My dog is 12 LBS which is about max for most standard strap mount front/handlebar carriers.
My bikes are all equipped with rear racks, but I'm very hesitant to put my lil buddy behind me, where I can't always see him or what he's doing. He's 12, and this will be his first time on a bike.

I've got the mounts on the front fork to mount a front rack, so now all I need is a carrier that will use it as its primary mounting.

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice?

Thanks in advance!

Never put a dog on a bike

I have a Soma Lucas front rack and I sometimes carry 20 lbs. on it. It's rated for 22 lbs. Carrying 20 lbs. up there isn't ideal, but it can be done. Would be a little better with a low trail fork, I think. You want to keep the weight as close to the steering axis as possible.

https://www.somafabshop.com/shop/pro...k-lucas-3-4817



Before you carry a live dog up there I'd practice carrying 20 lbs. of inert weight first.

Check out post #15 in the "Touring-curious" thread in the the touring forum. The poster has a very good solution for her dog. Might be more involved than you want.

I am inclined to agree. Still, I've seen it done often enough that I wouldn't quite go that far. However ... a 12 year old dog that has never been on a bike before ... whoa. Can that possibly end well? Before I spent money and time getting a solution worked out I'd want to borrow a bike or otherwise simulate the experience for poochie. Might be instructive.