A dog bike trailer is a great way to take your dog out with you while you’re on your bike, even if the dog isn’t well-behaved enough or fit enough to run alongside you. It’s also a good way for both of you to travel if you don’t have a car or are looking to reduce your car usage.

The trailer hooks or attaches to the back of a bike, typically via a bracket that comes with the trailer, and can be pulled at a safe speed behind the bike. The trailer needs to be strong and sturdy enough that there’s no danger of it collapsing or breaking. It also needs to be large enough to comfortably accommodate your pup, and it needs to offer protection from the elements and your surroundings.

Below, we have provided reviews of 10 of the best dog bike trailers available, including a selection for large dogs and budget trailers that still provide adequate protection.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Dog Bike Trailers

1. Retrospec Rover Waggin Dog & Cat Bike Trailer – Best Overall

A dog trailer needs to be sturdy, not only to protect the dog but also because it makes riding and carrying easier. If the frame is weak, it wobbles when being ridden which can throw the cyclist’s center of gravity off and make it difficult to maintain a straight line.

The Retrospect Rover Waggin Dog & Cat Bike Trailer has a steel metal frame that connects to adult bikes with a wheel diameter between 20 and 29 inches, which is most adult bikes. It has an internal leash to secure your dog, and it comes with the coupler that’s needed to connect the trailer to your bike. It is also a folding trailer—the wheels, which are inflatable and use a standard bicycle wheel pump, and the mesh canopy fold up so that the trailer can be easily transported or stored. The trailer has a weight capacity of 50 pounds and features a zippable, rolling front canopy, as well as a doggy door at the back.

Although the mesh is a little on the fragile side, the range of features, sturdy frame, and reasonable price make this the best available dog bike trailer.

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2. HomVent Dog Bike Trailer – Best Value

The HomVent Dog Bike trailer is another folding trailer, which is good for storage. If you buy a trailer that can’t be folded, it will take up a lot of space while it’s not in use. It also uses an alloy steel frame so it is secure, and the wheels can be inflated using a standard bicycle wheel pump.

It works with wheels between 20 and 29 inches in diameter, has an internal leash and a non-slip floor so your dog stays secure and feels stable while being taxied around. For additional safety, there are front and external reflectors that make you more visible even at night. The HomVent is also really inexpensive which, combined with its strong metal frame, makes it the best dog bike trailer for the money.

However, the sides aren’t breathable which means it can get hot in the trailer and the design of the frame is such that the bar runs off-center, which can take some getting used to when you’re towing it behind your bike. And, while it has a weight capacity of 80 pounds, it’s really only suitable for medium dogs or it will be prone to tipping over.

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3. PetSafe Happy Ride Aluminum Dog Bicycle Trailer – Premium Choice

Steel is a strong and reliable material that is used for its structural integrity. Even if you hit bumps with a steel-framed trailer, it shouldn’t get damaged. However, it’s also heavy, and this can make it difficult to pull around, especially if you have a 90-pound German Shepherd inside.

The PetSafe Happy Ride Aluminum Dog Bicycle Trailer uses aluminum for the frame, which is still strong enough that it won’t be damaged but is also much lighter than steel, so it is easier on the cyclist. There are ventilated windows on all walls of the trailer and the roof can be zipped back to give your dog the best view of its surroundings. The inside of the large dog trailer measures 33 x 22 x 26 inches which should be enough for any dog up to the weight limit, and there are three pockets to hold dog walking supplies while you travel.

The PetSafe Happy Ride Aluminum Dog Bicycle Trailer is expensive but it is a good option if you have a larger dog and don’t want to install any more weight than you have while still providing a safe towing environment.

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4. Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Dog Bike Trailer – Best for Puppies

A dog bike trailer is a great way for you and your four-legged friend to get around, but it is an alien situation for most dogs. Some dogs struggle to get used to being towed, although some take to it straight away. Puppies can find it especially difficult, but one way to help them get accustomed to the unusual experience is to start them off in a canine stroller. They get used to the confines of the trailer shape and the sensation of moving, albeit at a slower pace.

With the Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Dog Bike Trailer, you can start in a stroller and then progress to a dog trailer, because this trailer can be used in either of these configurations. The hitch folds away and the front wheel folds out so that you can push your puppy around. Once it gets used to the idea, you can then fold the wheel away and the trailer hitch out and connect it to the wheels of your bike. The frame is made of steel so is very strong, albeit a little heavy. There are reflectors, a safety flag, and an interior safety leash. There’s even a handbrake that can be used when pushing the product as a stroller.

The Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Dog Bike Trailer is a little on the expensive side, and the side windows are not waterproof so it may not be suitable for use in bad weather. The floor is only mesh and could do with some kind of strengthening support, but it does offer a convenient means of getting your puppy used to being in a trailer.

