Living in a bike-friendly city like Amsterdam, or any urban area where cycling is a way of life, often means wanting to bring your furry friend along for the ride. For quick trips, letting your dog run beside you might work, but for longer excursions, a Pet Bike Trailer is a game-changer. As a dog owner who loves exploring by bike, I’ve discovered the freedom and joy a good dog bike trailer can bring. However, finding the right one can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the options, I’ve compiled a list of the best pet bike trailers I considered, focusing on what makes each one stand out for you and your canine companion.
Why a Pet Bike Trailer is Essential for Active Dog Owners
For those of us who consider our dogs family and want them involved in our active lifestyles, a pet bike trailer opens up a world of possibilities. Imagine wanting to cycle to a park further away, or enjoy a longer bike path without worrying about your dog getting tired or overexerted. That’s where the beauty of a dog bike trailer comes in.
Initially, like many dog owners, I had Clover, my dog, running alongside my bike for shorter distances. Amsterdam’s fantastic bike lanes make cycling with a dog relatively safe for quick jaunts. However, for trips exceeding 20 minutes, especially to places like the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) on the city’s edge, I realized this wasn’t a sustainable solution. The 30-minute cycle to the forest and back would tire her out before we even began our walk in the woods! A pet bike trailer solved this perfectly, allowing Clover to conserve her energy for the fun parts of our outings. It’s a fantastic way to ensure your dog can join you on longer bike rides comfortably and safely.
Top Pet Bike Trailers: Options to Consider
When searching for the ideal pet bike trailer, several brands and models stood out. Here are some of the best options I considered, with a focus on their features and benefits:
1. Trixie Pet Bike Trailer – My Top Pick for Reliability
Happy dog enjoying a comfortable ride in a pet bike trailer in Amsterdam, showcasing the joy of urban cycling with pets.
The Trixie pet bike trailer is the model I ultimately chose and have been extremely happy with. It comes in three sizes, ensuring a good fit for various dog breeds. Initially, for my 10kg dog Clover, I ordered a Small. However, upon arrival, we felt it was a bit too snug for her to comfortably move around. The Medium size turned out to be perfect. One of the reasons I appreciate ordering through Amazon Germany (even living in Amsterdam) is their hassle-free returns and exchange process.
This pet bike trailer is well-constructed and thoughtfully designed. It features multiple entry points for your dog, which is very convenient. It also has a combination of zippered plastic covers for rain protection and Velcro mesh windows to keep your dog secure while providing ventilation. The wheels are easily detachable for storage in smaller spaces, and the trailer arm folds neatly under the main compartment, making it apartment-friendly. If you have multiple bikes, you can also purchase extra bike attachments, allowing for easy switching between bikes. These attachments are small and unobtrusive, so you can leave them on your bikes even when not using the trailer.
The only minor drawback of the Trixie trailer is the thinness of the included base padding. While it comes with a padded mat, I felt it could be thicker, especially on bumpy bike paths. To enhance Clover’s comfort, I added an extra dog bed inside. For the Medium size trailer, with internal dimensions of approximately 43cm x 73cm, a dog bed around 50cm x 70cm, like this one, fits perfectly and provides extra cushioning.
2. Globetrotter Pet Bike Trailer/Jogger – Versatility at its Best
The Globetrotter stands out because it’s a two-in-one solution: a pet bike trailer and a jogging stroller. The jogging feature, consisting of a front wheel and handle, is detachable, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with cycling. ZooPlus, where this trailer is available, is a reliable online pet supply store known for fast delivery. I’ve often received next-day delivery when ordering my dog’s food from them! Similar to the Trixie, the Globetrotter also offers the option to purchase an additional bike attachment at a reasonable price. This trailer is excellent for those who enjoy both cycling and jogging with their dogs and want a space-saving, multi-functional option.
3. DoggyRide Pet Bike Trailer – The Classic Dutch Choice
DoggyRide is perhaps the most recognized Dutch brand in the pet bike trailer market. If supporting a Dutch company and owning a classic, robust trailer is a priority, DoggyRide is worth considering. Known for its durability and quality, DoggyRide trailers are a popular choice in bike-loving countries like the Netherlands. However, it was slightly above my budget at the time of purchase, but for those prioritizing a well-established brand, it’s a strong contender.
4. Karlie Flamingo Pet Bike Trailer – Budget-Friendly and Adaptable
For those seeking a more budget-conscious pet bike trailer that still offers versatility, the Karlie Flamingo is a great option. It’s a well-priced trailer, and you can also purchase a Karlie Jogger Function add-on later if you decide you’d like to use it as a stroller as well. While the Globetrotter offers the jogger function at a potentially better overall price point if you know you want both features, the Karlie Flamingo provides flexibility for those who are unsure about the jogging function initially.
Choosing the Right Pet Bike Trailer for You
In my quest to find the perfect pet bike trailer, I poured through countless reviews to ensure I was making the best choice for my money. After two years of use, I can confidently recommend the Trixie pet bike trailer as an excellent first trailer. Its combination of price, features, and customer service makes it a standout option.
Pro tip: To make the trailer experience even more enjoyable for your dog, toss in a few favorite treats and a healthy dog chew to keep them occupied and happy during the ride!
I’d love to hear about your experiences! Let me know which pet bike trailer you choose, and feel free to share photos or videos of your cycling adventures with your dog!
