Built-in safety tethers — harness attachment

The safety tethers clip to the dog's harness — not the collar. A collar-only connection creates a strangulation risk if the dog lunges or falls; a harness connection distributes force across the dog's body safely. The tethers are built into the crate rather than being an add-on, so they're always present. They prevent the dog from jumping or falling out of the crate during the ride without restricting movement inside the crate entirely.

Tarpaulin + rubberized mesh — weatherproof with ventilation

Tarpaulin panels form the main crate walls — waterproof, structurally stable, and easy to wipe clean of mud, hair, and moisture. Rubberized mesh panels provide ventilation in the sides without the gaps of a standard open mesh that allow paws or snouts to press against or through the sides. The rubberized coating adds stiffness to the mesh so it holds its shape under pressure from inside the crate.

External pocket — treats, bags, essentials

A zippered external pocket on the crate exterior provides accessible storage for the items always needed with a dog: treats for reward-training the ride, waste bags, a collapsible water bowl, or a leash. The external pocket is accessible without opening the main crate, so the dog stays contained while you retrieve gear at a stop.

Bungee cargo net included — cargo use without the dog

The included bungee cargo net stretches across the open top of the crate to secure items when the dog is not being carried. The crate then functions as a cargo container — the tarpaulin walls contain items, the net keeps them from bouncing out. It is not a high-capacity cargo solution, but it avoids having a large, empty crate sitting unused on the back of the bike when riding solo.

Collapses flat — compact when not in use

The Soft Crate Mini folds flat when the dog is not being carried and the crate needs to be removed from the bike. A rigid crate of the same internal volume would be significantly harder to store in a flat, compact form. The collapsed crate can be stored in a bag, against a wall, or in the bike's cargo area without taking up the full erected volume.

Add the Dog Roof Mini for full enclosure

The Soft Crate Mini is an open-top carrier on its own. The Dog Roof Mini ($138) attaches to the top of the crate and adds a convertible roof — two zippered windows that open for open-air riding or close for weather protection. For fair-weather riding with a dog that enjoys looking around, the crate alone may be sufficient. For all-weather use or dogs that feel more secure enclosed, the Roof Mini completes the setup.