7 Best Motorcycle Dog Carriers of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
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There are hundreds of dogs that love nothing more than being on the open road with their owner on the back of the bike. While it may seem risky, there are plenty of ways to safely bring your dog on your bike. Whether you are looking for an on-person carrier or something to set up on your motorcycle, there are products available that will keep your dog secure as you go for a long ride.
Thankfully, we have done the hard work, so you don’t have to. We found the top motorcycle dog carriers on the market and reviewed each one. Here is our list of the 7 best motorcycle dog carriers and their in-depth reviews.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorite Picks in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Saddlemen |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Lifeunion Backpack |
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
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Kuryakyn Motorcycle |
|
Check Price |
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K9 Sport Sack Backpack |
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Check Price | |
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Outward Hound |
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Check Price |
The 7 Best Motorcycle Dog Carriers
1. Saddlemen Pet Voyager Carrier – Best Overall
The Saddlemen Pet Voyager is a high-quality motorcycle dog carrier that can also work as a spacious cargo bag. This carrier is designed with multiple mesh panels for ventilation and pockets to safely store your belongings away. The bottom is also lined with a resting pad for long travels, so your toy-sized passenger can be comfortable the entire ride. It also has a washable bottom tray in case any accidents happen, keeping the mess contained and your belongings safe.
Another great feature about this carrier is that it comes with two mounting systems: the Versa-Mount seat dog harness for a motorcycle has an adjustable sissy bar strap system. Having two different mounting options can be great if you own multiple bikes. The only issue with this model is that it needs to fit a seat as wide as the bag itself or bigger, so it may not fit bikes with narrow seats. Otherwise, we highly recommend the Saddlemen Pet Voyager if you’re looking for the best overall motorcycle dog carrier.
| Type | Dimensions |
| Mounted | 16″W x 14″L x 14″H |
- High-quality dog carrier or cargo bag
- Multiple mesh panels and pockets
- Resting pad for comfort
- Two mounting systems included
- Washable bottom tray
- May not fit narrow seats
2. Lifeunion Dog Carrier Backpack – Best Value
The Lifeunion Dog Carrier Backpack is a backpack-style carrier that allows you to comfortably carry your dog while on the road. It’s made with high-quality polyester for durability and padded straps to help support your dog’s weight. This carrier has mesh panels for ventilation and airflow, as well as zipper pockets for your belongings. The backpack carrier can be worn on your front or back, which is great for dogs that prefer to be in front during a ride. The Lifeunion is also less expensive than other carriers, especially compared to mounted-style carriers.
A potential issue you may have is with the carry-style design, which can become painful on your back during long rides. Some dogs may also refuse to go in or move around too much to safely use while riding, which is why we kept it out of our #1 spot. As long as your dog isn’t too heavy on your back and you prefer backpack carriers, the Lifeunion Dog Carrier Backpack is the best motorcycle dog carrier for the money.
| Type | Dimensions |
| Backpack | Chest: 27.5-29.9”; Neck: 13.8-17.7”; Back Length: 19.7” (medium size) |
- Polyester carrier with padded straps
- Mesh panels and zipper pockets
- Can be worn front or back
- Less expensive compared to other carriers
- Can be painful on your back
- Some dogs will refuse to go in
3. Kuryakyn Motorcycle Dog Carrier – Premium Choice
The Kuryakyn Motorcycle Dog Carrier is a premium mounted motorcycle dog carrier designed to give your dog a luxurious experience. The carrier is made with water-resistant material and a durable inner frame to keep your dog safe inside. This model features an open-top window with a flap that allows your dog to see the view on your travels, with outer zipper pockets for your things. With the adjustable sissy bar strap system, it fits your bike safely and comfortably. There’s also a removable foam panel on the bottom to give your dog extra support while enjoying the ride.
