Do you love taking your dog with you everywhere you go? So do we! Nothing compares to sharing life with your furry friend. That’s why I’ve researched the best dog basket for bike riding, so your small dog can come with you even on a bike ride!
When you decide whether or not to take your pup with you, you need to know that they will be safe on the ride. That’s why it’s important to find a basket with safety features, made of durable materials, and comfortable for your pet.
I chose the PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Bicycle Basket for Dogs and Cats as the best dog bike basket. Not only does this have an adorable look–with a traditional resin wicker design and a white sheepskin interior–but it also provides comfort and safety.
The PetSafe basket has a safety leash to keep your dog secured and a sun shade for hot days. The liner is soft and comfortable, so there’s a good chance your pup will just lay down and fall asleep while you ride!
All in all the PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Bicycle Basket is a great choice when it comes to picking a basket for your dog.
But, because every dog is different, I know that this basket won’t be the perfect fit for every biking duo. That’s why I’ve pulled together several options of dog baskets for bikes, so that you can be sure to find one that works for you.
Ready to find out what makes a bike basket great for you and your dog? Let’s get into the list of best dog baskets for bike riding!
Photo by Elizabeth Jamieson on Unsplash
Best Dog Basket for Bike
PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Bicycle Basket for Dogs and Cats – Best Overall
I already talked a little bit about the benefits of this bike basket, but let me get into the details. The basked has the look of a traditional wicker basket, but it’s made with durable resin.The inner lining is soft and removable for cleaning!
One of the features that makes this basket great is the removable sunshade. You can take it off to make it easier to take your dog in or out of the basket, but you can attach it to protect them from the sun.
Some pet owners had difficulty with the mounting system and had to add additional safety measures. However, others had no problem securing the basket to their bike. It may depend on what kind of bicycle you have, so make sure to check the measurements before buying.
The designers of this basket did not make it for heavy dogs. The safety rating says it supports pets up to 13lbs, but many dog owners suggested under 10lbs is a much better weight for the basket.
COFIT Detachable Bike Basket, Multi-Purpose Bicycle Handlebar Basket – Best Multi-Purpose
The COFIT Detachable Bike Basket is an excellent choice for an all-around reliable bike basket. While it’s great for small dogs and can support pets up to 11lbs, it also can be used to carry groceries and supplies when you don’t have your dog with you.
The bike is easily removable and has sturdy handles with foam pads for easy carrying when you aren’t on your bike. It’s also collapsible for storage!
The cloth is waterproof and can easily be wiped down, though it doesn’t have a removable liner like many dog baskets. This means it might not be the best if you are traveling with a puppy who isn’t fully potty-trained. Accidents happen!
I also want to note that one of the major drawbacks of this basket is that it doesn’t have a safety tether. This means that this is not the basket for you if your dog is jumpy. Even with a calm dog you should take several practice rides before going anywhere far.
BARKBAY Dog Bike Basket Carrier, Expandable Foldable Soft-Sided Dog Carrier – Most Sturdy
The BARKBAY Dog Bike Basket Carrier isn’t as cute a basket as my top pick, but it does come in a couple different colors and is very sturdy! The material is water-proof and easy to clean. Plus, this bike carrier comes with plenty of mesh windows to give your dog lots of fresh air.
The BARKBAY Dog Bike Basket is one of the most secure carriers on this list. If your dog has problems staying in his bike basket, this one can be fully closed with mesh windows so your dog can look around without jumping out.
Another great feature of this basket is that when you aren’t on a bike, you can pull out another mesh section so your dog has more room. This is great if you will also be using this carrier in a car, on a plane, or just to keep your dog safely contained once you’ve biked to your destination.
Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Wicker MAX – Best for Hot Days
The Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Wicker MAX is another adorable resin basket made to look like a traditional wicker basket. The secure aluminum frame gives it an aeronautical look, and the sunshade makes this basket perfect for rides on hot days.
The interior liner is removable and washable. While thick and soft, the wicker basket design also ensures that this basket is well ventilated and cool enough for your pup.
The sunshade is great for providing shade, of course, but it also adds a secure frame to keep jumpy or curious puppies safe. In addition, there’s a safety leash which can attach to your dog’s collar to keep them inside.
PetSafe Happy Ride Bicycle Basket for Dogs and Cats – Most Sporty
The PetSafe Happy Ride Bicycle Basket is made of Nylon for an athletic look that can’t be beat. The carrier is secure so you can ride at your normal speed without making your dog uncomfortable.
If you need to get off the bike and walk around, this basket can be removed and turned into a carrier with a shoulder strap. The basket also comes with pockets, so you won’t have to carry an additional bag with you.
As far as safety goes, this carrier comes with a safety strap inside the back. It also comes with a sunshade which can be attached if your dog gets hot while you’re out. This bag is rated for dogs who are under 13lbs, though of course smaller dogs will have more room and be more comfortable.
What to consider when buying a dog basket for bikes
So, when purchasing a bike basket for your dog, what factors do you need to keep in mind to make the right decision?
Size
Make sure the basket is the right size for your dog! This is a two-part consideration. The dimensions must be large enough for your dog to comfortably sit and stand. (Or lay down if your dog is likely to sleep while you ride.) Secondly, the basket must be able to support your dog’s weight!
Comfort
The basket must be comfortable for your dog. Otherwise, they won’t enjoy going for rides and your purchase will be useless. If you are going to carry the basket around instead of just using it on a bike, it should also be comfortable for you to hold!
Safety
This is one of the most important factors! You want your dog to be safe in his basket. Make sure that the basket is safe and secure, with sturdy walls, a frame if necessary, and ideally a safety tether.
Ventilated
You want the basket you choose to be breathable and cool if you live somewhere warm. If you’re going to be riding in cold weather, then this isn’t as much of an issue and you should instead focus on finding soft fabrics and baskets that can be paired with blankets!
Durable
Finally, you want a basket you can trust for more than one ride. Make sure you have a basket that you can ride with often, without worrying too much about wear and tear. A big part of this is just making sure that the basket is the right size and not getting stretched or pulled!
Hopefully this guide will help you make the right decision about your pet’s safety. If you love riding a bike, there’s a good chance that your dog will too!
Get your dog used to riding by first introducing them to the basket slowly and with plenty of treats. Once they’re comfortably sitting inside, start by walking around carrying the basket. Then, once they’re okay with that movement, attach the basket to the bike.
Start by riding around your yard or in a grassy area, going slowly and practicing turns. Remember that riding with the added weight may feel strange to you, too, so both you and your dog need to get used to the experience.
Once you’re both comfortable and confident, it’s time to start riding! Nothing makes a bike ride better than sharing it with your best friend!
