In this post with a handy comparison chart and videos, we compare seven of the best carriers for dogs on bikes, including dog bike baskets, plus a trailer for larger dogs, and a backpack for nervous dogs. Most of these carriers are multi-functional, so you can use them on and off the bike. To save time, just check our our chart, which will help you to quickly compare the best options in carriers for dogs on bikes. Plus, we have reviews. Bonus: we share some important safety tips we have learned over the years as we have transported our beloved dogs. But first, check out our quick summary comparison, followed by a chart comparing all the most important details.
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Chart Comparing 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets
 | Best multi-function option. Intended for pets up to 13 lb. Can be used on and off the bike to transport your pet. Can also be used for shopping. Available in fabric style and also in retro wicker option | Front handlebars. The bracket system has 3-way adjustability so you can fit the basket on any bike. • Bracket system makes it possible to take the basket on and off your bike in seconds with one hand. | • Safety harness. • Extra pockets. • Shoulder strap for use as pet carrier. • Removable sun shade. • Lifetime warranty. • Very handy, multi-purpose carrier with zippered pockets. • Included adjustable safety leash. • Bottom line: a well-made, affordable, multi-purpose dog bike basket for small dogs. • Also available in a retro wicker version. | Price is usually less than $50. Please click here for exact current price on Amazon. |
 | Best for dogs that feel safest close to their owners. Comes in a range of sizes, rated for dogs up to 30 pounds. | Simply wear it like a backpack. • This carrier is obviously best suited to cycling in an upright position. | • This innovative Dog Backpack Carrier is Veterinarian Approved and could be just the ticket for anxious dogs. • Available in a range of colors. • A side pocket is provided to carry things other than your dog. • Backed by strong customer service • Use it to take your dog along when you go biking, hiking, on transit, shopping or even skiing. • Includes ventilating side panels. • The 5 safety features should keep your dog safe. | Price is usually around $55. Please click here to check the best current price on Amazon. |
 | Best Budget Option. Intended for pets up to 11 lb. Multi-function. Can be used on and off the bike to transport your pet. Can also be used for shopping | Front handlebars. Attaches with a quick-release handlebar mount. | • This budget basket is both removable and foldable. • Like all of the baskets, it can be used for pets or shopping. • The quick release mount means you can quickly remove it. • The adjustable 15” sewn-in leash will keep your pet safely secured. • The fabric is waterproof, making it easy to wipe down and keep clean. • The frame is metal. | Price is usually less than $30. Please click here for exact current price on Amazon. |
 | Multi-use carrier with pockets. Intended for pets up to 19 lb. Included tether to attach to your pet’s collar, plus a draw string mesh cover to make your dog more secure. | Front handlebars. Features quick-release buckles. Easy to install, & collapsible. | • A nice touch is the padded sheepskin liner bottom. • Easily remove the bottom floor board for cleaning. • This is a multi-use carrier: can also be used as a dog shoulder bag using the shoulder strap, a dog backpack, or a pet car seat booster. • You can unzip the front window to reveal a mesh side that lets in cooling air. • Also included are mesh pockets to carry treats, keys, etc. | Price is usually around $50. Please click here for exact current price on Amazon. |
 | Keeps your dog super safe and secure. Intended for pets up to 12 lb. Best suited to short-legged dogs. | Front handlebars or rear rack. Mounts with a quick and easy, but very strong, spring-loaded attachment on the bottom, which can be attached to your handle bars or your rack. Also, it is easy to put it on the bike and remove thanks to the quick release bracket. | • This basket will keep your pet very safe and secure, thanks to its combination of spring loaded caging on the top, plus included safety leash, plus an extra safety strap that you loop onto the bike. • It is also multi-functional – the padded carry handle makes it easy for you to use it as a pet carrier. • This is a sturdy, affordable, coated steel-wire basket. • Ships with an anti-microbial padded floor liner. | Price varies between $40 and $60. Please click here for best current price on Amazon. |
 | Best for dogs who don't like being in baskets, or cyclists who don't like baskets. Intended for dogs up to 50 pounds. | Attaches to rear of bike. Coupler easily attaches to almost any bicycle. | • Adjustable internal leash to keep pet safe. • Includes safety flag. • Has a rear doggy-door to allow for easy entrance and exit. • Has 16-inch aluminum rims and air-filled tires • Includes adjustable bug screen. | Price is usually less than $200. Please click here for exact current price on Amazon. |
 | Multi-function pet carrier intended for pets up to 15 lb. | Front handlebars. • Use included straps to attach it to the front handlebars. • Quick release. • Quickly converts into a backpack. | • Foldable and soft-sided. • Reflective tape for safety. • Includes a rain cover. • Includes a safety leash. • Suitable for dogs up to 15 pounds. • Large breathable mesh windows on top and front. | Price is usually around $50. Please click here for the best current price on Amazon. |
No. 1: Petsafe Happy Ride Front-mounted Dog Bike Basket
Please click here for the current price of this basket on Amazon, plus more reviews.
