To those who have never owned a dog, the sight of a pup in a stroller may be rather unusual. And while some of us may think that putting a dog in a stroller may be excessive and unnecessary, the truth is that there are many reasons why a pup may need a stroller.
Why Should You Buy a Dog Stroller?
In most cases, the necessity of buying a dog stroller comes from the pup’s old age or poor health, when it can no longer go to large distances but you still want your dog to enjoy the outdoors. However, that is certainly not the only reason. Dog owners buy strollers to become more mobile, to jog together with their pup, or to control their dog’s behavior better.
The decision to buy a stroller for your dog is a big one, but the next step — choosing and buying the stroller — may be even more important. Use our buying guide to make the right choice for you and your pup and check out our stroller buying guide!
If you are new to the pet stroller market, you are going to be surprised by how many options there actually are. There are expensive and cheap pet strollers, strollers for small and big dogs, jogging strollers, double strollers, and foldable strollers. Here are 7 of our favorite dog strollers available in the market today.
VIVO Four Wheel Pet Stroller
Editor’s Choice
This dog stroller looks elegant and modern, but its biggest advantage is actually the foldable construction. It takes just seconds to fold and is, therefore, the best choice if you plan to often carry the stroller in your car or have limited storage space at home.
The VIVO stroller is available in five attractive colors and can comfortably fit dogs up to 30 lbs. The zipped door provides for easy entry into the stroller, and the removable mesh screen will allow your pup to safely enjoy the surroundings. Underneath the main compartment, you will find a spacious basket for all of your doggie and human necessities.
Pet Gear No-Zip NV Pet Stroller for Dogs
If you are considering small dog strollers but don’t want any hassle with the zippers, check out the no-zip stroller by Pet Gear. Simply unlock the entry in one click to allow your pup to effortlessly jump into the stroller. The stroller is designed for dogs up to 70 lbs.
Unlike most other dog strollers on our list, this stroller rides on three wheels and has air-filled tires. While it may not be the lightest pet stroller in the market, it makes a great dog jogging stroller. Plus, it can be comfortably used on challenging terrains.
PetGear No-Zip Double Pet Stroller
If you are a lucky owner of two dogs or puppies, you clearly have special requirements when it comes to choosing a stroller for easy transportation. The good news is that there are some fantastic double pet stroller options available in the market, and this PetGear stroller is one of the most popular ones.
With the increased weight capacity of 90 lbs and a bigger pet cabin, you can comfortably carry around your two pups wherever you go. The air-filled tires work great in off-road conditions. There are two safety tethers inside the cabin and the top fabric is waterproof for maximum convenience and safety.
Gen7 Pets Jogger Stroller for Dogs
If you lead an active lifestyle and want your pup to be part of it, look for a dog stroller designed specifically for joggers. We found the Gen7 Pets stroller to be an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it is equipped with three foam wheels, which means there is no need to regularly pump them up as you would do with air-filled tires. Plus, there is no risk of your wheels running flat at the worst moment imaginable.
Second, despite its very sturdy construction and ability to carry dogs weighing up to 75 lbs, this stroller is surprisingly lightweight. Moreover, it can be folded with a single click on the handle button. Finally, the basket for your belongings is secured with a zipper, so there is no risk of losing your valuables during a particularly active stroll.
Paws & Pals Double Dog Stroller
Here is another dog stroller option for the happy owners of two dogs. This black stroller by Paws & Pals looks incredibly stylish, but that is far from its only advantage. It’s also very maneuverable thanks to the 360 degree-rotating wheels and is perfectly lightweight for everyday use.
Moreover, this double stroller can be folded in a matter of seconds for easy transportation and storage. And if you want a dog stroller that will last you for ages, the Paws & Pals creation is a pretty good option, since it is designed to sustain any weather and terrain conditions.
