made specifically for pets include special safety features like safety tethers and mesh windows. Unless you’re very crafty, it may be difficult to include that in a DIY dog bike basket.
Are There Bike Baskets for Large Dogs?
No, bike baskets can’t hold large dogs. However, you can use a bike trailer instead. Bike trailers can support the weight of a wide range of canine sizes, so they’re better for dogs above 15 pounds.
I Recommend a Dog Bike Basket
A bike basket has been a great way to include my dog on outdoor adventures. So, I recommend one for any dog parents who have adventurous little dogs. And if you have a big dog, consider a bike trailer instead.
However, if your dog gets nervous or scared easily, a bike basket might not be the right choice for them. Dog bike baskets are fun, but not if your furry friend isn’t enjoying them. Consider your dog’s temperament before getting one of these products.