Please note that as an Amazon affiliate, I make a very small commission when you purchase.
This is a very handy, multi-purpose, front-mounted dog bike basket for small dogs. You keep your dog secure with an included adjustable safety leash. You can take the basket on and off your bike in seconds with one hand, thanks to the useful bracket system. The bracket system has 3-way adjustability so you can fit the basket on any bike. It has zippered pockets so you can carry your belongings, or dog treats/poo bags, etc. This dog bike basket also includes an unusual feature – a removable sunshade to keep the sun off your dog. It is rated for pets up to 13 lb, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Pet Safe Happy Ride basket also includes a shoulder strap so that it can double as a pet carrier once you are off your bike. This is handy for those who use bikes as well as transit, because most transit systems require pets to be in carriers.
A Great, Multi-Purpose Dog Bike Basket for Small Dogs
All in all, this is a great, well-made, affordable, multi-purpose dog bike basket for small dogs. It is available in the cloth version shown, and also in a retro wicker version. And it comes with a lifetime warranty and great after-sales customer service. Easy to install, this basket will have you ready to take your dog for a bike ride within minutes.
Wicker Version of the Pet Safe Happy Ride Bike Basket
Here is the wicker version of our top pick in dog bike carriers.
Coincidentally, this basket was also rated no. 1 by Wiki. You can see more of this dog bike basket in their video, at minute 4:19 below:
Related Post: Check out the Best Budget Indoor Trainers
No. 2: K9 Sport Sack Carrier for the Little Dog in Your Life
Please click here for the current price of this basket on Amazon, plus more reviews.
This innovative, adjustable Dog Backpack Carrier is Veterinarian Approved and could be just the ticket for nervous or anxious dogs. It is available in a range of colors. A side pocket is provided to carry things other than your dog. This product is backed by strong customer service.
Safety Features
You could use this backpack to take your dog along when you go biking, hiking, on transit, shopping or even skiing. It includes ventilating side panels to keep your dog cool. The five safety features should keep your dog safe, but of course, if you have a super wriggly dog, a backpack might not be a safe option. As with all dog carriers for bikes, you would not want to use this when cycling at high speed. Also, it is obviously suited to cycling in an upright position.
No. 3: Anzome Budget 3-in-1 Pet Bike Basket
Please click here for the current price of this basket on Amazon, plus more reviews.
This budget basket is both removable and foldable. Like all of the baskets, it can be used for pets or shopping. The quick release mount means you can quickly remove it. When using it with a pet, the adjustable 15” sewn-in leash will keep your pet safely secured. The fabric is waterproof, making it easy to wipe down and keep clean. The frame is metal.
This basket is a three-in-one, in that you can use it for carrying your dog on the bike, carrying your dog off the bike, such as on public transit, and also for carrying shopping.
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No. 4: BarkBay Pet Carrier
Please click here for the current price of this basket on Amazon, plus more reviews.
The BarkBay Pet Carrier is easy to install, and features quick-release buckles. A nice touch is the included padded sheepskin liner bottom. You can easily remove the bottom floor board for cleaning. There is an included tether to attach to your pet’s collar, plus a draw string mesh cover to make your dog more secure. Like all our top picks, this is a multi-use carrier: it can also be used as a dog shoulder bag using the shoulder strap, a dog backpack, or even a pet car seat booster.
For those really hot days, you can unzip the front window to reveal a mesh side that lets in cooling air. Also included are mesh pockets to easily carry treats, keys, cell phone, etc. Finally, this carrier is collapsible for easy storage.
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No. 5: Axiom Front or Rear Mounted Premium Dog Bike Basket
Please click here for the current price of this basket on Amazon, plus more reviews.
