The 5 Best Bike Trailers for Dogs in the UK [Top Picks & Buying Guide] (2023)

Are you looking for the right dog bike trailer but don't know where to start? We recommend 5 great options that stand out in a crowded market.

Dog bike trailers open up travel opportunities you never thought of before.

In today's guide, we recommend our favorite dog trailers for bikes.

Discover which option we would prefer to all others and which offers the best value for money.

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The best bike trailers for dogs in comparison

Dog Bike Trailer Reviews

Diploma

shopping guide

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The best bike trailers for dogs in comparison

Before we get to our in-depth reviews of each dog trailer, see how they stack up in the comparison chart below.

	Model	details
	OUR TOP CHOICE Burley Heckwagen	- 16" spoked alloy wheels - Fold down the tailgate - Easy to clean - Roll-up covers and mesh windows
	PawHut Foldable Bike Trailer	- Steel frame - Good ventilation - Zippers
	Friends on Tour bike trailer	- Integrated leash - Solid metal frame - Reflective strips & reflectors
	Trixie bicycle trailer	- Solid metal frame - Quick-Fix-Radsystem - Mesh inserts for air circulation
	Papilioshop bike trailer	- Quickly transforms into a stroller - Easy to assemble

Dog Bike Trailer Reviews

Read about our recommended dog bike trailers as we explain what makes them special.

Let's start with our favorite!

OUR TOP CHOICE

Burley Heckwagen

We'd choose this Burley dog bike trailer over any other.

It's built really well to endure long bike rides and is just an all around quality piece of gear.

However, if you're on a tight budget, we'd give this one a shot as it's also the most expensive of our recommendations.

The Burley Tail Wagon is built to transport moderately sized dogs and can accommodate breeds such as Labradors and Retrievers. It can carry loads of up to 34kg, so check your dog's weight and allow some wiggle room.

The trailer weighs around 8.5kg which is not light but is pretty good considering the quality of the wheels and the load it can handle. In fact, it's the lightest model we've recommended compared to the competition.

The 16-inch spoked wheels are the largest we've come across on a dog bike trailer. They also have a reasonable profile when the trip gets interesting! It all adds up to a wheelset that absorbs bumps and bumps better than most.

The sturdy frame is made of steel, which adds weight but is incredibly durable.

It also folds into a surprisingly compact form for portability. It packs easily into small car trunks. It's really easy to store with quick-release wheels (just twist and pull the lever) and handlebars that can be removed at the push of a button.

Cleaning these trailers is often a bit of a hassle, but luckily the Burley has a removable bottom. Simply detach and clean after use and no more smelly trailer cabins!

This Burley dog trailer also fulfills several safety features.

Most important is the integrated strap. A major fear and danger when using a dog bike trailer is that the dog could jump or fall out. Luckily, a harness like this keeps the dog safe in the booth at all times.

Ventilation is another important safety feature that this dog bike trailer handles impressively. The covers are rolled up and fastened with zippers. This allows you to protect your dog from the rain and also give him more ventilation.

There are also mesh windows that allow your dog to see the outside world while enjoying the breeze.

This model also works on bikes with quick release axles. It is also compatible with stroller conversion kits so it can also be used as a pushchair.

advantages

Removable bottom
Collapsible for transport
Excellent wheels and axles
Built for long journeys

Disadvantages

It is expensive
Stroller kit is additional extra

bottom line:

Simply put, this is the best dog bike trailer on the market right now.

Yes, it's expensive, but it has smarter design features and a better axle and wheel system than the competition.

budget selection

PawHut Foldable Bike Trailer

PawHut foldable bike trailer is the best option if you value value for money. It is the cheapest of our bike trailer recommendations.

However, don't be put off by the lack of digits! It's a solid dog trailer that has some excellent performance features.

With a load capacity of 30 kg, it is built for moderately large dogs. However, it also weighs a lot. At 15kg, it's one of the heaviest dog bike trailers on this list. This might be enough to put some people off.

This product is all about folding, as the name suggests. This is an incredibly easy-to-store product, and its 20-inch wheels are easily removed too.

These wheels are really big and that makes them ideal for riding on rough terrain. They soak up the bumps better than smaller wheels, giving your dog a smoother ride.

The cover has zips for easy access and is made from a breathable, waterproof and UV resistant material. Depending on the weather, the front cover can also be used as a mesh or plastic shield.

For safety reasons, there is a clip on the inside that you can use to attach a harness to your dog. It also features rear and front reflectors.

This model easily attaches to the bike but unfortunately does not have a removable floor and cannot be converted for use with a stroller.

Unfortunately, saving money with a budget choice like this will result in some compromises in convenience.

advantages

Amazing value
big wheels
Good air circulation
Solid steel frame

Disadvantages

No stroller conversion kit
Difficult
Floor not removable

bottom line:

If you are looking for a more casual bike dog trailer for less frequent use then this is a great option.

It's excellent value for money if you don't mind sacrificing a few amenities.

Good value for money

Friends on Tour bike trailer

Another bicycle trailer with an excellent price-performance ratio is the Friends on Tour bicycle trailer. It's just a tiny bit more expensive than the previous Pawhut bike trailer.

