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The 7 Best Dog Bike Baskets for Your Small-Breed Passenger

Travel in style with one of our top picks

A dog bike basket we recommend on a yellow background
Credit:

The Spruce Pets / Amelia Manley

Bicycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and a great dog bike basket can let you take your small-breed BFF along for the ride. Bike baskets for dogs are designed to attach to the front or the back of a bike, and depending on how much your small dog weighs, you may prefer one placement over the other. Most importantly, all dog bike baskets should have a built-in restraint to keep your dog attached, and some styles also provide a cover for sun shade or a cozy and removable liner.

Our overall favorite for most, the K&H Travel Bike Basket, comes in two sizes and attaches to the front of a bike with an included bracket. and has plenty of storage. We also like the rear-mount Snoozer, which has a nice quilted cover and safety features.

What We Like
  • Available in two sizes

  • Washable fleece liner

  • Zipper pocket and mesh pouch for storage

  • Two tethers for safety

What We Don't Like
  • Only comes in one color, gray

This K&H Travel Bike Basket comes in two sizes, small for dogs up to 10 pounds, and large for dogs up to 20 pounds, and is made of durable polyester fabric. The basket is designed to attach to the front of a bicycle and it comes with a mounting kit that includes everything you need to securely attach the pet basket.

There are two tethers inside to connect to a dog's harness, which will help keep your dog stable and prevent them from hopping out. The basket also comes with a removable and washable soft fleece liner to keep your dog cozy. Plus, the basket has a mesh pocket on one side where you can fit a leash and a zippered pouch on the other where you can place a water bottle.

The basket doesn't come with a canopy, which helps block the sun and prevents a dog from escaping, but K&H does offer a Bike Basket Hood with four mesh sides. There is a version for each size and it attaches easily with hook and loop straps, but it is sold separately.

Dimensions: 9 x 12.5 x 8 inches (small), 16 x 10 x 12 inches (large) | Materials: Polyester fabric | Dog Sizes: Up to 10 pounds (small), up to 20 pounds (large) | Colors: Gray

What We Like
  • Available in three colors

  • Water-resistant fabric

  • Folds for easy storage

What We Don't Like
  • Not compatible with all bicycles

The Retrospec Rover Waggin' Pet Bike trailer can hold a dog (or two) weighing up to 50 pounds. Store treats and toys in the pooch-pouch, then hitch the wagon up to your bike and take your dog for a spin around the block.

It’s made with weather-resistant fabric and is equipped with mesh windows for airflow and viewing. A rear entry door makes it a cinch to get your dog in and out, and a smaller opening on the front allows you to open up just enough for a dog to peek their head out and get those ears flapping in the wind. The wagon also has an internal tether to secure to your dog's collar, a non-slip floor in the interior, and light reflectors built into the back and wheels to make the wagon more visible at dusk for safety. Plus, the fold-down frame makes it easy to store. 

Before purchasing, we highly recommend you double-check the compatibility with the bike you plan to use. It is not universally compatible, but it works seamlessly with a lot of bikes.

Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 17 inches | Materials: Steel, water-resistant fabric, mesh | Dog Sizes: Up to 50 pounds | Colors: Blue, black, yellow

What We Like
  • Converts into a carrier

  • Has removable sunshade

  • Three pockets and a water bottle holder

What We Don't Like
  • Tether isn't very sturdy

This budget-friendly nylon basket from the popular pet brand PetSafe is convenient for outings. It has three pockets and a water bottle holder so you can stash refreshments for you and your pup, as well as necessities like poop bags and a leash. Once you get to your destination, there’s a shoulder strap included that lets you use the basket as a carrier.

The bright silver basket is made for pets up to 13 pounds. It attaches in front with an included wire bracket and comes with a removable shade to protect your pet on sunny days. The basket can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth.

Smaller dogs fare better in the PetSafe basket because the sides can be less sturdy with more weight in the center. There’s a tether that’s similar to others in that it’s just OK. You may want to add a light blanket or towel to make the trip more comfortable.

Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 11 inches | Materials: Nylon | Dog Sizes: Up to 13 pounds | Colors: Silver

What We Like
  • Quilted outside with fleece lining

  • Machine washable

  • Three-point tether

  • Reflective orange stripe

  • Holds up to 24 pounds

What We Don't Like
  • Bike rack not included

If you already have a rear bike rack, this Snoozer Bicycle Seat could be a good option to attach to your ride. There are buckles in the front and on the bottom to strap it onto the bike rack (the rack itself is not included). The outside is a handsome quilted black material with a reflective orange stripe for better visibility on the road, while the inside has a soft, removable faux fur lining—both pieces are machine-washable.

For safety, the seat has a three-point tether that attaches to your pet’s harness or collar. It’s the most expensive seat we suggest. It also holds the biggest pets with a weight limit of up to 24 pounds.

Dimensions: 19 x 16 x 10 inches | Materials: Polyester, fleece | Dog Sizes: Up to 24 pounds | Colors: Black

What We Like
  • Combo travel backpack and bike carrier

  • Mesh window for airflow and visibility

  • Storage pockets

  • Holds up to 15 pounds

What We Don't Like
  • Smaller than many

This combination travel pack serves a dual purpose as a bike carrier and backpack-style dog carrier. Zip up your pet in the gray fabric carrier and then wear the pack over your shoulders or attach it to the included mounting system on the front of your bike. There’s a quick release so it’s easy to remove from your bike when you’re finished with your trek.

The pack has a mesh screen so your pup can get better airflow and watch the world zip by and a tether inside to help keep your pet secure. It also has two mesh storage pockets for a water bottle, leash, or other on-the-road necessities. However, It is a little smaller than some, holding pets that weigh up to 15 pounds, and also a little more expensive.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 14 x 15.75 inches | Materials: Polyester | Dog Sizes: Up to 15 pounds | Colors: Gray

What We Like
  • Protects eyes from road debris and weather

  • Many sizes and colors

  • Blocks UVA and UVB rays

  • Comes with clear and smoke lenses

What We Don't Like
  • Can take a while for dogs to get used to them

It can be tempting to buy a helmet for your bike-riding pup. “To my knowledge, the efficacy of bike helmets for dogs has not been studied,” says Lindsey Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety, who is concerned about many helmet designs. “Many on the market do not have ventilation; they appear to be more for show. Other designs are frightening—they fully enclose the dog's head.”

Instead, she suggests a quality pair of goggles to help prevent debris from the road from getting kicked into your dog’s eyes. Rex Specs are very popular with sporting and working dogs, as well as outdoorsy pets and those with sensitive eyes. They come in five sizes and all sorts of colors and feature a rubber-like non-slip frame with foam padding for comfort.

Each pair comes with clear and smoke lenses that block UVA and UVB rays and the frame is vented for airflow and to drain water. The one-piece design allows for better vision. It does take some dogs a while to get used to wearing goggles, so introduce them patiently.

Sizes: Extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, small-wide | Materials: TPE (rubber-like material) and polycarbonate | Dog Sizes: Extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large | Colors: Blue, orange, black, pink, green, teal, and more

Recommended on Reddit

Kvisp Dog Bike Carrier

Kvisp Dog Bike Carrier
Credit: Kvisp
What We Like
  • Easy to mount and remove between rides

  • Front and back safety straps

  • Walk-and-cycle safety harness

  • Water-resistant and dirt-proof

  • Pawboard with window for e-bikes

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't fit on all styles of bikes

Leave it to a company from Amsterdam—the cycling capital of the world—to come up with an award-winning dog-centric design. This top-rated dog bike carrier from Kvisp features a sturdy water-resistant and dirt-proof basket made from recycled materials, front and back safety straps, and a walk-and-cycle safety harness. The design also integrates a window in the pawboard, making it a great choice for e-bike riders. One Reddit user notes the safety straps prevent dogs from jumping out easily and says "I've noticed our dog is much more calm because he's actually in between my arms while riding."

Available in two colors and two harness sizes, the carrier can accommodate dogs up to 26.5 pounds—maximum tail-to-neck length of 50 centimeters and maximum body width of 20 centimeters (excluding fur). It comes with a mounting adapter that makes it easy to install and remove between rides. While the carrier will work with most bikes with a head tube between 21-40 millimeters in width, such as classic city bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, some bikes have design limitations that make them unsuitable for the carrier (detailed on the Kvisp website).


