Living Car Free - Car free pets

Several years of car-free living has put me in a position to buy my own condo--closing soon. One big plus, I think, is the prospect of getting a dog.

I am curious what kind of pets all you car-free folks have. Is there any difficulty without a car, like taking the dog to the vet or the groomer (maybe hauling food if you have a big dog)?

Mostly, I'd just like to know if and how you take your pets with you on the bike. Pictures would be great, too. thanks.

Well depending upon dog size/breed something like this might be useful.

http://www.ikonsuspension.com/images/customer_projects/customer-projects-dog-sulky-4-lg.jpg227278

Hey, I asked for pictures of you taking the dog on the bike. That's really more a case of the dog taking you, but still interesting.

Sorry, it was the first thing I thought of when I saw your post. Most of the folks I see with dogs while they are riding are simply holding a regular leash... Doesn't look like a good idea to me. As to transporting a sick animal, I would expect a child carrier trailer would be your best bet.

I haul big bags of dog food and cat litter on the Big Dummy. A trailer is a cheaper option. I've taken my 50lb dog for rides in the trailer. The 100lb yellow lab won't stay in the trailer.

I'll end up walking the dogs to the vet. The cat can go in the carrier strapped to the Big Dummy.

Not mine but I see setups like this enough to like it http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-StspkYo3Ykk/TbBrjD0ZGFI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Y58QXRNWTXI/s1600/doggysidecar2.jpg

I've seen a motorized trike, with a custom built wood cratelike basket on the back a guy takes his bulldog around in... very cool IMO.

When I saw the title of this thread, my first thought was, "None of my pets have had cars..."

Not mine but I see setups like this enough to like it http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-StspkYo3Ykk/TbBrjD0ZGFI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Y58QXRNWTXI/s1600/doggysidecar2.jpg

I've seen a motorized trike, with a custom built wood cratelike basket on the back a guy takes his bulldog around in... very cool IMO.

That's a neat set-up. That's what I was really hoping to see, some unique options. I'm not sure I'd like that wide footprint out on the road, but, if there wasn't much traffic, it would be nice. I imagine the dog would be happier in that rig than in the back.

I thought about a crate on a rack, but I haven't seen it in practice. I also have a Bob Yak, and I could put a box on it, or just get a dedicated pet trailer.

This should give you a laugh http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew_f_martin/3423455386
that's about what I was talking about with the trike...
http://i30.tinypic.com/2nssy8m.jpg

And if you got a small dog http://www.bicycle-and-bikes.com/image-files/safety-in-bicycle-dog-carrier.jpg

personally, i've never met a pet that had a car?

My cat hates to take bike rides.

Our French bulldog, Lula, loves riding in the basket with her front paws on the handlebars. Whenever we walk by a stand of Sevicis (community bicycles), she wants to stop and go for a ride. :lol:

http://s1-05.twitpicproxy.com/photos/large/449727120.jpg

personally, i've never met a pet that had a car?
http://blog.petegraham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/dog-driving-vintage-vehicle.jpg




I've seen a chimpanzee driving an Austin Healey.

When I saw the title of this thread, my first thought was, "None of my pets have had cars..."

+1

Our French bulldog, Lula, loves riding in the basket with her front paws on the handlebars. Whenever we walk by a stand of Sevicis (community bicycles), she wants to stop and go for a ride. :lol:

http://s1-05.twitpicproxy.com/photos/large/449727120.jpg

She's adorable! When my dogs are gone, I tell myself I won't get anymore. If I can't resist, I'll be sure to get a small breed for riding on the bike.

I've seen a chimpanzee driving an Austin Healey.

:lol: I've often wondered who's behind the wheel of those large vehicles...

She's adorable! When my dogs are gone, I tell myself I won't get anymore. If I can't resist, I'll be sure to get a small breed for riding on the bike.

I highly recommend this breed. Great dogs.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310757_2043076475727_1208813814_31870973_284475305_n.jpg

I have a parrot,he likes bike rides.Put him on the handlebars and away we go.The only problem with a parrot is they are like having a 3 year old child for 70 years,it's a test everyday.

