If you are a dog lover like me, it’s a terrible feeling to leave your dog at home while you are heading out, whether for work, on vacation, or for refreshment.
Seeing that innocent face dropping you off at your front door certainly bugs you. Have not we all experienced it?
There are situations where you cannot let your dog accompany you, but there are also times when you can take your dog with you. A short bicycling trip is one of those.
A bicycle ride on a bright sunny day is always refreshing. Taking your dog for a little bicycle trip will possibly make your trip even more enjoyable.
One day, I decided to go on a bicycle ride with my dog. I intended to bike slowly so that my dog could walk and match the pace with me.
However, the trip was a total disaster. The trip turned out to be precisely the reverse of what I anticipated.
After that event, I searched for a solution and found out Dog Bike Basket is the one I need.
What is a Dog Bike Basket?
A Dog Bike Basket is a carrier that you can use on your bicycle to carry your dog. You can place your dog in the front or back with the help of a carrier as you prefer.
It’s an excellent accessory if you wish to enjoy your ride with your dog.
Dog bike baskets are often made of solid materials such as plastic, nylon, or polyethylene. It’s designed to keep your pet secure while you’re out on your bike.
Types of Dog Bike Baskets
There are different types of dog baskets on the market, so that it may be difficult for you to select the best one for your dog. While looking for a pet carrier, keep your pet’s size and weight in mind.
Bike baskets may be classified based on their constructions as well as their attributes. Let’s discuss these different forms of baskets in brief so you can pick the ideal one for your dog.
Categories of Dog Bike Baskets as per their built:
- Hard Baskets
- Soft Baskets
- Cardboard Baskets
Hard Baskets
These baskets are composed of solid and rigid materials such as plastic and polypropylene. If you are concerned regarding the safety provided by the dog basket, these kinds of baskets are ideal for you.
Such baskets are more robust, making them a safer alternative for your pets. These baskets are easy to clean as you can wipe away the dirty surface with a towel.
These baskets may be slightly heavier than most other types of baskets due to the materials used in their construction.
Soft Baskets
These kinds of baskets are built with soft nylon fabrics. These contain mesh materials on the sides for airflow, which can be held open and close with the help of a zipper as required.
These are relatively lighter in weight, and most of these kinds of baskets have shoulder straps too, which makes it possible for you to carry your dog wherever you go.
Cardboard Baskets
These are constructed of cardboard with a few holes drilled into them to permit airflow. Furthermore, the baskets are coated with a water-resistant coating, making them even more practical and long-lasting.
Categories of Dog Bike Baskets according to their attributes:
- Front Dog Bike Baskets
- Rear Dog Bike Baskets
- Hybrid Dog Bike Baskets
Front Dog Bike Baskets
As the name suggests, front dog bike baskets are used to carry your dog on the front. These types of baskets are pretty common, and you can mount these on the bike’s handlebars, front rack, or top tube.
Rear Bike Dog Baskets
The rear dog bike baskets are perfect for you if you wish to place your dog on the backside of your bicycle. But, to install these types of baskets, you must have a rear tray on your bike.
Hybrid Dog Bike Baskets
The hybrid dog bike baskets are multipurpose dog carriers. These may be mounted as a basket on your bikes to carry your dog or used as a backpack carrier otherwise.
Furthermore, you may use these baskets to keep your pet secure in your car while on a road trip.
What to Consider while Buying a Dog Bike Basket?
As per my personal experience, there are several essential factors to look upon while buying a dog bike basket.
- Size
- Durability
- Practicability
- Easy to Clean
- Materials Used
- Install and Remove Process
Size
You should seek a basket that is appropriate for your dog’s weight. Because different baskets are created to accommodate different dog sizes, select the one that is the best match for your dog.
For example, if your dog weighs 20 pounds or more, a back rack basket would be an ideal option for you.
If your dog weighs less than 20 pounds, you can use either the rear rack basket or the front handlebar basket, depending on your preference.
Durability
You might not want to purchase a dog basket that would rip after a few weeks. So, you might wonder how to choose baskets that will last for an extended period of time?
Let me tell you my tip; I look for baskets that have durable materials like nylon and polyester on both the outside and inside.
Practicability
I prefer to get a basket that serves many purposes and probably it might be the same case for you.
Look for a basket that can be folded when not in use. Alternatively, search for a basket that you may use to carry supplies while heading out.
It’s also a good idea to purchase a basket that can rest securely on the surface of your car and be used to take your dog on a road trip.
Easy to Clean
After using the basket a few times, you should undoubtedly clean it to remove all dirt and dust. As a result, you’d want baskets with washable coverings.
Also, cleaning the baskets becomes much easier if the basket’s inner pad is easily detachable. So, if your dog has dirty paws or crumbles from the snack, wash them off!
Materials Used
The most durable dog baskets are made using materials such as nylon and polyester. Baskets constructed from these materials can withstand the most adverse conditions, even the worst weather.
You can’t tell how good a basket is merely by looking at it. You may, however, get a reasonable estimate of its quality by closely inspecting it.
Therefore, knowing the materials used will assist you in determining whether or not it is safe for your dog.
However, keep in mind that it is equally vital to make your dog feel comfortable inside the basket. So, search for soft fabrics in the interior section of the basket that will keep your pet safe and comfortable throughout the ride.
Easy to Install and Remove
In my case, I prefer to remove the dog bike basket off the bicycle when it’s not in use and reinstall it again when required.
A basket must be quick and easy to install or remove as no one wants to spend too much time on it probably.
Therefore, search for a basket that does not have a complicated process for installation and removal.
Best Picks
Here I have selected a few dog bike baskets which are my best picks. Let’s have a look at them.
1. BARKBAY Dog Bike Basket
This is my favorite basket as it is expandable and foldable, and light-weighted, and durable at the same time.
The soft fabrics used in its construction will let your pet sit comfortably. It attaches and detaches to your bicycle easily, making it so much more convenient to use.
Being waterproof makes it easier to clean. And, if you have a small doggo like mine, no wonder it’s a perfect dog bike basket for you.
You can check the price and availability of this awesome BARKBAY Dog Bike Basket on amazon.
2. Pet Safe Happy Ride Wicker Bicycle Basket
It’s a comfortable dog bike basket and you might love it as it is made with the weather-resistant resin wicker.
The machine-washable fleece lining in the basket is one of the key features of this basket that attracted me the most.
The basket comes with a portable shade that could be used on a bright sunny day. No doubt, it’s one of the best baskets in terms of style.
This one is also preferable for small dogs, up to the size of 13 pounds.
You can check this stylish PetSafe Happy Ride Wicker Bicycle Basket on Amazon.
3. ANZOME Bike Basket
What I loved about this multifunctional pet carrier is, it’s very easy to attach, detach, use, clean, and store.
You can use it to carry other items as well when you are not taking your pet.
This lightweight basket composing hardwearing and waterproof nylon is a good option for smaller dogs weighing up to 11 pounds.
Undoubtedly, this is one stylish and practical dog bike basket you will see.
You can check this cool Anzome Bike Basket from Amazon.
Those were few dog bike baskets that most users have also found applicable. However, as previously said, when looking for a suitable one, you must consider the size and weight of your dog.
I believe that all of the crucial factors we have covered about a dog bike basket in this article will be useful to you in selecting the proper basket for your dog.
With the appropriate basket for your dog, your journey will undoubtedly be fun-filled with your favorite companion.
However, if you have bought a bike for your kid and wanna upgrade it with other cool accessories, here is my article about various Bike Accessories which you might like to add.
