While many avid sportspeople will embark on various physical activities with a canine at their side, there are a few sports where simply trusting your pup will keep up doesn’t fly. Perhaps the most popular in both urban, suburban and rural environments is that of cycling.
Though we too have seen adorable videos of small puppies and even kittens sitting comfortably in the baskets of expert commuters over in the Netherlands and beyond, we’re talking about riding alongside our larger-than-life furry friends – the Golden Retrievers, Border Collies and German Shepherds who will never quite fit into a mounted basket, no matter how hard they try.
Aside from ensuring your dog remains close by during cycling adventures, there’s another less joyous yet equally important factor to consider when exercising with your pup. If you happen to be the proud best pal of a senior dog or pet with chronic illness, chances are you’re doing everything that you can to allow your pup to experience the wonders of the great outdoors. However, for our older and weaker furry friends, even short walks can feel like a daunting and overly exhausting task.
Fear not, for we’re here to solve all your furry exercise troubles in one fell swoop by introducing you to bike trailers for dogs. You might have already seen young children in the suburbs ferried around by their parents on tricycles with extra-large carts attached to either the front or back of the three-wheeler. The concept of bike trailers for dogs is essentially the same, offering a means for both you and your pup to enjoy some fresh air and get some much-needed exercise without overwhelming your four-legged friend.
What to consider when purchasing a dog bike trailer
Size
Consider your dog’s size before purchasing a bike trailer. If you’re the owner of a small or medium-sized dog, avoid purchasing a trailer that is too big – especially if unequipped with a proper harness system. Otherwise, taking corners and bends could be both stressful and dangerous for your pup.
Likewise, larger dogs will need plenty of space to sit, play and lie down in a bike trailer. All in all, your main priority should be the safety and comfort of your dog, and the size of a bike trailer will have a huge impact on both of these key considerations.
Hitch
Ensure the bike trailer is equipped with a strong and durable hitch point which is compatible with the bicycle that you already own. This will prevent the trailer from accidentally becoming dangerously unclipped.
Extra features
Some key extra features to look out for include:
- Protection against the elements in case of inclement weather
- Shock absorption to cushion bumps
- Harnesses to keep your dog strapped in at all times
- Proper ventilation to maintain airflow
- Reflective strips to make the trailer stand out against traffic
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best bike trailers for wagging tails on wheels.
Shop our top picks below.
PawHut
Maximum load: 20kg
Ideal for small dogs and pets who can’t quite go on walkies without some extra help, this brilliant mid-sized bike trailer from PawHut will serve as their personal puppy throne. A two-in-one option which can be hitched onto your bicycle or wheeled independently like a stroller, the PawHut dog bike trailer has been crafted from durable steel and is equipped with high-visibility reflectors on the outer tarp.
We think the bright orange flag is a brilliant touch, and we were also particularly impressed by the handy outer pocket which is perfect for treats and doggy bags.
Buy now £109.99, Amazon
Klarfit Dog Bike Trailer
Maximum load: 45kg
Equipped with a sloped roof for cosy relaxation, this option from Klarfit is a brilliant choice for larger senior dogs. Fitted with a weather-resistant 600D Oxford canvas as well as anti-slip and an easy-to-clean plastic floor – this trailer is protected from any internal or external mishaps. Not only does this practical piece of kit have a back-up safety strap for extra security when hitching onto your bike, but it can also be folded flat for fuss-free storage. A quick-release function allows the 16-inch wheels to pop off and on with the utmost ease.
Buy now £200.99, Amazon
Trixie Dog Bicycle Trailer
Maximum load: 11kg
Suitable for smaller pups due to the limited maximum load, this trailer doesn’t compromise on function where it might do on weight capacity. Fabricated from steel and polyester, this trailer folds up and out with ease. It is particularly suited to chronically ill and fussy dogs due to the multiple points of entry – it has a top, front and rear door for practicality and ease. Each door is also fitted with a breathable mesh cover.
Buy now £309.99, Wayfair
PawHut Dog Bike Trailer 2-in-1 Trolley Stroller
Maximum load: 20kg
Another two-in-one option from PawHut for pups who like to get a piece of the action, this combination of a trolley and trailer will make for a brilliant summertime accessory whether you’re cycling or hiking.
Buy now £79.99, Aosom
Vida XL Foldable Bike Trailer
Maximum load: 8kg
One for the teacup pup owners, this is the most miniature dog trailer we could find. Available in a whopping seven different colours and three sizes should you need to accommodate more than one pup, this trailer combines some of our favourite elements of the above options in a pocket-sized manner. For instance, it is equipped with a weatherproof finish, multiple entry points, a mesh cover for breathability and reflective features for extra visibility.
Buy now £87.99, Wayfair
Verdict
Equipped with brilliant extra features which are both practical and safe, this mid-size PawHut Dog Bike Trailer takes the biscuit, followed closely by the highly accessible Trixie Dog Bicycle Trailer.
