The 10 Best Bike Trailers For Dogs
Special Honors
ActiveDogs Small Vehicle Trailer Although it's not designed specifically for use with a bicycle, the ActiveDogs Small Vehicle Trailer is a dependable option for extended road travel. Weighing around 400 pounds and accommodating up to two furry companions, each compartment has an insulated interior with a rubber mat for comfort and slider vents for cross ventilation. A removable center divider allows you to convert both compartments into one large resting space. The doors have been constructed from sturdy welded aluminum and are approximately 13 inches wide for easy entry and exit. Both the top and front of the trailer are equipped with additional storage spaces, the latter of which features a built-in drain plug. Finally, it comes pre-wired with turn signals and brake lights for additional safety. activedogs.com
Croozer Dog Bruuno Equipped with a wide access door that sits 5.5 inches off the ground, the pricey Croozer Dog Bruuno is well suited for accommodating large breeds up to 100 pounds, particularly those who may be suffering from arthritis. Its extra-large front, side, and rear mesh windows provide plenty of ventilation for long bike rides, while a removable front cover protects Fido from wind, rain, and dirt. This one also features a parking brake on both rear wheels as well as a bumper with openings for a bike lock. Finally, its collapsible design makes it easy to fold down for storage and transport by car, train, or plane. croozer.com
Editor's Notes
November 27, 2020:
We've removed the DoggyRide Mini and PetEgo Comfort Wagon due to availability concerns.
The same values we pointed out last year still stand with respect to ventilation, ease of assembly, and stability. The PetSafe HoundAbout II, for example, is equipped with a wide wheelbase and low center of gravity, which not only serve to keep it steady on rough terrain, but also make it a good option for aging canines who have difficulty jumping up to high places.
Newly added this year are the Aosom Cargo Cart and Aosom Elite 360, the former of which offers three entry points, 20-inch wheels, and a built-in D-ring for connecting a safety leash while the latter option can easily accommodate either two small dogs or children. This one also has a convenient hand brake system for locking it in place.
June 12, 2019:
Airflow, ease of assembly, and stability are all important factors for dog bicycle trailers, so I kept each of these values in mind while editing.
I maintained the Burley Tail Wagon in a high spot due to its flip-down tailgate and breathable mesh that surrounds all sides of its main cabin. Its floor is also relatively easy to remove for cleaning. The Schwinn Rascal is compatible with almost any bicycle, while the adjustable-length leash keeps a dog weighing up to 50 pounds safe and secure. The Aosom Elite II is similar in this regard, thanks to the 5-point safety harness built into its cabin seat. Both the Aosom Elite and Best Choice 2-in-1 are equipped with long safety flags for extra visibility. This comes in particularly handy if you're riding in heavy-traffic environments. Maintained the Solvit HoundAbout as a great option for supporting large (and possibly aging) dogs, as its extra-wide wheelbase and low center of gravity provides plenty of stability on any terrain. I added the Ibiyaya Pet Stroller for its front and rear zippered access panels and rear safety braking system. I thought the PetEgo Comfort Wagon was definitely worth maintaining due to the dynamic suspension system that's designed to absorb bumps and impacts. Included the DoggyRide Novel for its multipurpose wind screen, padded headrest, and reflective striping. Finally, the Booyah Stroller can connect directly to a bike's axle, so you're unlikely to bend the bike's frame or damage its paint job.
October 19, 2018:
Upgraded Doggyride Novel to the 10th anniversary edition, as it's a bit sleeker. Also upgraded/replaced Aosom Elite to the Aosom Elite II. Added Croozer Premium due to its durable construction (e.g. sidewalls and hard floor interior).
Pampering A Pooch On The Trail
The bike trailer allows him to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors without having to resort to strenuous physical activity while he heals.