While it may have great features and design, the Kuryakyn Motorcycle Dog carrier is more expensive than most brands. It can also be too wide for some bikes, which can be a safety concern if mounted incorrectly. For those reasons, we kept it out of the top two spots. Otherwise, we recommend it as a high-quality, premium motorcycle dog carrier.
| Type | Dimensions |
| Mounted | 18.5″L x 13″W x 14″H |
- Durable frame with weather-resistant material
- Open top window and zipper pockets
- Adjustable sissy bar strap system
- Removable foam panel
- More expensive than most carriers
- Too wide for some bikes
4. K9 Sport Sack Dog Carrier Backpack
The K9 Sport Sack Dog Carrier Backpack is a backpack-style carrier that can be worn while you’re on the road, as well as activities like hiking and walking. This model can be worn front or back, whichever is your preference when you’re riding. The padded adjustable shoulder straps are fully adjustable with a sternum strap, so the backpack will feel snug and secure during your travels. It’s also made with weather-resistant material, in case you get stuck in some tough weather.
However, there are some issues that may not make this model suitable. The K9 Sport Sack is taller than other backpack carriers, so shorter dogs may need a booster block that is not included. Another problem we found with this carrier is the low-quality zipper, which jams too easily for the high price tag. If you’re looking for more value, the Lifeunion may be a better option for you.
| Type | Dimensions |
| Backpack | 11″L x 9″W x 19″H |
- Can be worn front or back
- Padded adjustable shoulder straps
- Durable weather-resistant material
- Short dogs may need booster block (not included)
- Low-quality zippers jam easily
- On the expensive side
5. Outward Hound PoochPouch
The Outward Hound PoochPouch is a front-style carrier that can be taken on the road or while you’re out for a long walk. This front-facing carrier features an interior safety harness for added security, which prevents your dog from falling out. It’s made with nylon with mesh side panels for airflow, so your dog can be safe and comfortable. This carrier is less expensive than most carriers, but low cost is not always the best deal. Regardless of any adjustments, this front-style carrier puts too much pressure on the shoulders to be comfortable long-term.
The low-quality stitching is another concern with the PoochPouch, so it’s not suitable for bigger than 15 pounds. The zipper is also cheaply made, jamming constantly. While it may seem like a good deal, we recommend other carriers for higher quality and a safer ride.
| Type | Dimensions |
| Front-facing Carrier | 8″L x 11″W x 10″H |
- Interior safety harness for added security
- Nylon outer later with mesh side panels for airflow
- Less expensive than most carriers
- Low-quality stitching and zipper
- Not safe for dogs over 15 lbs.
- Pulls on the shoulders
6. Petego USB Pet Travel Carrier
The Petego USB Pet Travel Carrier is an interchangeable travel carrier that can be used as a backpack or mounted onto your bike. It’s made with water-resistant material with mesh vents on the side, but the overall design and quality are low. However, there are a few issues that outweigh the benefits. The Petego does not include the mounting straps, which is a disappointment and makes it more expensive than it needs to be.
The dimensions of the carrier are smaller than others, so it’s not safe for dogs any bigger than 12 pounds. Lastly, the straps are rigid and tough to manipulate, which can compromise the fit and endanger you both. If you’re looking for a sturdy, roomy carrier we recommend trying the Saddlemen mounted carrier first.
| Type | Dimensions |
| Interchangeable (backpack/mounted) | 9.8″L x 16.5″W x 12.8″H |
- Water-resistant material with mesh vents
- Can be used as a backpack or mounted
- Mounting straps NOT included
- Overall low-quality and design
- Smaller dimensions than most carriers
- Straps are difficult to adjust
7. Milwaukee Leather Pet Carrier for Motorcycles
Milwaukee Leather Pet Carrier for Motorcycles is a mounted carrier made for toy-sized dogs. This carrier comes with universal sissy bar straps to mount onto your bike adjustable for a secure fit. There are three decent-sized pockets on the outside, but the zippers jammed almost every time they were used. This carrier is made with cheap and flimsy PVC material and can only safely contain dogs under 10 pounds, so it’s not suitable for bigger-boned small breeds like Bulldogs.
