What if your small dog loves bike rides as much as you do? With the RuffHouse dog travel bag, you won’t have to leave them behind—or face those sad puppy eyes. Here’s everything you need to know about the RuffHouse, including how it works.
What is the RuffHouse?
The RuffHouse is a soft-sided bike pet carrier designed for small dogs that weigh up to 7 kg (15 lb). It securely attaches to the Transporteur Rack, and gives your pup a front-row seat to take in all the sights and sounds as you ride.
Features you and your pup will love include:
- Excellent ventilation: Mesh panels on all four sides ensure maximum airflow.
- Convertible top: Zippered top rolls open so your pup can sit up and enjoy the breeze.
- Safety tether: Secures to your dog’s harness for added safety during rides.
- Handy storage: Zippered side pockets sit over the rack rails for easy access to snacks, waste bags, and small essentials.
- Easy-clean: Removable, non-absorbent bottom pad is simple to hose off and clean.
- Quick attach & release: Three snap buckles secure the RuffHouse to your bike and allow fast removal.
Which bikes does the RuffHouse fit on?
Since the RuffHouse requires a Transporteur Rack for installation, it’s compatible with any Tern cargo bike or eBike with a Combo Mount that supports this front rack, including the GSD, HSD, NBD, Quick Haul, Quick Haul Long, and Short Haul.
How to set up the RuffHouse
Setting up the RuffHouse is super simple. Just place it on your Transporteur Rack (it’ll fit snugly) and fasten the snap buckles to the rack rails to secure. Pull on the strap ends to tighten, if necessary, and make sure your bike’s front light isn’t blocked by RuffHouse or your dog.
Tips for carrying a dog
Consult with your veterinarian or pet specialist if you have any questions or concerns about riding with your pet. Never leave your pet alone on the bike, even with the kickstand down, as they could wiggle and cause the bike to tip over.
New to biking with your pup? These tips will help you and your little buddy get comfortable with the experience and start off on the right foot—or paw.
1. Let your pup get comfy first
Before hitting the road, give your dog some time to get used to the RuffHouse. Place it somewhere familiar (like in your living room) so they can sniff around, curl up inside, and get used to how it feels and smells. Adding their favorite toy or blanket can make it feel even more inviting. Some pups take a little time to warm up to new things, and that’s totally normal! Go slow, be patient, and don’t forget to load up on treats and praise.
2. Safety check before you roll
Now that your pup is comfortable with the new carrier bag, it’s time to get everything set up. Make sure the RuffHouse is securely fastened to the Transporteur Rack. Always clip the safety tether to your dog’s harness. This keeps them safe and helps prevent any sudden jumps or wiggles during the ride.
⚠️ Never attach the tether to a collar, as it can put too much pressure on your dog’s neck and cause injury.
3. Start with shorter rides
Begin riding with your pup by practicing in a calm, traffic-free area to build up confidence. Keep the first ride short and positive, and watch closely to make sure your dog stays relaxed. Save longer rides for when you and your buddy both feel comfortable.
4. Keep an eye on your pup’s comfort
Throughout your ride, regularly check that your furry friend is comfortable and hydrated, and take breaks whenever needed. The side pockets are perfect for carrying a travel water dispenser to keep your pup refreshed on the go.
My dog is too big for the RuffHouse. Are there any alternatives?
If you have a small to medium-sized dog (up to 13.5 kg / 30 lb), check out the Doghouse Mini, our rear rack-mounted dog carrier designed for all Tern cargo and electric cargo bikes. When your pup’s not onboard, it easily doubles as a handy crate for carrying up to 37 L of groceries.
And if you’ve got an even bigger dog? For now, we recommend using a dog trailer with your bike—but who knows? A carrier for bigger dogs might just be in our future. Stay tuned!
Where can I share my dog pics?
However you bring your pup along on a Tern bike, don’t forget to share endless pet-on-bike photos in the Facebook Group for your platform!