Got these side baskets for the dogs... my Min Pin passed away last year and loved going for rides with her sister Bijoux, the Shih Tzu.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/dogbike3.jpg

Have been taking her out on the bike since she fit in the palm of my hand.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/dogbike1.jpg

Also have several trailers and Bijoux also likes riding in these... just got a used Chariot with a rain cover so I can take her out in any weather as she likes to go visiting.

I have a parrot,he likes bike rides.Put him on the handlebars and away we go.The only problem with a parrot is they are like having a 3 year old child for 70 years,it's a test everyday.

If my parrots were not fully flighted I would consider this and used to take my African Grey out everywhere as he had his wings clipped since a very young age and would not fly.

Have been looking at adding a Senegal to the flock and she would probably take to a harness really well due to her very easy going nature and is also tightly bonded to me as I volunteer at a shop and I have become her favourite human.

If I do have to transport my birds they have travelling cages that are compact enough to put them in the bike trailer.

Also have several trailers and Bijoux also likes riding in these... just got a used Chariot with a rain cover so I can take her out in any weather as she likes to go visiting.

so you get wet and the dog stays nice and dry! :D

so you get wet and the dog stays nice and dry! :D

She is a little spoiled... that... and it takes forever for her to dry out.

Got these side baskets for the dogs...
http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/dogbike3.jpg

For some reason, that picture aroused simultaneous thoughts of heel strike and ankle biters.

I just got an Instep child trailer and use that to take my dog to the vet and other places too far to walk. He likes riding in it, too...

for some reason, that picture aroused simultaneous thoughts of heel strike and ankle biters.
:roflmao: :nearlyChokedOnMyBiscuit:

For some reason, that picture aroused simultaneous thoughts of heel strike and ankle biters.

There is a lot of heel clearance on the extra bike... biggest issue is that she will get up on the deck when we stop and lick my legs... :)

The Chariot will be nice as it has a nice suspension design and higher volume tyres than my utility trailer so she won't get bounced around... besides using it as a puppy shuttle it is a lighter and narrower trailer that I can quickly convert to a stroller / shopping cart when I go to the market.

There is a lot of heel clearance on the extra bike... biggest issue is that she will get up on the deck when we stop and lick my legs... :)

I knew there was some foreshortening in the pic. Your heel was right next to the basket. However it sounds like you are still in grave danger from ankle biting. ;) Hot sweaty legs to lick. My oh my, can there be a better treat? :)

My girlfriend has a little dog. I take him for rides sometimes, he seems happy enough. I just put him in my handlebar bag.

No pics, it would really ruin my tough-guy internet image.

Got these side baskets for the dogs... my Min Pin passed away last year and loved going for rides with her sister Bijoux, the Shih Tzu.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/dogbike3.jpg

Have been taking her out on the bike since she fit in the palm of my hand.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/dogbike1.jpg

Also have several trailers and Bijoux also likes riding in these... just got a used Chariot with a rain cover so I can take her out in any weather as she likes to go visiting.
She is so cute I am a sucker for any dog or cat that's why we have a lot of pets here :-)

She is so cute I am a sucker for any dog or cat that's why we have a lot of pets here :-)

She is the sweetest of dogs... loves everyone and everything and even lets the parrot use her as a perch sometimes and will curl up close to their cage and keep them company.

She has never met a human or animal she did not want to be friends with and used to cuddle up with our guinea pig.

It is nice that she loves my housemate as much as she does as I do go away for longer periods and although she would like nothing better than to hide away in my suitcase and see her mom she is better off at home.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/bijouxbag2.jpg

If space at the local bike rack is limited, you might consider this approach. :lol:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2402185707_a96380ff82.jpg


More dogs on bikes here (http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/2011/02/who-let-dogs-out-canine-cycle-chic.html).

Thanks; there were lots of good photos on the link. The basket in front seems like the winner, if the dog is small enough. I may try it in the long run. I think my first try will be my Bob trailer, though. I'm sure I can rig up something comfortable and safe easily enough.

I was surprised at all the people walking the dog on the leash, riding the bike with one hand. It seems unsafe for the rider, the dog, and everyone else around. I know I won't be doing that.

