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It’s always difficult to leave your pet behind when going on a motorcycle trip. Although many people think you can only bring it along if you’re driving a car – that’s not true.
Having the greatest motorcycle pet carrier available allows you to bring your furry friend on a trip. It’s an easy-to-use accessory that you mount onto the vehicle so that your pet can ride along.
However, it’s crucial to go for a quality product due to safety reasons. For this reason, take a few minutes to discover the best carriers and a buyer’s guide to help you pick one for your bike.
7 Highest Rated Motorcycle Pet Carrier Reviews
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Kuryakyn  | Kuryakyn Features: Removable shoulder strap, lots of mounting options Color: Black | Check Price |
Saddlemen  | Saddlemen Features: Quick-disconnect mounting straps, a few pockets included Color: Black | Check Price |
Outward Hound  | Outward Hound Features: Several sizes to choose from, lightweight and durable Color: Grey, Green, Blue | Check Price |
Petego  | Petego Features: For up to 20 pounds, waterproof and UV resistant Color: Silver | Check Price |
PetAmi  | PetAmi Features: Sturdy construction, name tag included Color: Heather Gray, Purple, Dark Gray, Black... | Check Price |
Milwaukee Performance MP8103  | Milwaukee Performance MP8103 Features: Durable material, mesh breathable panels Color: Black | Check Price |
Kemimoto Motorcycle Dog/Cat Carrier  | Kemimoto Motorcycle Dog/Cat Carrier Features: Three storage pockets, installation instructions included Color: Black | Check Price |
Kuryakyn – With Sissy Bar Straps
This Kuryakyn carrier has rigid structural support and an internal frame that provides durability and stability. It’s made from 1200 denier textile material that’s also UV-rated.
It has sissy bar straps along with several D-rings that allow ease of use and adjustability. These are secure and make it easy to mount the carrier within minutes.
It also has side-mounted handles and a shoulder strap for more comfortable carrying off the bike. On the inside, it has a removable foam cushion to keep the animal comfortable at all times.
Another thing worth noting is the internal adjustable leash, removable stash pouch, and the two dishes that are included.
It has a top window that you can open and four mesh windows for ventilation. Its weight capacity is up to 20 pounds.
PROS
- Removable shoulder strap
- Removable rain cover
- Lots of mounting options
CONS
- Not the most durable zippers
Saddlemen – Spacious
Saddlemen carrier is a spacious option for small pets that like riding on a motorcycle. It’s a comfortable bag that can also work as a cargo bag when your pet isn’t with you.
It has several vents and access flaps for the best ventilation when riding during hot weather. Plus, it allows you to get to the pet or cargo easily.
This one includes a removable and washable bottom tray and resting pet for ultimate comfort. It also comes with water and food trays that stow in individual compartments.
It has two mounting options using the versa-mount seat harness or an adjustable sissy bar strap system. It’s up to you to choose between the two depending on your preference.
Also, it has a few D-rings and handles for safe mounting and easy carrying off the bike.
PROS
- Quick-disconnect mounting straps
- Sissy bar sleeve
- A few pockets included
CONS
- Not very sturdy
Outward Hound – Lightweight
Outward Hound comes in several sizes, making it easy to carry both small and medium-sized dogs. Its maximum weight capacity is up to 20 pounds if you choose a medium bag.
It’s lightweight but sturdy and secure to ride your pet in. It has mesh siding to keep the animal cool, while the water-resistant nylon provides some added durability.
The bag comes with an interior harness for some added security. It’s easy to use and clip to a collar so that he/she can’t jump out.
It also has a drawstring to secure the top of the carrier, making it even more secure when on the road.
Keep in mind that this one works as a backpack, so make sure you can carry the weight on your back.
PROS
- Safety harness provided
- Several sizes to choose from
- Lightweight and durable
CONS
- Not the most stable
Petego – UV Protected
This one is ideal for long-distance trips as it’s UV protected and comfortable. It’s an airline-approved carrier that’s ideal for small dogs, cats, and other small animals.
Apart from being stylish, this one is quite stable and sturdy. It’s padded with hypoallergenic materials that are comfortable for your pet to be around.
It comes with two short belts that you can use as handles or shoulder straps. However, it can also be used as a backpack, depending on what you’re comfortable with.
It also comes with longer belts that you can use when in a car. It makes it easy to secure the carrier to the seat.
