Some dogs love the way life looks (well, smells) from the back of a bike. But you can’t just grab your motorcycle carrier, whistle for your pup, and hit the road. You’ve got to ensure his style and safety are on point before saddling up.
There are a couple of different types of gear for biking dogs, but the most important are helmets and eye goggles.
Best Motorcycle Helmets, Glasses, & Combo Kits for Dogs: Quick Picks
- #1 GUGELIVES Dog Helmet [Best Motorcycle Helmet for Dogs]: Providing a great combo of comfort, style, and value, this is the best dog motorcycle helmet we’ve found.
- #2 Rex Specs Dog Goggles [Best Motorcycle Goggles for Dogs]: Though they’re a bit pricey, these are easily the best dog goggles money can buy.
- #3 ShopTrend Helmet & Goggles [Best Helmet & Goggle Combo Set]: A perfect option for owners who want a ready-made helmet and goggles combo kit.
Do Dog Motorcycle Helmets and Goggles Really Protect Your Pup?
Yes and no. Lemme ‘splain (insert obligatory Princess Bride reference here).
Every helmet that we’re aware of is primarily intended as a novelty item (it is possible we’ve missed a pet-oriented helmet that is truly designed to be a safety device – if you know of one, please let us know about it in the comments).
These motorcycle helmets look great and provide your pooch with buckets of character, but they’re unlikely to provide suitable protection in the case of a serious crash. They’re just not designed to withstand the types of collisions involved in a motorcycle accident, nor are they designed to protect your pup’s head.
Nevertheless, doggy helmets are certainly better than nothing, and they do provide some protection from road debris and minor bumps on the noggin.
This can be especially important for chihuahuas and other breeds that occasionally have moleras – small gaps in the top of their skulls. So, even though the dog motorcycle helmets currently on the market fall short of being true safety devices, it’s still a good idea to have your pooch wear one.
Protective eyewear, on the other hand, does provide a few important safety functions.
They not only help keep your dog’s eyes from drying out, they help to shield his peepers from tiny rocks and dirt kicked up from the road. Some high-quality dog glasses and dog goggles also provide UV protection to help protect your pup’s eyes from the sun’s rays.
Dog Motorcycle Goggles & Helmets: Criteria for Consideration
As you start looking for the best helmet and goggles for your pup, keep the following considerations in mind. It’s easy to hit that “buy” button when you see an adorable helmet, but you’ll want to make sure you are selecting the best one you can.
Slow down and take your time.
Fit and Flexibility
The most common problem most owners experience when buying helmets or goggles is the fit.
Give yourself the best chance of success by reviewing the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations carefully, taking your own dog’s measurements, and opting for products with a lot of built in flexibility. This usually takes the form of an adjustable chin strap and, in the case of goggles, flexible bridges.
You should also look for helmets and goggles that feature soft padding for your canine’s comfort.
Design
Before purchasing a dog motorcycle helmet or set of goggles, look carefully at all of the product photos you can. Then, compare those to your dog’s head – try to envision how they will fit him and look for any obvious problems.
This is especially important when selecting a helmet for a dog with erect ears.
Safety Value
As explained earlier, no motorcycle helmet for dogs on the market meets the same safety requirements that your helmet does, but some are better than others are.
Look for dog motorcycle helmets made from strong and durable plastics, such as high-quality ABS material. Additionally, the best will also feature soft inserts, made from things like sponge padding.
Similarly, when considering goggles, look for those that feature shatterproof lenses, full eye coverage, and protection from UV rays.
The 8 Best Dog Motorcycle Helmets, Goggles, & Combo Kits!
If you’re ready to pop a new motorcycle helmet on your dog’s dome and protect his globes with some goggles, look no further. The following helmets. goggles, and combo kits should help keep your pup looking like a proper biker dog, while providing a bit of additional protection.
1. GUGELIVES Dog Helmet
About: Cute, functional, and available in multiple sizes and colors, the GUGELIVES Dog Helmet is easily the best standalone helmet option for most owners. It’s pretty similar to most other dog helmets on the market, but it offers a great user-rating-to-cost ratio.
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GUGELIVES Dog Helmet
A cute and comfy canine motorcycle helmet that’s available in several sizes and colors.