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5. Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer

The Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer is a steel-framed dog trailer that has 16-inch foldable, inflatable wheels. It is claimed to hold up to 50 pounds of dog, although heavier dogs may cause some balance issues. It includes a safety flag and has reflectors as well as an internal leash to keep the dog in place and prevent escape.

There are entrances at the front and rear, although it is a shame that the rear door can’t really be used as a vent, and when it’s open your dog is virtually at ground level. The trailer is very reasonably priced, but the nylon material it uses is easily torn so it won’t be suitable for dogs that like to dig or that get nervous and try scratching at the sides.

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6. Sepnine & Leonpest Large Bicycle Pet Trailer & Jogger

The Sepnine and Leonpoest Large Bicycle Pet Trailer and Jogger is another 2-in-1 trailer that doubles up as a jogger or stroller. It even has a choice of front wheels: one for strolling and one for jogging. This one is designed to take a maximum weight capacity of 88 pounds, so is suitable for dogs up to a German Shepherd’s size.

It connects quickly and easily to the back of a bike and has 20-inch wheels, which are bigger than most and provide a softer and more stable ride for the dog, and increased stability for the rider. The frame is stainless steel and there are plenty of mesh windows that offer visibility and breathability, although they aren’t weatherproof so this may not be suitable for use in wet conditions if your dog doesn’t like the rain.

The trailer has reflectors and a flag as well as a safety belt. It is modestly priced for a 2-in-1 and works well as a trailer, but the stroller wheel makes it difficult to push and maneuver and the base could do with additional support for dogs at the upper end of the recommended weight limit.

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7. Doggyhut Premium Pet Bike Trailer & Stroller

The Doggyhut Premium Pet Bike Trailer & Stroller converts from a three-wheeled stroller to a two-wheeled bike trailer. It is designed for small to medium dogs, with a maximum weight capacity of 50 pounds, and suitable for dogs with a shoulder height of 18 inches and up to 26 inches long. It has reflectors as well as a non-slip floor that has been reinforced to provide greater strength.

The wheels are inflatable and can be inflated using a standard bicycle wheel pump. The trailer folds down so that it can fit on a roof rack or be conveniently stored until the next use. The front opening of the trailer can be zipped open or closed. The trailer is good quality, but it is expensive for its size and there are cheaper alternatives available with similar features.

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8. AOSOM Dog Bike Trailer 2-in-1 Pet Stroller

The AOSOM Dog Bike Trailer 2-in-1 Pet Stroller offers a choice of stroller or bike trailer. It will take up to 44 pounds in dog weight, with a maximum dog length of 20.5 inches. The maximum length is measured from where the bottom of the neck meets the chest to the base of the tail, and breeds that will fit in this trailer include Beagles, Border Collies, and Bull Terriers. The rear wheels are 20 inches in diameter, which is a good size and means that the trailer offers stability when towed. There is an internal leash and reflectors to improve safety.

The trailer is quite expensive for its size, and the nylon walls are flimsy so this may not be suitable for first-time dog trailer users that are prone to scratching or biting at the walls. And, the small front wheel means that the stroller does lose some of its stability, although this isn’t an issue when being used as a trailer. It’s also only suitable for bikes with wheel dimensions up to 26 inches, compared to many that can be fitted to wheels up to 29 inches.

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9. Doggyhut TOBI Large Pet Bike Trailer

The Doggyhut TOBI Large Pet Bike Trailer is large, in terms of its interior dimensions. The manufacturer states that it will take dogs up to 24 inches at the shoulder and 30 inches long. They do recommend including part of the tail in the length measurement if your dog has a long tail. However, while the size is generous, the maximum weight allowance of 66 pounds is less generous and means it isn’t suitable for a lot of large breeds.

The trailer is made with a steel frame and has an anti-slip floor, but the floor is lightweight: another way in which the trailer is not suitable for large dogs. It is well-priced for a trailer of this size, but do check the weight of your dog and consider adding some kind of additional floor insert to help protect your pup.

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10. Burley Bark Ranger Pet Bike Trailer

The Burley Bark Range Pet Bike Trailer is a bike trailer for large and heavy dog breeds with a maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds. Its lightweight aluminum frame is strong and stable and ensures that even with the weight of a large dog in the back, it isn’t too difficult to pull while cycling. It also converts into a stroller and again benefits from the use of an aluminum frame.

