As a dog parent, you would need a good ride for vet visits. It doesn’t have to be a car but you can invest in a good bike. Consider also getting maintenance bike stands to keep your bike in its best shape whenever needed.

There are a variety of ways to transport the dog by bike. There is the right bike with the right transport box or trailer for every dog-human team. The choice depends on the size and weight of the dog. But the local conditions are also important to consider. Do you drive short distances with your dog to the dog school, to the vet, or especially through the city?

Bike Dog Baskets Better Than Pet Trailers

Basket On The Bicycle Handlebar

This transport option is suitable for small, light dogs up to approximately 5kgs. Anyone who has such a “dwarf” has hardly any problems taking him with a normal bicycle. Bicycle baskets come in many shapes and sizes. Special dog bike baskets are also equipped with a mesh cover so that the dog cannot jump out or fall out while driving. Some dog bike baskets that attach to the front of the handlebar are made of fabric. They are much lighter than those made of wicker and metal. Small dogs in particular cannot get their paws caught in a grid. A disadvantage of a basket on the handlebar, however, is that all movements of the dog have a direct effect on the handlebars and thus on the handling of the bike.

If the dog weighs only 2kg, you hardly notice it as a driver. But when the dog is closer to the 5kg limit, it can become uncomfortably spongy when steering. However, some cyclists quickly get used to the extra weight on the handlebars. Just try it out with an object that has roughly the same weight as your own dog. If this basket variant is a suitable option for you and your dog, you should also consider equipping your bike with a two-legged bike rack. Due to the weight on the handlebars, the bike tends to fall over. With a secure two-legged bicycle stand, you can lift your dog out of the basket without having to hold the bike at the same time.

Basket on the Bike’s Rear Rack

A conventional luggage rack can theoretically be loaded with up to 25kg. Since the center of gravity of a load is very high on a normal rear wheel, I find that 25kg is way too much for safe driving. In addition, very few people want to (and can) lift their 25kg dog to rack height. I would therefore recommend the rear luggage rack as a transport variant for dogs up to approx. 15kg. Since the rider’s weight is already heavy on the rear wheel, additional weight on the luggage rack is not unfamiliar at first. As with the front luggage rack, you have to choose a suitable box or basket. However, the larger the box for the dog, the more the driving behavior is influenced, as the dog can shift its weight from side to side.

If your dog rides calmly and relaxed in the basket, this will certainly be less of a problem for you. In any case, I would recommend that you test this transport variant with a heavy object. In this way, you can practice dealing with the new riding behavior of your bike before you slowly get your dog used to the basket. Since your dog is behind you while driving and you cannot always keep an eye on him, a lattice lid on the box or basket is definitely recommended. You should also make sure that the bike is stable when you park it, for example with a two-legged bike stand. There are many dog ​​models made of willow with a wire mesh for classic luggage racks. They usually already have a special bracket for attaching them to the luggage rack and are available in various sizes

There are other options for transport boxes. It doesn’t always have to be a basket or attached to the rear or the front of the bike. There’s a lot of choices, just let your creativity run wild. Regardless of your choice, it will all boil down to your dog size, weight, and comfort.