Features:
- Shell is made from high-quality ABS material; interior features a soft sponge pad
- Includes an adjustable chin strap with buckle closure
- Available in 3 sizes; the largest fits dogs with a head circumference of up to 17.5 inches
- You can choose between 5 different colors
- Helmet features a built-in visor on the front
Pros
- Most owners found that the helmet fit well and stayed put
- The large model is bigger than most others on the market
- Decorative decals will stick to the plastic
Cons
- Some owners reported ear comfort issues
- The manufacturer’s product page features numerous grammatical errors, which doesn’t fill us with confidence
- A few owners complained that the strap was tricky to adjust
2. Enjoying Pet Helmet
About: Need to save as much money as possible while picking up a motorcycle helmet for your dog? The Enjoying Pet Helmet is your best bet – it’ll get the job done about as well as any other model, and it’ll let you save a few bucks in the process.
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Enjoying Pet Helmet
An affordable dog motorcycle helmet that’s similar in quality to more expensive options.
Features:
- The outside of the helmet is made from ABS plastic
- A soft, spongey pad is situated inside the helmet for comfort and additional protection
- A buckling, adjustable chin strap helps keep the helmet in place
- Comes in one color: black
- Available in 2 sizes; the largest fits dogs with a head circumference up to 15.4 inches
Pros
- This helmet is comparable to most other models, yet it’s a few bucks cheaper
- We think the finish looks better than most other options on the market
- The manufacturer reports that decals will stick to this helmet
Cons
- A number of owners complained that the helmet is more of a costume piece than safety gear
- There were a few quality-control problems (such as backward buckles) reported
- Problems with the chin strap were unfortunately common
3. Lifeunion Classical Pet Aviator Hat
About: As we’ve explained, none of the dog motorcycle helmets on the market provide proper head protection in the case of an accident, but this one obviously provides even less than others. Nevertheless, the Lifeunion Classical Pet Aviator Hat is a cute little old-school accessory that will at least help keep your canine’s noggin warm.
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Lifeunion Classical Pet Aviator Hat
A cute throwback “helmet” that some owners may prefer to conventional alternatives.
Features:
- Black faux leather construction with wooly accent
- Features two ear holes so your dog will remain comfy and be able to hear
- Teddy cashmere liner is super comfortable for canines
- Comes with an adjustable chin cord and a faux leather chin strap
- Available in 5 sizes; the largest fits dogs with a head circumference up to 22.1 inches
Pros
- We think this thing is ridiculously adorable
- The included ear holes provide for a better fit than many hard-shell helmets
- This is undoubtedly the best fitting and most comfortable headwear we’ve found
Cons
- This “helmet” is really just a hat and provides even less protection than other options
- It won’t work well for dogs with floppy ears
- Several owners reported sizing issues
4. Rex Specs Dog Goggles
About: While not explicitly designed for motorcycle use, Rex Specs Dog Goggles are easily the best protective pooch eyewear you can find, and they should work well for cruising with your canine. You will pay a pretty penny for these goggles, but in return, you’ll be able to rest easy that your pup’s peepers are as protected as possible.
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Rex Specs Dog Goggles
Premium dog goggles that provide better eye protection than any other options.
Features:
- You can get these goggles in more than 10 different color and lens combinations
- Feature a dual strap system that fits around your dog’s chin and the back of his head
- Each pair come with 2 sets of interchangeable lenses
- Lenses are rated UV400, meaning that they block 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays
- Available in 2 sizes: medium and large
Pros
- Most owners raved about the way these goggles fit well and stayed put
- These are the only UV400-rated goggles on the market
- The combination of quality, protection, comfort, and two sets of lenses provides great value
Cons
- These goggles are twice or thrice the cost of most other options
- Some owners were disappointed that the lenses scratched pretty easily
- Dogs may require a bit longer to become accustomed to these goggles than some others
5. NAMSAN Dog Goggles
About: While they’re not quite built to the same standards as Rex Specs, NAMSAN Dog Goggles are pretty well constructed and provide a nice option for smaller doggos. These goggles are designed to fit well while protecting your pup’s eyes from UV rays, wind, and road debris.
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NAMSAN Dog Goggles
High-quality dog goggles that are available in sizes suitable for smaller dogs.
