Motorcycle Pet Traveling Guide

If you're going to travel on a motorcycle with your pet, you're going to need a motorcycle pet carrier. (Creative name, right?) There are a lot of them out there, and some not only work better than others, they're also much safer for you and your pet.

Some motorcycle pe­t carriers attach to your chest or are held tight to your body with straps. The problem with these is that animals don't tend to stay still while traveling, and the straps loosen as your pet moves around. It's easy to see how this would become a distraction to you as the driver. Most likely, these types of carriers aren't very comfortable either. They have a tendency to get very hot against your body [source: Majon].

Another popular pet carrier is a bag that attaches to your motorcycle and secures your pet on a leash in front of you, usually between your knees. This type of carrier allows your pet to stand up, which is okay for parades and other times when you'll be traveling slowly. But it's clearly not safe at high speeds. Your pet could easily lose its footing and slip. It also allows your pet too much freedom to move around, which can be distracting and put you, your pet and other drivers in danger.

Sturdy pet crates are really the only safe option for you and your pet. The crate you choose should have a good protective covering and should mount securely to your motorcycle. A crate that can't withstand a severe impact with the pavement isn't a good crate. You'll also want to inspect the interior of the crate carefully. There shouldn't be any screws or sharp objects inside that could injure your pet [source: Majon].

There are two more factors to consider when purchasing a pet carrier. Keep the size of your pet in mind. The crate should provide room for your pet to move around comfortably and give it proper ventilation.

If you keep all these things in mind when you go to purchase a pet carrier for your motorcycle, it should be a quick and painless experience.

There are a number of safety concerns associated with riding a motorcycle -- adding a pet to the equation creates even more. Your safety and the safety of your pet should come first when taking a motorcycle trip together.

As we discussed earlier, one of the most important aspects is ensuring that you have a proper carrier. Sturdy pet crate carriers that mount securely to your bike are really the only acceptable option on the market. There are a number of carriers out there designed to look cool on your motorcycle, but they aren't necessarily safe, so keep that in mind when you're picking one out [source: Road Hound]. Also be sure to take some rides with the new pet carrier attached. It may take some getting used to. And your pet may move around a lot, causing the crate to shift from side to side.

The minute your pet becomes a distraction on the road, it becomes a safety hazard. When you're distracted driving your motorcycle, you're putting yourself and everyone else on the road in danger. Make sure your pet is secure, safe and placed where it won't distract you on your bike. Make regular pit stops to check on your animal.

As we all know, weather can be unpredictable and may create unsafe road conditions. If you're an experienced rider you've probably encountered it all. In fact, you probably have clothing to protect you from anything Mother Nature throws your way. Keep in mind that you'll need similar accessories to protect your pet, many of which will come with your pet carrier [source: Majon]. If the weather gets bad, it may be safest to pull over and wait it out. Just be smart.

You also need to plan your trip carefully. If you're going someplace where you won't be able to buy food and water for you pet, you need to bring plenty along. Don't forget to bring any necessary medication along as well.

It's not hard to keep you and your pet safe while you travel on your motorcycle. It just takes a few extra steps and careful planning. For more information, visit the links on the next page.