Thanks; there were lots of good photos on the link. The basket in front seems like the winner, if the dog is small enough. I may try it in the long run. I think my first try will be my Bob trailer, though. I'm sure I can rig up something comfortable and safe easily enough.

I was surprised at all the people walking the dog on the leash, riding the bike with one hand. It seems unsafe for the rider, the dog, and everyone else around. I know I won't be doing that.

Of the methods I've tried, I like the basket in the front the most, as it allows me to keep an eye on my pup, although if I had a sidecar, a Bob trailer or an Xtracycle, I'd surely give one of those methods a go.

I was surprised at all the people walking the dog on the leash, riding the bike with one hand. It seems unsafe for the rider, the dog, and everyone else around. I know I won't be doing that.

I did that as a teen. It worked okay. That is until the day when my sheltie somehow realized that there was a pack of dogs about a block and a half behind us. She looked back and walked right under the back wheel of my bike.

For a moment, I thought she might be dead. Fortunately dogs are tough, but it dropped the bike. As I started to pick myself up, she was at max speed running towards home. I rubbed my wounds and got back on the bike and pedaled home fearing for the worst. Happily, she was sitting on the front lawn panting and waiting for me.

Never did that again.

I am car free with lots of pets. The big dogs are transported via the local "Pet Taxi" service. The smaller dogs and cats are transported in a proper size carrier for each one via public transit or walked to the local vet. We have been doing it this way for other 30 years now.

I sometimes think that we are here to serve the dog... my housemate rides a trike and it has front and rear baskets for you know who to ride in... he and Bijoux often go out for the whole day and she has a comfortable cushion in the large rear basket to curl up on.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2011bikemonthdoug1.JPG

She was a regular at our Bikemonth events... was always making new friends.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2011bikemonthbijoux.JPG

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2011bikemonthbijoux2.JPG

Apparently a great way to meet ladies, too!

Apparently a great way to meet ladies, too!

That is my friend and executive director of our Commuter's Society... but yes... Bijoux is a bit of a people magnet.

There are devices that provide a break-away leash on the seat tube for big dogs. I use these for my big dogs (50lb+). I have a trailer if I need to haul an ill big dog. Medium dogs (20-35lb) need baskets mounted in the back. small dogs on a front basket or in a back pack. Need to train the dog to ride safely regardless of how they are transported.

One caution; know what you will do if you have to get the pet to an emergency clinic in the middle of the night for urgent care. not all taxi services allow pets, and not all will respond in a timely manner for emergencies. We aren't car free yet, and we provide 'emergency' shuttles for a few car free friends.

Some of you might bring the dog, cat, or in this case bird, along for it's owner's bike ride. Here is a reason why I don't care to-especially for flying birds:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/opera-singing-parrot-missing-in-nyc-15040935?tab=9482931&section=1206833 (http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/opera-singing-parrot-missing-in-nyc-15040935?tab=9482931&section=1206833)

Will the parrot be returned? I doubt it as this is NYC we are talking about. And a very unique opera singing parrot too-along with dancing.

As I scrolled down to this message and picture, I was looking for the bulldog with the lady on the scooter.
Our French bulldog, Lula, loves riding in the basket with her front paws on the handlebars. Whenever we walk by a stand of Sevicis (community bicycles), she wants to stop and go for a ride. :lol:

http://s1-05.twitpicproxy.com/photos/large/449727120.jpg

Some of you might bring the dog, cat, or in this case bird, along for it's owner's bike ride. Here is a reason why I don't care to-especially for flying birds:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/opera-singing-parrot-missing-in-nyc-15040935?tab=9482931&section=1206833 (http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/opera-singing-parrot-missing-in-nyc-15040935?tab=9482931&section=1206833)

Will the parrot be returned? I doubt it as this is NYC we are talking about. And a very unique opera singing parrot too-along with dancing.

They make harnesses for birds so that you can take them out without the risk of them jumping away (if they have clipped wings) or lifting off and flying away.