Features:
- The frame of these goggles is made from flexible plastic for comfort
- Goggles feature vents to help prevent the lenses from fogging
- Appropriate for Jack Russell terriers, dachshunds, and breeds of similar size
- Comes with a hard carrying case to keep them in good condition when not in use
- Available in 2 colors: Blue and Silver
Pros
- Most owners found that the goggles fit their pooch very well
- The anti-fogging vents are a nice addition that’ll ensure your pup can still see while wearing them
- These goggles are quite affordable, given their quality
Cons
- Owners with very small dogs reported sizing issues
- There’s a potentially irritating extension that sits on the bridge of your dog’s nose
- These goggles have large frames relative to the size of the lenses, which may present comfort issues
6. QUMY Dog Goggles
About: If you just want a really affordable pair of goggles to keep the dust and wind out of your woofer’s eyes, QUMY Dog Goggles are a great choice. They don’t offer the caliber of protection that some other dog goggles do, but they’re better than nothing. Plus, they may be a great choice for owners who just want to try goggles with their pooch before investing more money in a high-quality pair.
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QUMY Dog Goggles
Super affordable dog goggles that’ll still provide some eye protection for your pup.
Features:
- Goggles feature a central hinge to provide a great fit
- These goggles come with a soft carrying case
- Shatterproof, UV-resistant lenses
- These goggles come in one size, suitable for pooches 15 pounds and up
- Available in 6 different colors
Pros
- These goggles only cost a fraction of what some others do
- Most owners reported that these goggles fit well
- The included anti-fog vents are helpful (and surprising for such low-priced goggles)
Cons
- Durability complaints were pretty common – don’t expect these to last for years
- These goggles won’t fit especially petite pooches
- We wish they’d offer several different sizes
7. ShopTrend Helmet & Goggles
About: This helmet-and-goggles combo from ShopTrend makes it easy to suit your pet up for the open road. It’s not a great option for all dogs (the manufacturer warns that the goggles suitable for Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers, and other dogs with small faces), but it’ll work well for many, and we think it’s a pretty cute set.
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ShopTrend Helmet & Goggles
A high-quality helmet-and-goggle set that alleviates the need to buy individual items.
Features:
- Helmet is available in 3 sizes; the goggles only come in 1 size
- The goggles will protect your dog’s eyes from debris and UV rays
- Glasses held in place by a double-strap system for comfort and security
- Helmet is made from ABS plastic and features a cute little brim
- Buckle closures make it easy to put on
- Largest size is suitable for dogs with a head circumference of up to 18.7 inches
Pros
- Both the helmet and goggles are pretty cute
- This kit features one of the largest helmet options we’ve found
- This combo kit is more affordable than many helmets or goggles alone
Cons
- The helmet contains no padding
- Because the goggles are only available in one size, they won’t fit all dogs well
- Several owners complained that the helmet doesn’t stay on very well
8. Frienda Pet Helmet & Goggle Set
About: This combo kit from Frienda is a great option for owners who want a one-click solution for their dog’s helmet and goggle needs, as well as several different color options. To that end, you can pick up this kit in your choice of five snazzy-looking colors to keep your canine stylin’ while he’s ridin’.
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Frienda Pet Helmet & Goggle Set
A great-looking helmet-and-goggles combo kit that will make any pooch look stylish.
Features:
- Helmet is made from ABS plastic
- Soft sponge mat included inside the helmet for additional comfort and protection
- Available in 1 size, but the goggles and helmet both feature adjustable straps
- Buckle closures are included on the helmet’s chin strap
- Helmet circumference is approximately 12 inches
- The manufacturer recommends the kit for pugs, bichons, and similar-sized breeds
Pros
- A very affordable kit – several owners mentioned the goggles were worth the purchase price alone
- Kit features helmets that are available in multiple colors
- Most owners found that the helmet and goggles both fit small breeds well
Cons
- While the straps are adjustable, this combo kit only comes in one size
- The goggles don’t appear to provide UV protection
- Some owners complained of ear issues
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Is your biking buddy decked out in all of the important fashion and safety equipment? Tell us all about it in the comments below. We’d also love to hear any other hacks or tricks that help your pup enjoy motorcycle rides!
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