Questions and Answers

Over the 10 years we've been riding with our dogs on motorbikes around the world we've built up a list of frequently asked questions. We've done our best to provide succinct information to help you with any future pet travel, motorcycle adventures, border crossings and pet transport. If you have a question that isn't covered below please feel free to get in touch by email or social media. We are also very happy to arrange a time for a video chat.

Will the Pillion Pooch fit my motorcycle?

The Pillion Pooch has a generic design allowing it to attach to many easily available rear racks, including those produced by Touratech, Metal Mule and Happy Trails. For a quick release solution check out the Back Road Equipment rear rack system.

Can the Pillion Pooch be quickly removed?

The removal of the Pillion Pooch from the motorbike will depend entirely upon the mounting solution used. The fastest method is to use a quick release system. We recommend the Slider Rack made by Back Road Equipment (BRE). Here is a video on how this system works; it takes seconds to remove the Pillion Pooch from the rack. You can check out the BRE website or contact them directly to see if they have a rack suitable for your motorbike or trike. A very simple but more timely method of mounting is to use U-bolts as shown in this video where the Pillion Pooch is mounted to a strong, tubular rack mounted to the chassis of the motorbike. Using this method can take between 5-10 minutes.

The Pillion Pooch can be removed in seconds when used with the Back Road Equipment rear rack (sold separately by Back Road Equipment)

Is the Pillion Pooch compatible with my motorcycle?

Most motorcycle dog carriers currently available for sale can be mounted on a range of motorcycle brands because they use a generic system of attachment such as straps or webbing, or a hard mount to a rear rack. The more rigid motorcycle dog carriers will require a more serious installation but in most cases this can be done by someone who is familiar with diy.

The Pillion Pooch can easily be mounted to cruisers such as Harley-Davidson. The Pillion Pooch can also easily be mounted to adventure motorbikes or dual sports by all the big brands such as BMW, Honda, KTM, Yamaha, Kawasaki etc.

Please get in touch if you want to know if the Pillion Pooch is compatible with your motorbike. You can complete the Contact Form or email us directly at woof@thepacktrack.com.

How do I mount the Pillion Pooch?

The Pillion Pooch needs a suitable rear rack to mount it to your motorcycle. The rack needs to be:

strong enough to support the weight of the Pillion Pooch (15kg) plus the weight of your dog (up to 30kg); and
needs to connect directly to the frame or chassis of the motorcycle.

Once you identify a suitable rack, the next step is to drill holes in the Pillion Pooch Base Assembly (the plastic tub and metal base tray) where the connections or fasteners will go. This could be in the form of U-bolts or a quick release system that is compatible with your top box. Here is a list of some suppliers who make suitable racks:

Back Road Equipment (check out their Slider Rack for a quick release that can be compatible with both the Pillion Pooch and a Top Box)
Black Dog Cycle Works Happy Trails
Metal Mule
Touratech
Harley-Davidson Tour-Pak Mounting Rack (available for solo or two up riders)

Please contact us if you are unsure about how to mount a Pillion Pooch to your motorcycle by completing the Contact Us form. And we are happy to organise a video call to discuss and explain the best mounting solution for you.

Please consider the weight distribution for your motorbike. This means, you need to determine if the weight of the Pillion Pooch (15kg) plus your dog (up to 30kg) will make your motorbike unstable. A general rule of thumb is that if your motorbike can carry a passenger or pillion then it can safely carry your dog.

Do you ship to my country?

If you are looking for a motorcycle dog carrier in Australia, New Zealand (NZ), United Kingdom (UK), USA, Canada, Europe, India or anywhere else in the World then we can deliver a Pillion Pooch to your doorstep.

Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout.

We ship with DHL Express Domestic and International and can provide next day delivery to the majority of Europe and North America. Most other destinations can be reached within 3 days.

It is possible to get a cheaper rate with DHL for delivery within Europe. This is not an express service and can take around 5 days to deliver. Find out more and compare prices at checkout.

The table below shows estimated shipping rates and transit times. The rates and timings may vary for rural destinations and are indicative only.

Can you ride a motorcycle with a dog?

Every country in the world should provide guidance on the transportation of animals, both domestic and commercial, in vehicles. It may fall under different government or state departments or under road safety or highway codes. If you wish to ride a motorcycle with a dog then you should consider both the animal welfare (safety, comfort, protection) as well as the impact on the safety and comfort of the rider (weight distribution, distraction, interference with the operation of the motorbike). In some countries, it is considered unsafe to place a dog between the rider and the handlebars, a similar situation to a driver placing a dog on their lap; the dog can interfere with and distract the driver from the operation of the vehicle.

The Pillion Pooch ensures the dog is restrained in a safe and comfortable carrier mounted behind the rider where the dog cannot interfere with or distract the rider from the operation of the motorbike. It is designed for dogs up to 30kg ensuring the total weight of the carrier and the dog does not overpower the riders abilities to start, stop and manoeuvre the motorbike safely.

Is it legal to take a dog on a motorcycle?

The Pillion Pooch satisfies the laws regarding transportation of animals on motorcycles in Australia, Canada, the European Union, The United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Click here for a comprehensive list of legislation regarding animal transportation from around the world.