It weighs 11 kg and can carry dogs up to 20 kg. That makes it quite heavy considering the lower capacity it can handle.

To put that in perspective, our “Top Pick” weighs 8.5kg and can carry dogs up to 35kg. However, this model is significantly cheaper.

This product features well integrated reflectors, weather protection fabric and an internal safety leash for traveling pooches.

Its bottom is removable, which allows for easy cleaning. The trailer itself folds easily with detachable wheels, making it easy to store in the back of your car or elsewhere.

Because the fabric is polyester, it's easy to clean up after a long muddy weekend.

This model also has additional useful safety features such as an integrated short leash (which prevents your dog from jumping out) and a signal banner with a reflective motif for extra visibility on the road - this is particularly useful for night driving.

The mesh on the front door of this dog bike trailer will keep your beloved pooch cool on those hot and muggy summer days. A well-ventilated trailer is essential for your dog's comfort.

This model doesn't offer a lot of extra storage space, so if you need extra

bags, it may not be the best choice for you.

advantages

great value
Removable base
Integrated safety line
Easy to clean

Perfect for mobility issues

Trixie bicycle trailer

The Trixie bike trailer is slightly more expensive than the last two. But not much. So if you feel like shelling out a few extra pounds for a few extra features, do it. The difference won't break the bank.

This product is rated as a bestseller for many reasons. Trixie is a respected player in the bike trailer market and has several standout products in their range.

At 13kg it's one of the heavier dog bike trailers on this list, so be aware that it will need some lifting. It is available in red and black and also includes a matching trailer hitch.

This design features two side pockets for all your pooch treats and sundries. Both pockets have reflective strips for extra visibility as well as a signal banner for extra precautions.

There is also an integrated safety leash to ensure your pooch is securely strapped in during travel.

There is a lightweight mesh on the inside of the compartment to keep your dog nice and cool and can be covered in cold, wet or windy weather.

This product is easy to fold and designed to save space. It also features a removable bottom that can be easily replaced after washing. Just in case your dog has to go!

If you need a trailer that can be used with a stroller, you will need an additional attachment.

A nice touch is the addition of front and rear doors for ultimate accessibility. Most of these trailers only have one back door, so this is a good option if your dog has mobility issues.

advantages

Front and rear doors
Easily foldable
Amazing value

Disadvantages

Pretty hard

bottom line:

This is another excellent dog bike trailer that excels in accessibility.

The luxury of both front and back doors makes this a great choice for dogs with mobility issues.

Integrated stroller kit

Papilioshop bike trailer

Our final recommendation is the Papilioshop bike trailer. This trailer easily converts into a stroller and the conversion kit is included. This is very useful for entering premises where dogs are not allowed.

This model is a great multi-purpose option, weighing in at 12.5kg which is one of the heavier options on our recommendation list. However, it can carry a maximum of 25kg, making it one of the more capable trailers here.

The Papilioshop trailer is extremely easy to fold and store away, it only takes a few minutes. It's a great option if you also want to make a lot of stops on your journeys. No need to leave your dog behind, just attach the front wheel and turn it into a stroller.

It features well-ventilated mesh windows, optionally with a rainproof PVC cover. The rain cover is attached with zippers and can be rolled up to give your dog a look outside.

This model has the necessary connection hook and leash hook to keep your dog in place. There is also a handle and a safety flag.

This product is available in red but only in one size - small. So if you're looking for something to transport a couple of dogs in, this option might be too small.

Unfortunately, the flooring inside is not removable, but it is made of non-slip rubber. This is a great option to keep your pooch from sliding around.

advantages

Diploma

So there you have it. Our 5 best bike trailers for dogs. We really hope we helped you scale it down a bit.

We've made sure to recommend a variety of options that cover a range of situations.

But,When it comes to the best dog bike trailer, there is only one winner.It is thatBurley Heckwagen!

If you're still not sure which option is best for you, be sure to read our in-depth buying guide below. Hopefully it should just make things a little easier.

shopping guide

In this section, we explain the most important features to look for in a reliable dog bike trailer.

Weight

This is an important factor that is often overlooked. Are you looking for a lightweight option that you can easily pack in your car?

Our top 5 dog bike trailers weigh between 8.5kg – 15.5kg.

Weight also affects the speed and ease with which you can ride your bike. A heavy load is harder to corner and accelerate, and makes climbing hills a chore.

Your level of fitness may need to be pretty good if you live in a hilly area and have to tow a heavy trailer and dog behind you.

portability

Continuing from the last point, portability is an important area when looking for a solid trailer. What makes a bike trailer a good one is its portability.

Luckily all 5 of these dog tags are portable. They each fold easily and each option provides you with clear instructions.

Some of the options listed above have detachable wheels which should be removed when stowed.

None of the products are said to be difficult to collapse. That being said, some are easier than others. If you're looking for the smoothest option, we recommend our "Top Pick" - the Burley Tail Wagon.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, the Trixie bike trailer is known for its extra portability.