The carrier also collapses on itself too easily, which can be uncomfortable for your dog while on the road. For better design and more value, we recommend trying other carriers that can safely contain your dog.
| Type | Dimensions |
| Mounted | 16″L x 12″ W x 13″H |
- Universal sissy bar adjustable straps
- Three outside zipper pockets
- Cheap and flimsy material
- Suitable only for dogs less than 10 lbs.
- Zippers jam almost every use
- Carrier collapses too easily
Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Motorcycle Dog Carrier
Things to Consider Before Buying a Pet Carrier for a Motorcycle
If you’re thinking of taking your dog on the road, there are several factors that will ultimately influence your decision. While it can be a fun activity, safety is always the highest priority. There are important things you’ll have to consider before buying a pet carrier for a motorcycle to ensure the safety of you and your dog:
Your Dog’s Temperament
Your dog’s temperament will determine if going on a motorcycle is even safe, let alone enjoyable. Some dogs may love the feeling of the open road, while others will be terrified the entire time. If your dog is calm and easy-going, motorcycle riding can be a great bonding experience.
Your Dog’s Height and Weight
Your dog’s height and weight will probably be the biggest factor in what carriers will be safe enough to have while on the road. Some dogs are simply too big to be a bike companion, while other dogs are small enough to enjoy a relaxed nap inside their carrier. When you’re ready to shop, always check for weight limits and carrier dimensions to see if your dog meets the requirements.
Bike Size
The size of your bike’s seat can be a big influence for those looking for a mounted carrier since most models require a certain width to be attached correctly. Also, some carriers may require additional straps that may not work with your motorcycle’s setup. Look for carriers that have adjustable and universal mounting straps for a more versatile fit.
How Far You’re Traveling
How far you plan on traveling may be another factor to consider, since some carriers are on your back rather than tied down to your bike. If you plan on traveling long distances, look for carriers that are designed to handle longer trips.
Types of Motorcycle Carriers
There are a few types of motorcycle carriers to choose from, depending on your preference and lifestyle:
Mounted Carriers
The most popular type of motorcycle carriers are mounted carriers that are attached either to the back of your bike or directly in front of you, depending on the model. These carriers are made to withstand the road while keeping your dog safe inside. Make sure to follow the assembly instructions carefully for a secure fit.
Backpack Carriers
Backpack carriers are dog carriers that are strapped to your back, so you don’t need to assemble anything onto your bike. The benefit of these carriers is that they allow bigger dogs to ride along with you. However, the carrier is on your back the entire time, which can be painful after a short amount of time.
Front-facing Carriers
Front-facing dog carriers are similar to backpack carriers, except that they’re worn on the front instead. This is great if you prefer to have your dog within eyeshot, as well as giving them a different view. Front-facing carriers are strapped onto you similar to backpack carriers, so they’ll also put strain on your body after a while.
Other Considerations About Motorcycle Carriers
Before setting your sights on a motorcycle carrier, ask your vet if your dog is healthy enough to handle riding. When you are purchasing a carrier, always check the dimensions and size limits to prevent serious accidents from occurring. Allow your dog to get desensitized to your bike and the new carrier, then slowly introduce riding.
Lastly, you may consider buying doggy goggles and other protective gear to keep your dog safe and comfortable.
Final Verdict
After testing and reviewing each model carefully, we found the Saddlemen Pet Voyager to be the best overall motorcycle carrier for your dog. It’s made with the best quality and craftsmanship to keep your dog safe. We found the Lifeunion Dog Carrier Backpack to be the best value for the money. It’s easy to use and requires no setup on your bike.
Hopefully, we have made shopping for a motorcycle dog carrier easier for you. We looked for the best models with your dog’s safety in mind. Always ask your veterinarian if a new activity like motorcycle riding is safe for your dog.
- See also: 10 Best Waterproof Dog Collars