Bringing a pet into your life is a big decision that requires a lot of responsibility. But with that responsibility comes an opportunity to share in many of life's experiences with a furry friend. Doing so gives you an appreciation for a canine's everlasting sense of joy, behavioral purity, and the simple happiness he associates with being by your side as a companion wherever you go. I can tell you that when I've had a rotten day, taking a walk with my dogs on leash makes me feel better. Just the same, if you want to get out of the house with Fido and take a ride on your bike, but you're afraid he may not be able to keep up with you, a bike trailer designed just for him is your next best option.
The bike trailer is defined as a motorless, enclosed, and wheeled frame equipped with a hitch system for transporting canine cargo from one place to another. The framing for a majority of dog bike trailers is constructed from steel or aluminum for durability and dependable weather resistance. These trailers are typically equipped with large alloy wheels and breathable mesh screens that provide both superior airflow and protection from the elements. Many trailers also come with removable flooring, making them easy to clean.
So what benefits does the bike trailer provide? In addition to giving a large pup the convenience of resting within an enclosed and shaded space, this accessory is also quite useful for safely transporting aging, disabled, or temporarily injured pets. For example, a highly-active pooch suffering from a torn ACL ligament is normally required to remain confined to a crate for several months during his rehabilitation. During that recuperation time, one can imagine that he might be going stir crazy in the house because he can't get out and breathe fresh air. The bike trailer allows him to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors without having to resort to strenuous physical activity while he heals. Next, the trailer offers a convenient way to expose young puppies to the outdoors and other animals while they're still being trained. Just to be on the safe side, make sure your puppy is up to date on her vaccinations before you take her anywhere.
While it's important to understand that many dogs will be a bit reluctant when first riding in a bike trailer, there are several possible conditioning methods you can use to get Fido comfortable with entering and sitting inside the enclosure. Positive association goes a long way in this sense. By nature, dogs are inquisitive and intelligent creatures. That said, the simple act of allowing your pet to be around you and watch as you hitch the trailer to your bike will help to inspire his curiosity.
Hitching A Ride For Fido
Comfort and safety are of utmost importance when investing in a bike trailer for your pooch. That said, there are several considerations to keep in mind. When it comes to comfort, the trailer should have easy-access, zippered entry and exit points and a cab with enough interior padding, space, and support to accommodate your pet's height and weight. Many bike trailers support a total weight capacity between 50 and 110 pounds with durable polyester fabrics and removable cushioned floorboards that are machine-washable in case the dog has an accident while in tow. If you have an older pooch suffering from arthritis, definitely spring for extra-thick interior padding. Depending on the climate in which you live, a large sunroof will be a big help in terms of ensuring proper airflow, while giving a pet the option of peeking out and looking about as you ride down the street.
If you have an older pooch suffering from arthritis, definitely spring for extra-thick interior padding.
In terms of safety, make sure to find a trailer with a top-quality hitch that is compatible with your bike's rear axle. Hitch quality plays an important role when it comes to keeping a trailer secured to the bike, making tight turns around corners, as well as providing as smooth a ride as possible for your furry friend. Hitch hardware should always be made from sturdy metals, minimizing the chance of a potential disconnect.
Additional convenience and safety features to consider include a built-in hook, designed to accommodate a dog's leash or harness; a dependable suspension system, used to absorb impacts on rough terrain; large pneumatic tires, which range in size from 16-20 inches in diameter for stability; and an ability to fold the trailer down, making it easy to store when it's not in use.
Finally, if you plan to ride with a particularly large dog, look for a trailer that offers a low center of gravity, as this can help keep the trailer stable and prevent it from wobbling or toppling over.
A Brief History Of Dog Bike Trailers
The bicycle has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, with the first verifiable claim for practical use credited to German forest official Karl Freiherr von Drais, inventor of the two-wheeled draisine.
Over the last two centuries, the bicycle has undergone many anatomical and functional design changes, including a modern focus on making the bike lighter, more aerodynamic than its predecessors, and more specialized in its applications.
The Burley Design company developed some of the earliest bike trailers in 1978.
A focus on specialization has helped pave the way for modern use of the bike trailer as a means of transportation for both human children and pets alike, particularly over the last 40 years.