The trailer includes zippered panels that allow access and also enable your dog to pop its head out and watch the world as it rides. The floor can be removed for easy cleaning. The trailer is strong and nimble, suitable for large dogs, but it is very expensive compared to other trailers.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Bike Trailers

A dog bike trailer enables you to take your dog out with you while on bike rides. It can be used as a mode of transport or a way for you both to enjoy some time outdoors and is even suitable for dogs with mobility problems or those that simply wouldn’t be able to keep up with the speed of a bike.  Many of the trailers look similar, but they do have different weight and size capacities, as well as frames made of different materials.

Below, we look at some of the benefits of using a bike trailer, as well as the most important features to consider, to help you buy the one that best fits your and your dog’s requirements.

Frame Material

The frame of the trailer is what keeps it rigid and ensures safety, but the weight of the trailer can also determine how easy it is to pull and, in the case of 2-in-1 trailers, push.

2-in-1 Trailers

Some bike trailers are billed as being 2-in-1 trailers. This means that they convert into a stroller or jogger. Rather than pulling your dog behind a bike, a stroller or jogger lets you push them in front of you while on foot. This requires the addition of an extra wheel at the front of the stroller. If you are getting a puppy used to using a trailer, pushing them around in the stroller first will get them used to the sensation of moving while being confined in the cabin.

If you will only ever use the trailer hitched to the back of a bicycle, there’s no need to opt for a 2-in-1 trailer.

Safety Features

Pulling your dog in a trailer, on the back of a bike, does carry some risks. Manufacturers usually add safety features to mitigate these risks and help ensure that you and your dog are safe even if you take your trailer on the road.

Wheel Size

The size of the wheels on a trailer can impact the comfort and stability of the ride. Larger wheels, up to 20 inches in diameter, tend to offer the most comfort. Look for inflatable wheels, and if they are inflatable, try to ensure that they can be inflated using a standard bicycle wheel pump. Hard tires will lead to a hard ride for your pup.

Bike Compatibility

Most trailers use the same hitching method to connect to the wheel brace of a bike. Some are designed for quick-release mechanisms, and most can be attached to bicycles with a wheel diameter of up to 26 inches, with some capable of connecting to wheels up to 29 inches in diameter.

Folding Trailers

When you’re not using the trailer, you will need to store it, unless you buy one that doubles up as a home crate or one that is easily folded down. With a folding trailer, the wheels can be folded over and the top dropped, minimizing the space you need to store the trailer. This can also be useful if you drive to your chosen cycling spot.

Storage Pockets

From dog poop bags to portable water bowls and bottles of water, most people have a selection of equipment that they take with them when riding with their dog. Storage pockets and pouches make it easier to store everything, and as long as they are zipped, there should be no danger of losing your stuff while riding.

Capacity

Dogs come in a lot of different sizes, and so too do bike trailers. As well as considering the size of the trailer, you need to look at the weight capacity. This is the maximum weight that the trailer will hold and most offer a capacity of up to around 50 pounds. If you have a large or giant breed, you can find trailers with a capacity of 100 pounds, but this does mean that you will be pulling a lot of weight when riding.

Why Get a Dog Bike Trailer?

Most people don’t really need a dog bike trailer, but having one can be beneficial to some owners, especially in these instances:

Your Dog Won’t Run Alongside You

Some dogs love to run, but not all dogs love to run sensibly alongside a bike and if yours is one of these dogs, there is a risk that it will run in front of the wheels causing injuries to both of you. A trailer removes these risks.

Your Dog Doesn’t Have Enough Stamina

Some breeds, like Border Collies, can run all day long and still seem to have something left in the tank. Others, like Greyhounds, can run at incredible speed but only for a short distance. A trailer means that your dog, regardless of its stamina levels, can get out and about with you on your rides.

Your Dog Can’t Run For Health Reasons

Similarly, some breeds of dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, shouldn’t run long distances because it can cause serious breathing difficulties. Your dog won’t get out of breath in a trailer.

Your Dog Has Poor Mobility

Poor mobility is especially a problem in older dogs, and it means that a dog that once loved to get out and run with you can’t even enjoy the fresh air now that it has limited mobility. Get a trailer and even your senior dog can enjoy your company and the fresh air while you get plenty of exercise.

Conclusion

Dog trailers provide a comfortable and safe way for you to ride while also enjoying the company of your best friend. They can be useful for dogs with limited mobility or health issues, or for those dogs that simply don’t like expending too much energy. There are options for breeds of different sizes and weights, as well as a range of options and features to consider.

In the reviews above, we found the Retrospec Rover Waggin Dog & Cat Bike Trailer has a strong, steel frame, and is compatible with most adult bike sizes while also being reasonably priced. If you’re on a tighter budget, the HomVent Dog Bike Trailer is a good quality, sturdy frame, that costs less than most other dog bike trailers.

• See Also: 10 Best Dog Bike Baskets – Reviews & Top Picks

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Featured Image Credit: Vincent Scherer, Shutterstock