Petego has mesh compartments that provide enough airflow for your furry friend. You can open these compartments if you want the animal to stick their head out.
PROS
- For up to 20 pounds
- Waterproof and UV resistant
- Buckles and straps included
CONS
- Some dogs can unzip the zippers
PetAmi – Ideal Support
PetAmi is ideal for bringing your pet on rides as it’s sturdy, comfortable, and easy to carry. It’s meant for small dogs and cats, although it’s suitable for other small animals.
It’s ventilated and has a two-way entry so that you can access your friend quickly. It also has a mesh window so that the animal can look outside.
The thick Sherpa lined bedding is comfortable and cozy for your pet to relax on. However, the construction of the bag is sturdy, firm, and stable.
This backpack comes with a safety strap and buckles to prevent escape. It has padded shoulder and back straps that are comfortable even during long trips.
The carrier is constructed using 600D high-grade polyester and is available in nine colors. It has several side pouches and a front pocket.
PROS
- Collapsible bowl
- Sturdy construction
- Name tag included
CONS
- The bottom of the bag might pressure your back
Milwaukee Performance MP8103 Black - For Small Dogs
This one is among the best options for small dogs as it measures 17x13x12 inches. It’s made from durable PVC material, Milwaukee leather, and wear-resistant zippers.
It’s compact and lightweight, so it’s ideal for touring since you won’t feel too much weight bringing you down.
It has one large opening where your dog is supposed to go along with three other storage pockets on the outside. These are meant for small items like leashes, plastic bags, and more.
One of the best things about it is its breathability. It has several mesh breathable panels meant to allow airflow to keep your dog cool.
Also, it has a universal, adjustable strap and a few clips to make mounting easier. All its zippers are heavy-duty and smooth, so you probably won’t have any issues with that.
PROS
- Durable material
- Mesh breathable panels
- Storage pockets included
CONS
- Not for all bikes
Kemimoto Motorcycle Dog/Cat Carrier – Airline-approved
Kemimoto is a durable pet carrier for touring and cruising. It measures 17.3×12.2×14.9 inches and has 51.83 liters by volume.
This one can carry up to 33 pounds in weight, so make sure your dog is below that number. It’s comfortable, breathable, and also allows stow water and food trays.
Keep in mind it’s meant for bikes with a luggage rack or passenger seat sissy bar. It has an internal metal frame that gives it structure and shape.
On top of that, the breathable mesh panels and access flaps allow maximum airflow, which is especially important if you ride in warm weather.
On the inside, it has a removable foam cushion that’s easy to clean. It also has five adjustable straps, a rain cover, two dishes, and a removable stash pouch.
PROS
- Three storage pockets
- Adjustable and breathable
- Installation instructions included
CONS
- One size and color only
What to Consider in Buying a Motorcycle Tank for Pets
Motorcycle Type
You should consider the type and size of your motorcycle before deciding on a carrier. Smaller bikes don’t have enough room to accommodate big bags, which is why this is important.
You might want to choose a backpack carrier if you have a smaller motorcycle. However, this is only suitable if your pet is also small and not too heavy.
Bigger motorbikes have more space for a large bag, so you have a more extensive range of options. Make sure to consider the mounting options you have since not all motorcycles are the same.
Dog Size
You probably understand why dog size is crucial when buying a carrier to use on a motorcycle. The size of your carrier should match the size of the animal; otherwise, you won’t be able to use it.
A carrier that’s too small for your pet is impossible to use. It would be too uncomfortable if he/she can even fit.
On the other hand, a bag that’s too large for your pet takes up unnecessary space on your motorcycle. The best is to go for a bag that’s slightly bigger than your dog so that the animal is comfortable during the ride.
Distance of Trip
Going on a more extended trip isn’t the same as commuting around the town when you have an animal in the back. Longer trips are more unpredictable, which is why you should think about all the possible scenarios.
You might want to go for an enclosed, waterproof carrier if you’re going on a long-distance trip. These carriers are typically more comfortable and allow your pet to stretch a bit. They’re also usually airline-approved.
On the other hand, open carriers and harnesses are more suitable for short-distance trips, allowing your furry companion to enjoy the view and fresh air.
Type of Carrier
Crate-type carriers are smaller and usually meant to be mounted on the back of your bike. On the other hand, backpack models are intended to be worn on your body.
