A bike trailer for your dog is much like a stroller or any other kind of pet carrier. It’s designed to give your dog the chance to enjoy the great outdoors with you through sightseeing, hiking, biking, and even camping. It can carry everything you need for your trip in its own storage compartment, so there’s no need to put your pup in a backpack while you’re biking. There are, however, some things to consider before you buy a bike trailer.

1. The Size of Your Dog

While some dog bike trailers can hold dogs of any size, others are specifically made for small or large breeds. If you have a big breed, look for a bike trailer that is equipped with tie-down straps on all four corners and along the sides to hold your pup in place. If you have a small dog, you can look for a bike trailer that’s designed with mesh sides and smaller dimensions, especially if your dog is one of the extra small breeds. These trailers are lighter-weight than those made for larger dogs, making them easier to attach to your bicycle. Dogs don’t particularly like to be cooped up in confined spaces, so it’s important to give them enough room to move around. There should be ample space for them to lie down, sit up, and stretch out their legs.

2. Number of Dogs

If you have two dogs, look for a two-dog trailer. If you plan on biking with more than one dog, consider getting a side-by-side model so they can both see what’s going on around them. It might be a bit more challenging to find a perfect trailer for a large breed or multiple dogs. Luckily there are a lot of articles online that review dog bike trailers, like The 9 Best Dog Bike Trailers, and provide you with the pros and cons of each. When buying a trailer for two or more dogs, make sure they each have their own space to lie down and turn around. Also be aware of their height, weight, and how well they get along together. Some dogs will play nice in the trailer, while others may try to take down another pup for looking at them wrong.

3. Bike Size

Most bike trailers attach to the seat post, but there are models that connect to the back of your bike so you can pull your dog along behind you. Make sure yours is compatible with your type of bike before making a purchase. Bike trailers can be heavy and cumbersome when they’re in use, so finding one with a view window and easy access is essential if you plan on using it often. If not, look for one that’s lightweight and feels sturdy to you.

4. Your Dog’s Health

If your dog is somewhat old or has arthritis or an injury, it might not enjoy the ride as much. Check with your vet to see if they’re physically able to take the trip, and always be mindful of the type of road you’re riding on. If your dog is young and healthy, there shouldn’t be any problems with making use of one. Keep in mind that you’ll need to let your dog get used to using the bike trailer for short periods at first so they can get used to the feel of it.

5. Dog’s Strengths and Weaknesses

If your dog is afraid of loud noises, it might not like the sensation of riding behind you on a bike trail. If your pup seems to like getting outside with you but has trouble walking for extended periods, the gentle movement of the bike will be soothing for them. You can also use the ride to try and encourage a timid dog to enjoy the outdoors more. Make sure to stop often and let it sniff around and explore his new surroundings.

6. Style and Comfort

You’ll want to look for a dog bike trailer with plenty of ventilation and some cushioning for your pup’s feet. If it’s too hot or cold or your pup doesn’t have enough room to move around, they could end up getting sick. You might also want a bike trailer that comes with all the accessories you need for your dog’s comfort and safety on your journeys, such as water bottles holders and family-style rear racks. If it doesn’t have the features you want, finding one that does will help make using it more enjoyable and hassle-free than ever before. Given the fact that there’s a lot of interest in dog bike trailers, you should be able to find one within your budget. Consider how much you want to spend on the trailer before making a final decision.

Before buying a bike trailer for your dog, consider all of the above factors to find one that best suits them. Your dog should feel safe and comfortable in its new cycle stroller. It can be hard picking the perfect fit for them sometimes, so vetting the different models is the only way you’ll know which one to choose.