Here's two methods I've used to transport my dog, Pepper:

229733229734

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjDDXm3_H3M/TtlBYO18EMI/AAAAAAAABbE/ZnMxqDaduWA/s1600/DSC03864.JPG

I have a Sinclair C5 for Obelix. He enjoys regular bikes too, but he gets to drag the Sinclair. It's his favorite thing to do.

I don't have pics yet, but there's a guy in town who built a kitty enclosure in a little red wagon and hauls it like a trailer.

This is Apache, he is not a dog, but he has been mountain biking, road biking, hiking, and rock climbing with me all over the country over the past 14 years. He rides on my shoulder mostly, but he is full-flighted and will occasionally take off and do a few loops over my head before dropping back down to my back while on rides.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd133/stealthammer/Apache/ApacheonShoulder_01.jpg

This is Apache, he is not a dog, but he has been mountain biking, road biking, hiking, and rock climbing with me all over the country over the past 14 years. He rides on my shoulder mostly, but he is full-flighted and will occasionally take off and do a few loops over my head before dropping back down to my back while on rides.


He is one of the coolest birds I have ever heard of... am looking at harness training my birds so they can come out in nicer weather as there is no way I could trust them to be free flighted and off leash.

We almost need a bird thread... I am amazed at how many of us keep parrots or are being kept by parrots.

Stealthhammer -

I have been volunteering at the pet shop for a bit and help out by working with the birds, who are mostly babies, to be well socialized and comfortable around us humans.

This is my little friend Pumpkin... a 3 month old Plum Headed Parakeet. I have almost forgotten she was curled up in my hoodie and could have very easily made her a car free bird.

:)

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/pumpkin1.JPG

Have been looking at adding a Senegal to our little flock and could really see this guy enjoying getting out with me on walks and on the bike... my African Grey used to travel with me everywhere but did not fly despite having a full set of wings.

Some of you might bring the dog, cat, or in this case bird, along for it's owner's bike ride. Here is a reason why I don't care to-especially for flying birds......Will the parrot be returned? I doubt it as this is NYC we are talking about. And a very unique opera singing parrot too-along with dancing.

I don't worry about this with Apache because we have been together for 14 years, and he has ridden with me everywhere from DC and LA to Moab and Mammoth. His loyalty is remarkable, but then he is spoiled rotten.....



Stealthhammer -

....This is my little friend Pumpkin... a 3 month old Plum Headed Parakeet. I have almost forgotten she was curled up in my hoodie and could have very easily made her a car free bird.....
....Have been looking at adding a Senegal to our little flock and could really see this guy enjoying getting out with me on walks and on the bike... my African Grey used to travel with me everywhere but did not fly despite having a full set of wings.

I saw this picture on another thread and it reminded me of a Sun Conure that I use to visit at Mandalay Bay in LV. He was a biter and most people could not come close to him due to this behavior. I worked with him for several weeks and just wore him down. From then on he would find the tightest and safest place on my body to settle in, just like your beautiful little Senegal. Good luck with him!

I saw this picture on another thread and it reminded me of a Sun Conure that I use to visit at Mandalay Bay in LV. He was a biter and most people could not come close to him due to this behavior. I worked with him for several weeks and just wore him down. From then on he would find the tightest and safest place on my body to settle in, just like your beautiful little Senegal. Good luck with him!

The Senegal at the shop just chose me and prefers my company to anyone else's so we have been working on that and he is getting braver... he's a pretty shy baby of 8 months but had a wonderful disposition overall. The more time we spend together the more I feel like our home should be his and sometimes think if I could take them all home I would but that would not be fair as they all need so much time.

"Toulouse"... much too big for the hoodie.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/toulouse1.jpg

I don't think you wear them down as much as it is to gain their trust... have been working with a younger cockatiel for a week and it was only today she decided to step up and out of her cage which means she decided I was okay and then enjoyed a good half hour of petting and scratches with nary a nibble.

Have to make sure that the babies I work with don't get too attached to me so a good part of the time I spend is done introducing them to new people so they know they have a bigger flock.

Can see the amazing bond you have with Apache and it speaks well to the time and devotion you must have for the big guy for him to never want to leave your side.