Essential Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riding with Your Pet

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For many people, pets are like children and it’s difficult to leave them behind when vacation plans come up. It’s the same for bikers who love their little sidekicks, but taking a pet along on a motorcycle is not as safe or easy as packing your Mini Me in a car or RV and heading out. Cycle Trader is sharing more on what you should consider when riding with your pet on your motorcycle.

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Plan Your Ride with Your Pet

Before you go anywhere, check what laws there are in your state about transporting an animal on a motorcycle. For example, you can end up with a misdemeanor charge in Washington state when you transport a pet via motorcycle if you jeopardize the safety of the animal with improper confinement. And the laws do change state by state, as do the fines and penalties. 

Further, if you’re planning to take extended trips, especially if you expect to attend a bike rally with lots of people and noise, it might be better to leave your friend at home and find a pet sitter who can take care of your furry one while you are gone.

However, for shorter trips or camping outings where you want to bring your pet with you, we looked into several ways to acclimate your pet and the best ways to keep your furry friend as safe as possible in the process.

A Good Fit

Having a passenger on your motorcycle behind you is not uncommon. But carrying the same or less weight with a dog that doesn’t understand how to lean with you into curves could cause problems. So, unless you have a sidecar on your bike, a dog the size of a Mastiff, St. Bernard, Great Dane, or a Newfoundland coming along for the ride may not be a great idea.

Safety First

If you do have a sidecar and a big dog, be sure the animal is equally protected from road debris and bugs. Ensure the dog has quality goggles (those that are specially made to fit canines) and a helmet. In addition, you may need to buy a special harness to strap your pooch safely in place. You’ll also need to train your dog to wear the gear before you start riding so it can get acclimated while you’re on the road.

If you don’t have a sidecar and your pet is riding behind you, you’ll need a special harness that holds the dog in place while you’re on the road so it won’t jump off whenever you slow down or come to a stop. And even though the dog will be (somewhat) protected behind you, the goggles and helmet are still a good idea.

For smaller dogs, you can strap a crate that’s specially designed for carrying animals on the back of your bike. Many of these allow the animal to poke its head up to watch the action, so the goggles and helmet are still a good idea. 

In any case, get your dog acclimated to riding on the bike by taking short trips at first to see if they are okay with it. If the dog is nervous and scared, it might be better to leave them at home. If you must take your dog with you, check with your veterinarian about medications or treatments you can administer shortly before going on a ride with your friend.

Stake Your Claim

Whenever traveling with your pet, be sure they are up to date on shots and that you carry a copy of their medical records with you (if you stay in a hotel, some places require proof of a rabies vaccination). Even if your dog is microchipped (which is an excellent idea), make sure your companion also has a collar with a tag that provides your contact information. Further, you may want to consider adding a tracking device like an Apple AirTag so you can find your dog if it should ever wander off.

Also, be sure to carry everything your pooch will need while you’re traveling, including food and water, bowls, a warm blanket, a leash, disposable pet waste bags, toys and treats, and a pet first aid kit.

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The Buddy System

Got the motorcycle but looking for a pet? Please visit your local animal rescues or shelters and adopt. Got the pet but need the ride? Cycle Trader is the largest online resource for new and used motorcycles for sale. Need to trade in your current bike for one that’s better suited for you and your furry friend? We can help you sell it quickly, then locate what you need for you and your travel companion. 

Enjoy your travels together!

Barrett Baker

Barrett Baker is a freelance writer with more than 40 years of writing experience. He has worked with the U.S. Department of Energy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and a variety of advertising and marketing firms throughout his career. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, cooking, and working with animal rescues.

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