Dimensions: 44 x 30 centimeters (exterior), 25 x 27 centimeters (interior seat) | Materials: Polymer, metal | Dog Sizes: Up to 26.5 pounds | Colors: Midnight gray, forest green

Final Verdict

Our favorite is the K&H Travel Bike Basket which attaches to the front of your bike with an included bracket. It has a soft fleece liner, comes in two different sizes, and has plenty of storage. We also like the rear-mounted Snoozer Bicycle Seat which has a quilted, machine-washable cover and a reflective stripe for safety.

What to Look For in a Dog Bike Basket

Attachment

Some bike baskets attach to the front of the bike and others sit on a bike rack on the back. Many come with the hardware you’ll need to secure the basket to your bike, while others require that you already have a rack or other equipment in place. Look to see if the attachment has an easy-release function so it’s effortless to use the basket as a carrier when you’re out or simple to remove it for storage.

Roger Layne, who made headlines for riding thousands of miles with his dog Sparky in a bike basket, started with a front basket but thinks they work better for smaller dogs. "The placement affects how you ride if the dog moves around a little." He had trouble maneuvering his bicycle, so he switched to the rear-mount Snoozer, sharing “I liked having Sparky right behind me.  As I was coasting down hills, I would reach my hand behind me and pet him.”  

Size

Big dogs just don’t get to come for a bike ride in a basket. Check the size limits to make sure your pet is small enough to hop aboard. Most hover at just over 10 pounds, but some, like the Snoozer Bicycle Seat, can hold pets up to 24 pounds. For larger, heavier breeds, a wagon for dogs would be more suitable.

Safety Features

Bike baskets typically have a tether that attaches to the dog’s leash or harness to help keep them from falling out. “Dogs can easily jump out of most bike baskets—and that's a safety risk to both you and your pet,” says Lindsey Wolko. “Your dog should be connected using a harness to the bike basket, to prevent possible escape. Never connect the tether to your dog's collar.”

Layne added an extra strap so that there were tethers to both the front and the back of his dog’s harness because using one strap didn't provide enough safety, saying, "It allowed him to slip out sometimes if I hit a bump or hole in the road[...]He was hanging beside the bicycle. He didn't fall to the ground.” Adding a front strap to his harness alleviated that scary issue and worked really well.

Washability

Accidents happen, and so do bugs and rain and dog hair. It’s a big plus to have a lining (and sometimes also a cover) that can be zipped off and machine-washed as needed.

FAQ
  • How do I teach a dog to ride in a basket?

    Some dogs can adapt to a basket right away, but others need a little more coaxing. Start by placing the basket on the floor and reward your pup every time they get close, then place your pup in the basket as you sit on the floor next to it. When that seems comfortable, carry your pup around the house or yard in the basket, then introduce your pup to your bike.

    Walk them with you as you walk your bike and when they are fine with the interaction, put the basket on the bike and your dog in the basket. Start by walking the bike and then gradually do slow, short rides on even terrain. Keep treats with you and continue to reward your pet. Increase the time and distance each time.

  • Are dog bike baskets safe?

    “Bike baskets can be safe, but the connection to the bike must be sturdy,” says Wolko. “I've seen several products on the market that secure with straps that may not provide the most stable traveling experience for your pet.”
    Wolko said she would use a bike trailer instead of a basket, if possible, and wouldn’t recommend baskets for very long trips. “If you do opt to select a basket, ensure that the connection point is robust and sturdy. The base of the basket should be strong and the manufacturer should provide you with a weight limit for the basket. Do not exceed that weight limit.”

Why Trust The Spruce Pets

To find the best bike baskets for dogs, we asked pet owners what they liked about their baskets and what features they looked for when choosing products. We looked at the details of various types of baskets and then checked reviews and comments.

This story was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 70 puppies and dogs and is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products to use with them.

We also consulted with Lindsey Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety, and bicycling enthusiast and dog parent Roger Layne for this piece.