We have owned two of these and never had a problem with either. This sturdy, affordable coated steel wire dog bike basket includes spring loaded top caging to keep your dog more secure, as well as an adjustable short leash to attach to his collar or harness. It also has a padded carry handle, so that it can be used as a pet carrier off the bike. To take it off the bike, just use the quick release bracket.
This pet basket mounts with a quick and easy, but very strong, spring-loaded attachment on the bottom, and can be attached to your handle bars or your rack. What I especially like about this basket is the extra safety strap that you loop onto the bike, so that you have a fail-safe in the unlikely event that the mount fails (with us, it never has).
This basket ships with an anti-microbial padded floor liner, but we find it is more comfortable for your dog if you place a blanket on the bottom as well. It is not very deep, so it is best suited to short-legged dogs, such as our Maltese cross Shih Tzu, Ripley.
Related: Our review of the Axiom Dog Bike Basket – Best Basket under $60!
No. 6: Schwinn Rascal Bike Dog Trailer
This highly rated trailer is a great option for those with dogs that don’t enjoy being in a basket. Some dogs, just like some humans, are afraid of heights. A bike trailer solves this problem. This Schwinn trailer will accommodate dogs up to 50 pounds. You could also transport two smaller dogs.
Please click here for the current price of this trailer on Amazon, plus more reviews.
No. 7: Mancro Dog Bike Basket
This is a foldable and soft-sided carrier that quickly converts from bike carrier to backtape. It ships with reflective tape for safety, a rain cover, and a safety leash. It is intended for dogs up to 15 pounds. A nice touch are large breathable mesh windows on top and front.
Please click here for the current price of this basket on Amazon, plus more reviews.
Bottom Line
You could use any old bike basket to transport your dog, but if you want to keep your dog safe, it is best to stick to dedicated dog bike baskets. Of course, you will be focused on ensuring the safety of your dog.
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Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe while Cycling
Always make sure your dog cannot get hurt by jumping out. Ensure that he or she is very firmly tethered with a safety leash of some kind. Most good dog bike baskets are set up for this. Some come with built-in short leashes; others have a spot to attach your existing leash to.
It is also better if your dog is wearing a harness, because if he or she does manage to jump out while leashed, you don’t want your dog hurting its neck while suspended from the basket. With our dogs, we make sure the leash is too short for it to be possible for them to jump at all.
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Front-Mounted or Rear-Mounted Basket?
You will also need to decide if you want your dog at the front or the back of your bike. On the front, the basket will usually attach to your handlebars. On the back, it will usually be mounted on your rack. We find it is nice to have our dogs in the front, so we can keep on eye on them, and reassure them when needed.
But the drawback to having your dog at the front of your bike is that it makes the cycling experience quite different by putting a weight on the handlebars. For this reason, front-mounted bike seats are best suited to very small dogs. They will not work at all well for a dog over 20 pounds. And for dogs over 25 pounds, you are going to have to consider a bike trailer – see our highly rated no. 5 choice.
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5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
Tips to Get your Dog Used to a Bike Basket
Get your dog used to his new dog bike basket by leaving it available on the floor while not in use. Your dog is likely to start napping in the basket, and this will give him a great chance to become comfortable with it, so he is not nervous when you take him along for a bike ride.
Also, there are many other ways to get your dog comfortable on your bike, as detailed in this post:
See our Related Post: 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go on Bike Rides With You
6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
Note that the first time you take your dog out on your bike, it is best to just slowly walk the bike, while reassuring your dog. Here is a video of us doing that with our dog Billy, when he was just a three-pound puppy.
Bottom Line on Cycling with Your Dog
Once you find the right dog bike basket, it will be a joy to include your dog on your bike rides. Good luck with finding the best dog basket for your dog. And if you have any advice to add about transporting dogs on bikes, please add a comment or send us a photo. We would love to add reader photos to this post!
We hope you will have a lot of fun cycling with your dog!
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, you will probably also like:
How to Carry your Dog Safely on Your Bike in a Pet Basket
and
Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Pet Basket
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Lianne Darby says
Just curious why you didnt review the locally made Buddy Rider.
Average Joe Cyclist says
Locally made to which country? We cover USA, Canada, and the UK. I am not familiar with the Buddy Rider, but would be keen to learn about it. Thanks.