What is the best dog bike trailer?
What are the options, and how to choose the perfect bike trailer for your dog?
To put it simply, a dog bike trailer is a type of dog carrier that can be attached to the rear wheel of your bike. Even though dog bike trailers don’t differ too much, still there are a few things to consider. Size, material and features are the most important things to take into account when you want to find the best dog trailer for bike.
Check out this list below and find the perfect one for your pet!
Let us help you to find the best dog bike trailer for your dog.
Best Dog Bike Trailer 2023
What are the options? And which one to choose?
Most bike trailers come with a universal coupler (attachment) and are compatible with most adult bicycles. They are collapsible, easy-to-use and feature removable wheels.
1. Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer (Click for More Details)
Folding frame small, medium & large dog bike carrier.
Overall, the best dog bike trailer, our favorite.
The Schwinn Rascal is a high quality, lightweight bike pet trailer packed with useful features. The dog bike trailer has a rear dog door for entering and exiting. There’s an interior leash for added security — to prevent your dog from leaping out of the trailer. The non-slip lining of the trailer is removable and washable.
The Schwinn Rascal bike pet trailer features a folding frame and quick release wheels. It won’t take up much space when not in use. Also the build of the trailer makes it easy to transport in a car. The trailer’s universal coupler easily attaches to almost any bicycle. 16″ air filled tires can be inflated easily with a standard bicycle wheel pump.
The top lid can be opened, plus — there is a roll-up rain shield and bug screen.
Available in several colors. Safety flag included.
CAPACITY: Small — up to 50 lbs (22.7 kg); Large — up to 100 lbs (45.3 kg)
2. Burley Design Tail Wagon Bike Trailer (Click for More Details)
Medium dog bike carrier which can be converted to a stroller.
The Burley Tail Wagon is the best dog bike trailer for versatility.
It’s a 2-in-1 bike trailer for medium-sized dogs. It can be used as a bike trailer and a stroller, as it comes with a removable handle bar (you need to buy the wheels, though). There’s a removable floor for easy cleaning, roll-up rain shield and bug screen. The front cover can also be rolled up and secured using the Velcro straps. This 2-in-1 stroller-and-trailer features 16-inch quick-release alloy wheels.
You can loop the leash through rings on the side or front to easily secure your dog. There are various cargo pockets for you to store the necessary gear or your dog’s essentials, a parking brake and a kick-stand (compatible only with the one-wheel stroller kit). There are reflectors on the front and rear of the trailer.
The only drawback is that this quite expensive trailer doesn’t come with a stroller kit. You have to order it separately. There are two types of stroller kits available — two wheel and one wheel.
CAPACITY: 75 lbs (34 kg)
3. Petsafe Happy Ride Dog Bike Trailer (Click for More Details)
Collapsible bike dog trailer for small, medium and large dogs.
Featuring a light and sturdy aluminum frame, the PetSafe Happy Ride trailer is a durable and safe ride for your pet. The trailer is weather-proof yet offers plenty of ventilation to keep your pet cool and comfortable. It features back, front and side ventilated windows. The front window has both screen and clear plastic flaps. The roll-up roof is made of solid fabric.
There’s a safety tether inside the trailer that can be attached to your dog’s harness to keep them safe. There are 3 pockets on the outside for your dog’s leash, treats, water and poop bags.
Despite the fact that the trailer is weather-proof, and will work well in light rain, we would not suggest to use it in heavy downpour. As the side windows and back entrance are mesh, so rain can get in through them.
The trailer easily connects to your bicycle and disconnects just as easily.
CAPACITY: Medium — up to 50 lbs (22.7 kg); Large — up to 110 lbs (50 kg)
4. Retrospec Rover Waggin’ Pet Bike Trailer (Click for More Details)
Easy-to-use medium and small dog bike trailer.
The Retrospec Rover Waggin dog trailer is collapsible, features simple design and offers easy installation. It is made of weather resistant materials and features canopy and mesh shielding. The trailer includes internal leash and no-slip floor for your pet’s safety and reflectors on rear end of the trailer for visibility. Its size and design makes it one of the best bike trailers for dogs of medium size.
There’s a rear doggy door with secure zipper and 16 inch wheels with air-filled tires. The trailer is compatible with nearly all adult bicycles. Fits 20”-29” wheels. The coupler is included.
CAPACITY: 50 lbs (22.7 kg)
5. Ibiyaya 2-In-1 Dog Stroller and Bike Trailer (Click for More Details)
2-in-1 small and medium dog bicycle trailer and stroller.
