The Best Bike Trailers for Dogs

For casual riders, serious cyclists, two-wheeled commuters, and everyone in between, nothing beats riding a bike. You get to take in the fresh air, enjoy a great cardio workout, and you can even save on gas. But there’s just one thing missing: your four-legged sidekick.

Riding your bicycle with your dog running alongside can certainly work for some breeds, but it’s not practical for most dogs. A select few canines can handle the high impact exercise and reliably ignore distractions, but for the rest of the pack, there are bike trailers. These attach to the rear axle of your bike so your pup can go along for the ride with their ears flapping in the breeze.

Bike trailers are perfect for puppies who are prone to growth plate injuries from high impact activities like running alongside a bike. Trailers are also great for seniors with limited mobility. But did you know that they’re also suitable for young, healthy adult dogs too? Riding in a trailer can make it easier for you to get exercise without worrying about your dog getting overexerted or pulling you off-course in pursuit of a squirrel.

My recommendations feature budget picks for casual riders that start at $119, high-end trailers for serious adventurers that go for $600 or more, and specialty trailers to fit every need in-between. All are reliable and fully featured to make bike rides with your dog as convenient, safe, and as fun as possible. You can find the perfect trailer for your crew whether you have just one small dog, a pack of pups, or a larger canine companion.

Best Trailers for Dogs

The Expert: I’ve been reviewing, writing about, and obsessing over pet products for years as a pet industry writer and blogger. When I’m not tapping away on my laptop, I like to get outdoors and make memories with my pups Matilda and Cow. In my never-ending search for the best pet gear, I found the top-rated bike trailers that will meet any devoted dog parent’s high standards for safety, comfort, and reliability.

What To Consider with Bike Trailers for Dogs

Dog Size

Always check the trailer's weight limit to be sure it can safely support your dog or multiple dogs at their combined weight. Some trailers also have height limitations, which are usually measured at your dog’s shoulder.

More Bike Gear: Best Kickstands • Best Bike Locks • Best Rear Bike Lights

Compatibility

All of these dog bike trailers come with a universal coupler that connects to your bike’s rear axle. Almost all bikes with a quick release axle, including e-bikes, should be compatible with any of these trailers. If your bike has a thru axle, you’ll need to purchase a thru axle adapter to connect a trailer. A thru axle adapter will cost about $50-$70 depending on the size you need which is etched on side of your bike’s existing axle. Adult tricycles are usually not compatible with trailers unless fitted with a rear bracket.

Interior Dimensions

You want your dog’s trailer to be large enough for them to comfortably sit or lie down during the ride, but too large, and it’s going to add unnecessary bulk, weight, and drag.

Frame Material

The majority of these trailers have an aluminum frame. Aluminum is lightweight, sturdy, and highly resistant to corrosion. Steel is harder than aluminum and less expensive, but it’s also heavier. The extra weight of a steel frame might not make much of a difference if you’ll be toting a small dog, but if you’re hoping to keep your load as light as possible, aluminum would be the better choice.