You’ll come across all kinds of different models, ranging from enclosed to open. Choosing between the several types depends on your preferences and needs.
As we said, enclosed carriers are best for long-distance trips while backpacks are more suitable for commuting and riding around town.
You should also consider the personality and behavior. Some animals are scared to stick their head out while others don’t like being enclosed.
Weather-Proofing
You should always look for a weather-proof design regardless of the type of carrier you’re interested in. You never know when the weather might change, and the last thing you want is your pet to suffer for it.
Having a weather-proof bag allows you to ride in light rain and snow. It helps to keep your animal dry during variable weather.
Look for weather-resistant materials regardless of whether you want a crate or backpack. Surely, an enclosed crate is better at wicking moisture, but a backpack made from waterproof materials can be equally protective.
Ease of Assembly
Much like with all motorcycle accessories, we recommend you go for a carrier that’s easy to assemble. The last thing you want is to spend half an hour trying to mount the crate onto the bike.
For this reason, make sure to consider the construction and how sturdy it is. Sturdy crates are always easier to work with than soft ones.
However, many things depend on mounting options, as well. Consider how many belts and buckles it has since you’ll have to secure them all before hopping on the bike with your pet.
Portability
It’s unlikely you’ll leave the animal waiting in the crate while you’re in a café or at the store. For this reason, you want a portable carrier that’s easy to carry around when off the bike.
Portability usually depends on the weight as well as the overall design. A heavy crate is that much heavier once you place the animal is in it.
Also, it should have a handle or a shoulder strap to carry it with ease. In most cases, backpack models are the easiest to carry when off the bike.
Security
Naturally, you want the animal to be secure in its carrier. This is best achieved with secure mounting, buckles, straps, and D-rings.
Make sure that the carrier is made from durable materials that can withstand the weight of the animal. It should also have secure zippers, harnesses, and buckles that would keep it in place.
Some animals know how to unzip things, in which case you should look for extra protection such as an interior leash.
Contrary to popular belief, enclosed carriers aren’t much safer than open ones. Security depends on the quality of the carrier and how you mount it.
Durability
Durability plays a significant role in quality and security. A motorcycle carrier should be made from durable materials so that it can endure the weight of your furry friend.
However, there’s more to it because these aren’t simple carriers. Riding a motorcycle means frequent bumps, road grime, and variable weather, all of which your crate should be able to withstand.
Ensure that the construction is durable, but don’t forget to check the zippers and other components. Its pockets, mesh windows, interior lining, pads, and other parts should be equally durable and resistant to frequent use.
Comfort
You want your furry friend to be comfortable for as long as the ride lasts. For this reason, make sure to consider the size of the crate, its ventilation, and the type of interior padding it has.
The first thing you should focus on is the size of the carrier. Make sure that it fits your pet’s size so that he/she has enough room to stretch and turn around.
It should also have ventilation ports and mesh windows so that the animal can look out if it’s an enclosed crate.
The interior padding should be removable and washable.
Design
The design is something you should consider before deciding on a carrier you want to buy. As you noticed, there are many different models featuring all kinds of styles and designs.
It’s up to you to choose the design you think will work the best for your needs and preferences. It should be suitable for the pet so that the animal is comfortable at all times.
Think about the extra pockets you might need for carrying small items, leashes, water bottles, and other similar stuff.
Consider whether it has enough carrying handles and mounting buckles for the type of motorcycle you have.
Pricing
Motorcycle pet carriers usually cost as much as regular carriers. The price ranges depending on the quality of the bag, as well as the features it has.
Sturdier and more comfortable bags are typically more expensive than less quality-made ones. However, even the best ones aren’t very costly.
You can find many models at different prices, suiting everyone’s budget. Keep in mind that the price shouldn’t be most important to you. Instead, you should focus on quality, comfort, security, and ventilation.
Focus on other buying factors and make sure to have a predetermined budget.
Legality
It’s always important to check whether it’s legal to ride with your pet in the state you live in. Some municipalities don’t allow riding motorcycles with animals regardless of how secure you both are.
In other cases, it might be legal to ride like this, but only after you meet specific standards. This means you might be required to carry the animal in the back.
Some states have a law on how big the animal can be, which usually means medium and big dogs aren’t allowed to ride.