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Wheels

When looking for a suitable bicycle trailer for dogs, there are more or less two options. The first is a wheel option with a quick release and the second is without a quick release.

It goes without saying that the first option is ideal for those in a hurry. If you are looking for a quick option, the quick release is the way to go.

The Burley Tail Wagon and The Friends on Tour Trailer both have quick-release, detachable wheels. So if that's what you're looking for? These options are two good places to start.

Another important point is the size of the wheels. Larger wheels handle bumps and off-road rides much better than smaller wheels. Your dog will certainly ride more comfortably with large wheels.

safety devices

When looking for safety features to include in dog tags, there are few things to look out for.

Inner leash ties are necessary to ensure your pooch is safe and secure. You don't want them to be able to pop out mid-cycle. Puppies are known for being a little daring, so let's keep them safe and in place.

Seat belts are a feature of all five of our options, this not only can secure your dog but also works well for your shopping.

Some of these options do not state that they contain reflectors. It is recommended that you only buy some if your trailer doesn't already have one.

Size

Size is important and depends on you. If you only have a small Chihuahua, one basket may suffice. It is extremely important to fit your dog(s) in one of these trailers. After all, a pooch needs his space.

Some are good for one large dog and others easily fit three smaller pooches. You can make the judgment yourself, but if you have a large dog and two smaller ones, you might want to go for a larger option.

Dog trailers are rated by the weight they can handle. So before you start shopping, it's a good idea to put your dog on the scale and find out how heavy he or she is.

sight range

Reflectors are particularly useful for driving at night. Our "Top Picks" and all of our "Best Value for Money" options, with the exception of the Papilioshop tag, all have built-in reflectors or a reflective motif for safety.

Some of the options, but not all, also include a safety flag for added visibility.

While this may be a must for you, some drivers would rather not use the safety flag. Whatever your choice, the use of reflectors, whether complementary or not, is a must.

It would also be advisable to make sure that your bike frame itself also has extra lights. A "must have" for every responsible cyclist.

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durability

Steel frames are usually a constant when it comes to dog bike trailers. They are usually durable but not exactly light.

Another thing to look at is the quality of the axle and wheels. Are spare tires easy to obtain?

How easy is it to clean?

A removable floor is a great advantage. As you know, pooches can sometimes make a mess.

So, to make life easier, folding out the bottom of your trailer is a great benefit. Check out our options, some are even machine washable.

Although you can certainly put a blanket inside, a non-slip floor is also a great feature. Especially if you are a fast cyclist. Your dog needs a grip, so finding a non-slip floor is a good tip when looking for the right trailer.

How easy is it to attach to the bike?

A dog bike trailer uses a universal hitch that easily attaches to the bike.

Simply flip open the quick release lever on the rear wheel and remove the nut on the other side.

Then pull out the skewer and add the clutch.

In less than 2 minutes you're done!

This short video shows the process well:

Is there extra storage space?

Most, but not all, of our options listed have external and internal pockets for these storage solutions.

Whether you need to carry dog treats or poop bags, having a place for them is of paramount importance.

When you've been sweating on a bike all day, you definitely don't want to be carrying a bag of dog biscuits with you.

Luckily, if you're looking for pocket space, you've come to the right place. The Burley Tail Wagon has pockets of it and features two cargo pockets for secure storage of pet gear/treats.

Is there good ventilation and airflow for hot days?

Nobody likes a sticky pooch, especially the pooch himself. Keep your dog cool on hot days and provide good ventilation.

Our best listed options include both mosquito nets and rain/windproof covers in case the weather takes a turn. We all know how fast that can go.

Mosquito nets work well to keep bugs and insects out and to let in cool air. After all, a well-ventilated pooch is a happy pooch.

Can it be converted into a stroller?

This is an important point for many people looking for the perfect bike trailer. While many of the options are not convertible designs, some of the products listed are available to purchase conversion kits.

So your trailer can be used as a stroller or dog cage. This is particularly useful when entering premises where dogs are not allowed. It's also good for shopping and the kids.

It goes without saying that it costs a bit more, but if you're looking for flexibility and it's a must-have for you, go for it.

The 'Papilioshop bicycle trailer' can easily be converted into a stroller with the supplied kit. Some of the other trailers also have this option but you will need to purchase a conversion kit as an added extra.

So there you have it, our rundown of the best dog trailers out there.

We hope we've given you enough information to enable you to make an informed decision, or just given you a few ideas to get you started... happy trails!

The 5 Best Bike Trailers for Dogs in the UK [Top Picks &amp; Buying Guide] (2023)

The best bike trailers for dogs in comparison

Dog Bike Trailer Reviews

OUR TOP CHOICE

budget selection

Good value for money

Perfect for mobility issues

Integrated stroller kit

Diploma

shopping guide

Weight

portability

Wheels

safety devices

Size

sight range

durability

How easy is it to clean?

How easy is it to attach to the bike?

Is there extra storage space?

Is there good ventilation and airflow for hot days?

Can it be converted into a stroller?

The 5 Best Bike Trailers for Dogs in the UK [Top Picks & Buying Guide] (2023)