Is my dog safe on a motorcycle?

Motorcycles can be dangerous for riders and their pillions, whether human or dog. But there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of an accident and minimise potential injuries. Here are some things you can consider to help keep you and your pet pillion safe:

Select a motorcycle dog carrier that can secure your dog (so they can’t jump off or fly off in rapid acceleration/deceleration) and protect them from the wind, rain, sun and snowAdvanced motorcycle training or advanced riding course.
Carry a first aid kit for you and your dog.
Both you and your dog should dress for the climate and reduce any unnecessary stress and fatigue on your body.
Protective gear for a dog can include crash tested harness, kevlar jacket, eye protection, hearing protection.
Protective gear for a person can include helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, boots, high visibility and reflective layers, body armour, eye protection, Motorcycle Airbag.
Ensuring your motorbike is serviced and safe to ride, always check your lights, indicators and tyres (tread and pressure).

Will my dog enjoy riding?

Its difficult to know for sure if your dog will find riding fun but as their owner you know them best. How you introduce your dog to riding is critical, even if you think you have the bravest dog in the world it's worth taking the introduction slowly to ensure no hiccups or setbacks. There are two components to the introduction; the Pillion Pooch and the motorcycle. Here are some tips that may help:

Creating a safe place: start by introducing the Pillion Pooch as a bed where the dog normally sleeps. Use lots of treats to encourage them in and to sit and stay. Placing a familiar blanket on the bed may help.
Loud noises: your dog needs to get used to the sound of a motorbike. Start by feeding them beside the motorbike while it's off and then slowly introduce the engine noise and bring them closer and closer to the bike.
Sitting on a motorbike: mount the Pillion Pooch on the motorbike, and with the engine off, encourage your dog to sit in the Pillion Pooch while it's mounted. You'll need to practice on the centre stand first (its flat and more comfortable) and then on the side stand. Lots of treats.
Sounds and sight: if they are comfortable sitting up on the bike (they may even jump up on their own) its time to start the engine. Only for a short time to begin with and then increase. Again on the side stand and upright. You can now join in with them on the motorbike.
The ride: start with a very short ride. It may be too soon for them or they could be ready for a weekend away. Don't be in a hurry at this point, you are also new to this situation and need to learn to ride with them and their behaviour.

The key is not to rush the process and to give lots of positive encouragement and treats.

How to put a dog on a motorcycle?

Dogs are pack animals and most will therefore choose to be with you rather than stay at home. You know your dog best so you should have a fair idea whether they might like riding. The best way to ensure your dog will enjoy riding a motorbike is to introduce them slowly and in steps as follows:

Bring the motorcycle dog carrier in the house and encourage them to sit in it. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
Place the motorcycle dog carrier on the motorbike with the engine off and sit the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
With the engine off, move the motorcycle upright and back on to the side stand repeatedly with the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
With the motorcycle dog carrier on the motorbike, start the engine and sit the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
Take the dog for a very short ride. Lots of treats and positive sounds.

If at any point the dog displays any anxiety then slow the process down and possibly even go back a step or introduce a smaller step. If the dog has a bad experience or gets scared there is the possibility that they won’t get over it so it's very important to keep the dog feeling safe and comfortable with lots of encouragement so they know what they’re doing is good.

Depending on your dog, you may want to introduce the dog riding gear and accessories once they get comfortable riding otherwise it can be too overwhelming for them.

If a dog doesn’t enjoy going in a car it doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t enjoy riding. They are quite different experiences.

How to train a dog on a motorcycle?

Bring the motorcycle dog carrier in the house and encourage them to sit in it. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
Place the motorcycle dog carrier on the motorbike with the engine off and sit the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
With the engine off, move the motorcycle upright and back on to the side stand repeatedly with the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
With the motorcycle dog carrier on the motorbike, start the engine and sit the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
Take the dog for a very short ride. Lots of treats and positive sounds.

Depending on your dog, you may want to introduce the dog riding gear and accessories once they get comfortable riding otherwise it can be too overwhelming for them.

If a dog doesn’t enjoy going in a car it doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t enjoy riding. They are quite different experiences.

What to do with a dog on a motorcycle?

Bring the motorcycle dog carrier in the house and encourage them to sit in it. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
Place the motorcycle dog carrier on the motorbike with the engine off and sit the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
With the engine off, move the motorcycle upright and back on to the side stand repeatedly with the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
With the motorcycle dog carrier on the motorbike, start the engine and sit the dog in the carrier. Lots of treats and positive sounds.
Take the dog for a very short ride. Lots of treats and positive sounds.

Depending on your dog, you may want to introduce the dog riding gear and accessories once they get comfortable riding otherwise it can be too overwhelming for them.

If a dog doesn’t enjoy going in a car it doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t enjoy riding. They are quite different experiences.

How to take a dog on a motorcycle?

If you are interested in a dog carrier on a motorcycle or riding a motorcycle with a dog then there are a few products out there for you to consider as well as riding accessories to keep your dog comfortable and safe. Here are some motorcycle dog carrier ideas for a range of dog sizes.