Motorcycle Dog Carriers

A motorcycle dog carrier lets you bring your dog along for the ride instead of leaving them at home. Motorcycle pet carriers for dogs generally fall into two groups: backpacks you wear on your chest or back, and carriers that strap onto the passenger seat, luggage rack, or tank. Both are built to keep your dog contained, supported, and upright while the bike is moving. Browse the collection below to compare styles and sizes, then use the guide further down to match a carrier to your dog's weight, your motorcycle, and the riding you do. For carriers made for walking, travel, and everyday errands, see our full range of dog carriers.

How to Choose a Motorcycle Dog Carrier

Start with your dog's size and weight, covered in the size guide below. Then check these three things before you buy.

Check Motorcycle Compatibility and Mounting

Not every carrier fits every bike. Mounted carriers attach to a passenger seat, rear rack, or fuel tank, so confirm your motorcycle has the right surface and anchor points, and compare the carrier's base dimensions with the space you have. Look at how it fastens, whether with straps, buckles, or a rack plate, and how quickly it comes off when you want the pillion seat back. If you regularly ride two-up, a wearable carrier may be the only practical choice.

Look for Comfort, Ventilation, and Weather Protection

Your dog will sit in moving air for long stretches. Mesh panels keep air flowing, a firm padded base stops them sliding around, and enough headroom lets them sit or lie down without crouching. A removable rain cover or wind shield helps on cool or wet days, but watch for heat building up while it's on. Check each listing to see which of these features that carrier includes.

Prioritize Security and Restraint

A carrier should keep your dog inside even if something startles them. Look for firm sides or a sturdy frame, closures that can't be nosed open, and an internal safety tether. Clip that tether to a well-fitted dog harness, never a collar, so a sudden stop doesn't put pressure on your dog's neck. Keep it short enough that your dog can't climb out, but long enough to sit and turn comfortably.

Types of Motorcycle Dog Carriers

The right format depends mostly on your dog's size and how your bike is set up.

Motorcycle Dog Backpacks

A motorcycle dog backpack is worn by the rider, on the front or back, with your dog secured in a ventilated compartment. Because nothing mounts to the bike, it works on almost any motorcycle and suits small dogs well. The trade-off is weight: you carry your dog on your shoulders for the whole ride. For off-bike hiking and travel, browse our dog carrier backpacks.

Seat, Rack, and Tank-Mounted Carriers

Mounted carriers sit on the motorcycle instead of on you, which takes the load off your back and usually gives your dog more room. Seat and rack carriers typically suit small to medium dogs, while tank-mounted designs sit in front of the rider and are generally limited to smaller breeds. Some unclip to work as a regular pet carrier, which is handy when your dog comes into a café or hotel with you.

Sidecars and Trailers for Larger Dogs

When a dog is too big for a backpack or seat carrier, a motorcycle sidecar for dogs or a motorcycle dog trailer is usually the next step. Both give a large dog room to sit or lie down, but they change how the bike handles, may need professional fitting, and can bring their own registration or lighting requirements. Treat either as a bigger commitment than a carrier, and confirm compatibility with your motorcycle first.

Motorcycle Dog Carriers for Small, Medium, and Large Dogs

Every carrier lists a maximum weight and interior dimensions, and both matter. Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail and from the floor to the top of the head while sitting, then allow a little extra room so they can shift position.

Small dogs have the widest choice, since backpacks, tank carriers, and seat carriers all work. Medium dogs generally need a seat or rack-mounted carrier, because carrying one on your back gets tiring on longer rides. For big dogs, a motorcycle dog carrier for large dogs is rare, and most owners move to a sidecar or trailer. If your dog is too large for any motorcycle setup, a dog seat belt in the car is a more comfortable way to bring them along.

What to Consider Before Taking Your Dog on a Motorcycle

A good carrier is only part of the setup. Start with short, slow rides close to home so your dog gets used to the noise, vibration, and wind before a longer trip. Dog goggles protect the eyes from debris, and some riders add ear protection on louder bikes. Stop every hour or so for water and a short walk on a dog leash, and avoid riding in extreme heat, when a dog in an enclosed carrier can overheat quickly. You'll find other travel extras in our dog accessories collection.

Rules on carrying pets on motorcycles vary by state and country, so check local traffic laws before you ride. If your dog keeps showing signs of stress, such as heavy panting, whining, or trying to get out, a motorcycle may not be the right way for them to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you carry a dog on a motorcycle?

Many riders do, using a carrier designed for motorcycle travel. The dog should be fully contained and tethered to a harness, and the carrier should be securely attached to the bike or to you. Local rules vary, so check the laws where you ride, and introduce your dog to riding gradually with short trips first.

How do I carry a small dog on a motorcycle?

A backpack, tank carrier, or seat-mounted carrier all work for small dogs. Choose one that matches your dog's weight, has good ventilation, and includes an internal tether to clip to a harness. Start with short rides so your dog gets used to the sound and movement before you plan a longer trip.

How do I carry a large dog on a motorcycle?

Most motorcycle carriers are built for small to medium dogs, so large dogs usually need a sidecar or a trailer. Both give a big dog space to sit or lie down safely, but they affect handling and may need professional fitting. A large dog should never ride loose on the seat or tank.

Is it legal to carry a dog on a motorcycle?

It depends on where you ride. Some places have specific rules about animals on motorcycles, while others fall under general laws about secure loads or rider control. Check with your local transport or motor vehicle authority before riding with your dog, especially when traveling across state or national borders.

What size motorcycle dog carrier do I need?

Weigh your dog and measure their length and sitting height, then compare those numbers with each carrier's maximum weight and interior dimensions. Your dog should be able to sit, turn, and lie down without pressing against the sides. If they fall between two sizes, the larger carrier is usually the better choice.

Can I use a regular pet carrier on a motorcycle?

It isn't a good idea. Standard pet carriers aren't designed to be strapped to a bike, often lack a stable base and internal tether, and may not hold up to wind and vibration at speed. A carrier made for motorcycle use has mounting points and a design built for riding.