The ibiyaya 2-in-1 dog trailer features shock-absorbing rubber wheels with air-filled tires and built-in suspension, making it one of the best dog strollers – bike trailers for dogs. The trailer has a durable rear wheel axle and a heavy-duty steel frame.
The trailer comes with 2 safety tethers and reflector plates for night walks. There are 2 cup holders and large pet accessory pocket. It features back, front, and side zippered mesh windows which offer plenty of ventilation. A clear rain cover and sunroof are included. Just like the other bicycle trailers for dogs we’ve already reviewed, the ibiyaya carrier is collapsible and doesn’t take up much space when folded.
In the stroller mode, it has a lockable swivel front tire and quick-release rear brake system. The handle is adjustable.
What we like the most about this trailer is that its base is high above the ground, away from the dust and mud.
CAPACITY: 66 lbs (30 kg) as a stroller, 55 lbs (25 kg) as a bike trailer
6. Booyah Small Dog Pet Bike Bicycle Trailer (Click for More Details)
Easy-to-use small dog bike trailer.
The Booyah is a small bike dog trailer for dogs of up to 20 lbs (9 kg). Its design is rather simple, making the trailer easy to use. The bike trailer features fabric and mesh roof, clear plastic and mesh screen front “window”. The roof and front “window” can be rolled up and left open. There are several openings to get your pet into the trailer: at front, back and top.
There are reflectors on front and back of the trailer, and the tires have side reflectors.
The trailer has 16 inch quick release rear wheels.
CAPACITY: 15-20 lbs (6.8 – 9 kg)
Biking With a Dog Trailer: Basics
Going on a short walk with your dog is easy.
But what if you want to go on a bike ride with your pet?
This is where bike trailers come in handy. You don’t need to hold onto your pets leash while balancing on your bike. It’s much more safer not only for you, but also for your dog — he can’t escape and cause trouble. Dog trailers are easy to use and easy to set up. Most are collapsible with removable wheels. Most carriers have universal attachment (universal coupler) and their wheels can be inflated easily with a standard bicycle wheel pump.
All of this make most dog bike trailers easy to use.
Does It Work With All Dogs?
No, not all dog breeds can be transported in dog trailers.
If your dog weighs more than 110 lbs (50 kg) it can’t be transported in a dog bike trailer, simply because of the weight. When buying a new dog bike trailer, pay attention the the capacity. Some are designed only for small dogs, some — for medium, some — for large dog breeds. Check also the weight limit before purchasing.
Don’t forget that trailers can stress out your pet!
While it’s very easy for you, bike trailers can stress out your pet. So, that’s why we would recommend you introduce your pet to the trailer first. Start with your home and yard. Go for a short ride. Only then you can go for longer rides.
Dog Biking Safety Tips
Let’s not forget about the safety.
When biking with your dog in a bike trailer, make sure you secure your dog’s harness to it. Attach one end of the leash to your dog’s harness, and the other end to the bike trailer. We recommend using a harness instead of collar, just in case your pet gets frightened and tries to jump out, so that it won’t choke your pet.
How to Find the Best Dog Bike Trailer?
How to choose the best dog bike trailer for your pet?
Let’s make this super simple.
Generally speaking mostly it’s about these 4 simple things.
1. Features
Basically, almost all dog bike trailers are pretty much the same.
Most of them feature several “windows” with mesh screens, weather-proof roof which can be rolled-up, some accessory pockets, interior leash or a D-ring, non-slip lining, removable floor, quick release rear wheels and reflectors. However, some of the best dog bike trailers are a bit different from the standard ones — they are versatile and can be converted to a dog stroller.
2. Size
Dog bike trailers come in several sizes.
There are trailers for really small dogs (15-20 lbs / 6.8 – 9 kg), and there are trailers for large, 100 pound (45 kg) dogs.
Pay attention to it when buying a new dog bike basket.
3. Compatibility
Most bike trailers come with a universal coupler (attachment).
That makes them compatible with nearly all adult bicycles. But still it’s a good idea to make sure if you can attach such a device to your bicycle.
4. Your Budget
Decide upon your budget.
And choose the best bike trailer that fits into it.
Remember, that very often the more expensive the dog bike trailer, the better the quality. So if you are planning to use it often, invest in a good quality trailer. And if you decide so, go for a versatile dog trailer, a 2-in-1 dog bike trailer that can also be used as a stroller.
What is your experience with outdoor gear for dogs? What’s the best dog bike trailer you have tried so far?
Featured photo by Mali Maeder from Pexels
Please note that the information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from a veterinarian or dog trainer. Always consult with a qualified expert before making decisions regarding your dog’s health, well-being, and training.