About DogSaucer : The Ride That Started It All
Built for the Road. Designed for Your Dog. Inspired by Nova.
The DogSaucer began with a problem every pet-loving rider faces: “What do I do with my dog when I ride?” For me, the answer came in 2006. I had just bought a motorcycle and was living in a historic building from 1866. The wiring was questionable, and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving Nova—my loyal dog and travel buddy—home alone. That’s when the idea for the Dog Saucer was born: a safe, towable motorcycle trailer built specifically for pets.
Why Not a Sidecar?
Having ridden motorcycles my whole life, I knew sidecars could be risky. They disrupt the balance and symmetry of the bike, making turns and high-speed travel more dangerous. I wanted something safer, more stable, and purpose-built for dogs—not just an add-on.
Designing the First DogSaucer
To bring this idea to life, I turned to two friends whose help was invaluable:
Bill W., a skilled SolidWorks designer, worked with me during the early design and prototyping phase.
Barry D., a fiberglass specialist, helped perfect the structure and finish.
Bill and I used SolidWorks 3D design software and a rented 3D printer to build the prototype. We printed over 200 individual parts, assembling them one by one to create the cockpit. I ran the printer day and night—literally setting alarms to restart it every few hours.
The initial prototype weighed just 10 pounds and had a full-size form, but it wobbled. So we developed a multi-layer support system and added a high-gloss finish for durability and aesthetics.
From Prototype to Production
We transported the body to Modena, PA, where Barry opened his fiberglass shop and contributed his professional expertise. Together, we created the final molds, and Barry even painted the first Dog Saucer.
I then had a custom aluminum frame designed and fabricated to support the structure—though I’m not (yet) an aluminum welder. Once it was on wheels, Barry’s wife, a sign specialist, helped design and apply the custom Dog Saucer graphics that give it its iconic look today.
The Legacy Rolls On
DogSaucer was built from love, loyalty, and a passion for riding. Every unit is crafted with safety, durability, and comfort in mind—because dogs deserve to enjoy the journey just as much as we do.
40,000+ Miles of Adventures
The very first DogSaucer was officially registered and licensed for road use—and Nova loved it. She logged over 40,000 miles riding in the DogSaucer and took part in dozens of parades, including:
Rolling Thunder parades in Washington D.C.
Rolling Thunder parades in Washington D.C. (more than a dozen rides)
Birchrunville Children’s Parade
And many others across the region
Often, we didn’t even need an invitation—we just rolled in and became part of the celebration.
Want to Ride With Your Best Friend?
Contact Us to learn how you and your pet can hit the road—together.
