Dogs naturally love the open air and being with their owners, and what better way to get that than in the safety of a trailer? This allows your dog to join you on your bike ride, but at the same time experiencing the sights, smells and sounds while in the comfort of their own portable room.
Bike dog trailers allow you to take your furry friend with you when you decide not to take the car. With a Bike dog trailer, you can bring your pet with you on longer bike rides, as well as for pets that find it hard to keep up with your active lifestyle.
What is a Bike Dog Trailer?
A dog Trailer is a basket that sits on two or three wheels depending on the design, size, or how many dogs it can carry. Your dog sits in the carrier that is connected to the back of your bicycle so that when you ride the bike, you are equally pulling the trailer along.
Brands like the Solvit Houndabout Pet Trailer has optional conversion kit that adds a front wheel to the bike trailer, converting it to a dog stroller you can use to enjoy outdoors with your pets when you are not riding a bicycle. Some of the trailers have large cargo that can carry multiple dogs, and cats.
Benefits of Bike Trailers for Dogs:
- Dogs that have a harder time walking because of various disabilities or illnesses will benefit from a bicycle trailer because dogs can enjoy fresh air of the outdoors without having to tire themselves out by running along next to you when you ride your bike.
- Dogs can get very tired running along next to their owner for the entire bike ride. Also, it could be very dangerous for your dog to be running next to you, for example, their leash could get tangled in the wheels or they could run into the bike. The trailer erases any of these safety risks because the basket is located at the back of your bike allowing your furry companion to ride whilst enjoying the scenery but also staying safe.
- You are able to ride your bike and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle without the guilt of leaving your dog at home.
- You are spending great quality time with your dog therefore making the bond between you and your dog just that much stronger.
- When your dog is not using it, it would be a good place to store some gear
- It is a lot more practical than having your dog running alongside you, leaving them at home, or having to take the car therefore not giving you a chance to exercise.
My Top 3 Bike Trailers for Dogs
#1 – Solvit HoundAbout Pet Bicycle Trailer
This Trailer includes a waterproof floorboard so that when there is a bit of water on the ground, your dog can still ride comfortably without getting wet. Also, it is easy to assemble and it folds down for easy storage.
The front door includes zippered mesh screen layer and a zippered vinyl windscreen layer to block wind and weather so your dog can come along with you in many weather conditions and still stay comfortable. This Trailer can hold up to 50 lbs. Other benefits of the Solvit HoundAbout Pet include:
- Light steel frame that folds down easily for storage
- Rugged polyester with waterproof floorboard
- Includes universal bicycle hitch
- Avaolable in medium ane large size
- Medium Cabin Dimension and weight capacity: 26″ x 17″ x 20″, carry pets up to 50 lbs
- Large Cabin Dimension and weight capacity: 33″ x 22″ x 26″, carry pets up to 110 lbs
With a very high customer satisfaction rating on Amazon and at a price under $300, the Solvit HoundAbout Pet bike trailer is a great choice for those of you who have medium to large sized dogs.
#2 – DoggyRide Mini Dog Bike Trailer
This Trailer includes interior leash and leash hooks to ensure that your dog is kept safe. Also includes an easy access rear entry door that has a pouch and water bottle pocket so you don’t have to go through the hassle of carrying it yourself. This Trailer is better suited to smaller breeds of dogs. Other features include:
- Folds to compact size with the release of one pin
- Has an interior leash and hook to hold and keep your dog safe as you ride along
- Convenient low rear access door lets you pet in and out
- Includes rear reflectors for added visibility
- Cabin dimension is: 23-Inch L x 15-Inch W x 22-Inch H
- Trailer Weight is: 21 lbs/9.5 kgs
- Pet Weight Capacity is : 55 lbs/25 kgs
- Available in a choice of 3 colors: Spring Green/Grey, Rebel Red/Black, Red Red/Black
Rated 4.9 Stars on Amazon, customers are really very satisfied with DoggyRide Mini Dog Bike Trailer, and priced at under $200, it is great value for money that you and your little doggy friend will enjoy for many years.
#3 – Solvit HoundAbout II Pet Bicycle Trailer – Large
This Trailer is suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds therefore making it much more ideal for larger dogs. Also, the inside is padded with soft, washable cushions so your dog can ride comfortably. It has many storage pockets which is very convenient if you are cycling long distances and need to carry a lot of dog supplies.
Its the newer version of Solvit HoudAbout pet trailers with improved Aluminum frame that is lighter than the steel frame models, and is also rust free. It is however more expensive than other models at a list price that is just under $400, though considerably cheaper if purchased on Amazon’s discounted deals. Other features of the Solvit HoundAbout II include:
- Roomy vinyl mesh trailer cargo that allows good ventilation for pets
- Generously stuffed cushion so you do will ride in comfort
- Light weight aluminum frame that is rust free for more durability
- Easy front and rear door access with mesh screen and waterproof layer
- Quick and easy to assemble, and folds down to a small size for storage.
- Has an internal adjustable safety leash to secure your pet while riding
Many people like to use their dogs as an excuse not to exercise, however with the bike dog trailer, you don’t have to worry about leaving your dog at home, or worse yet, take the car! With the bike dog trailer, you could bring your furry friend along whilst you keep up with your maintain your healthy and active lifestyle.
I have 2 injured dogs now…squished in my PetGear AT3. I love the suspension, smooth ride, easy steering, nice handlebar height. Just too small. I’m struggling with next pick. A trailer/jogger combo? Most Ive looked at don’t look like they would ride as well. I probably would use this 95%+ as a jogger so jogger only is okay. I’ve also considered a child jogger trailer (like finding a Burley D’lite used) but didn’t know if I could “convert” or if I would get any decent room.
One other thing I’ve noticed: many seem to block view. Both my dogs are small to med sized and would sit down. I’d hate to have something solid 8″ up…they’d see nothing. Thanks for your reviews. Best I’ve found.
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for the comment. I am pleased you find the review helpful.
Jeff