Again, make sure to check this for the state you live in.
Room Space
Think about whether you have enough space in the first place. Riding requires more than just some space for the animal to stretch their legs.
You’ll have to bring its water bowl, possibly some food, a leash, maybe a muzzle, and other items. This requires some extra space on your motorcycle.
Make sure to have enough space in the carrier to pack all the extra stuff you might need. This is especially important if you’re going on a long-distance trip.
Luckily, most bags have several pockets for both small and large items.
Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial because you want the animal to be comfortable during the ride. Lack of ventilation usually results in your pet being too warm or maybe even having difficulties breathing.
In most cases, enclosed carriers have mesh sides or windows that allow airflow. This helps to keep the temperature at a comfortable level regardless of how long the ride is.
Still, a backpack should also have ventilation ports, even if your pet’s head is sticking out. The inside of a backpack can get quite warm, which can be uncomfortable.
This is something you should double-check because it’s directly connected to your animal’s comfort and well-being.
Accessories
As you may have noticed, some carriers come with accessories to make the ride more secure and comfortable.
These accessories are usually interior pillows, leashes and harnesses, water and food bowls, shoulder straps, and sissy bar straps.
Although it’s always good to have some accessories at hand, you should carefully consider which one you need the most. Not every model comes with all accessories.
Having these with the carrier means you don’t have to carry extra stuff since it’s already included and packed. However, the accessories should match the size and needs of your dogs.
Types of Motorcycle Pet Carriers
Crate or Enclosed
Enclosed carriers are versatile and secure. They’re typically the best for long-distance riding because they keep the rain, snow, and wind out.
These are meant for small to medium dogs and cats that like to jump out. They’re also perfect for animals that are slightly afraid of traffic.
Front
Front carriers resemble those made for carrying babies. Your pet is pressed against your chest and stomach, which allows you to keep an eye on him/her.
However, these aren’t always so comfortable or even legal. You might find this to mess with your ability to ride.
Backpack Style
Backpacks are meant for carrying your furry friend on your back. The animal is usually in a harness, sticking its head out while the rest of its body is inside the bag.
This makes it impossible to keep an eye on the animal, so it’s only suitable for those used to traveling.
Do Pets Like to Ride in a Motorcycle?
Whether or not pets like to ride depends on their personality. Some animals like riding while others don’t. The only way to figure this out is to try it out.
Confident animals that have strong personalities can handle the noise without any problems. They usually don’t mind the vibration and sound they’re exposed to during riding.
Fearful pets might not like the trip as much. However, this doesn’t have much to do with their size, meaning that small dogs can enjoy riding equally as much as big ones.
You should be more careful if you intend to ride with a cat because they’re typically more fearful than dogs.
How to Take Care of Your Motorcycle Pet Carrier
The first thing you should remember is to check the carrier regularly. Inspect the stitching, zippers, and the entire construction to ensure that nothing is tearing or breaking.
Store it somewhere safe when not in use so that no kids or pets can play with it. Also, it should be kept in a dry room so that it’s not damp when you decide to use it.
Wash it in a washing machine or by hand, depending on what the manufacturer recommends. Dry it thoroughly before your next ride and replace it as soon as you notice signs of damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really safe for pets?
Having a pet on your motorcycle is as safe as you make it to be. You’re both safe as long as you use a secure carrier that can’t rip or dismount while on the road.
However, you should also consider how the animal behaves and whether he/she is calm or nervous.
Are large pets allowed to ride on motorcycles?
Large pets are allowed to ride but in a different setup than small to medium animals. Large breeds need a sidecar or a modified seat that’s stable, secure, and fits the size of your animal.
However, make sure to check the laws in your state just in case.
Does it need to be waterproof?
It doesn’t need to be waterproof, but that would help. It’s essential to consider if you’re traveling across long distances because you might find yourself riding in the rain.
It’s not as crucial for commuting with your dog or cat.
Conclusion
Riding with a pet is fun and exciting, regardless of how far away you’re going. It’s a great way to bond and spend time together.
However, you need the right motorcycle pet carrier so that you can travel safely and comfortably. The ones we reviewed stand out the most thanks to their quality, comfort, and ease of use.
Make sure to consider the buying factors we discussed so that you can pick a model for you. Consider the size of your pet and the type of bike you have so that you can make the best decision.