Booyah Large Pet Bike Trailer Dog Stroller
Next on our list is a multi-purpose device from Booyah. This stroller can be used in three ways: as a regular stroller, as a stroller for jogging, and as a bicycle trailer. It’s also one of the most popular options for a large dog stroller and can accommodate a dog weighing up to 88 lbs.
There is a zippered entrance in the front and the rear of the stroller, while the top has an open sunroof. There are no brake wires — you can stop the stroller with a manual brake. At 40 lbs, this is certainly not the lightest stroller, but it prevents accidental tipping and is generally very stable.
What Criteria Determines The Best Dog Strollers?
Here is how to tell whether a dog stroller you are considering is a good choice for you and your pup:
- It fits your lifestyle and the usual terrain for your walks. For example, if you are an avid jogger, choose a three-wheeled, fast stroller. If you mostly walk through parks and paved sidewalks, you can easily get away with a stroller with tiny but maneuverable wheels.
- It is lightweight. No one wants to push an 80lbs stroller with a 40lbs pup inside. If you have a large or medium dog, look for the most lightweight stroller you can find. And even if your dog isn’t big, find a stroller that is not too heavy if you plan to use it every day.
- It is great for transportation and storage. Most dog owners will take their stroller to a long distance at least a couple of times a month, so you’ll want a dog stroller that can be easily folded to fit into any trunk. Storage is also very important, especially if you have limited space in your home.
- It has additional features and is modern-looking. The look of your dog stroller matters more than you may think. Plus, the availability of additional features like cup holders and baskets makes using the device much more convenient for you and your pup.
Benefits Of Having A Dog Stroller
If you are still not completely convinced that a dog stroller is a true must-have for most pups and their owners, here are just a few benefits of owning a dog stroller:
- Dogs that are older or have health problems can finally enjoy the great outdoors for as long as they want, not for as long as they can.
- In case you live in a place where the pavement can get too hot on summer days or where it is treated with salt during the ice season, carrying your pup around in a stroller will protect its gentle paws.
- If you are more active than your dog and prefer long walks, a stroller can give you the desired level of physical activity without putting unnecessary strain on your pup.
- With a dog stroller, you can visit any store, pharmacy, or other location where dogs are not usually welcome.
- A dog stroller increases safety during walks, especially if you live in a highly populated area, own a small dog or a puppy, or have more than one dog.
How to measure a dog for a dog stroller
Buying a stroller for a dog is more challenging than choosing a baby stroller for just one reason: while most baby strollers come in one size, there is a dog stroller for every dog’s height and weight. Here is how to measure your dog when you are shopping for a dog stroller:
- Find out the weight of your dog by first stepping on the scales alone, remembering that number, then stepping on the scales while holding your dog, and then simply deducting your own weight from your cumulative weight. Use the number you get as a result to find the right weight category of the stroller.
- To make sure your pup fits into the stroller while sitting, tell your dog to sit and then measure the height from the paws to the top of the ears. Add a couple of inches if your dog is fully grown and you’ll know how tall the cabin of your dog stroller should be. If your dog is still a puppy, consider the expected fight of your pup as an adult.
- Sometimes your dog will also want to ride the stroller while lying down. To find out how much space the pup needs, wait until it lays down on the floor in the most comfortable position and then measure the length and the width of its body in this position. This is approximately how big the floor of the cabin needs to be for maximum comfort.
Features To Consider
Want to make the best possible choice when picking the ideal dog stroller? These are the four features to take into account.
Size
While it’s important for the stroller not to constrain your dog’s movements, it is also unreasonable to buy a stroller that is too big for your pup — it can be difficult to drive around or even fit into your home or the trunk of your car.
Ease of use
Ultimately, the purpose of buying a stroller is to make life easier for you and your dog, which is why your new dog stroller should be very comfortable and easy to use. It needs to be effortlessly moving, easily folded, and simply a breeze for your dog to get in and out of the cabin.
Safety
While it’s essential for a dog stroller to give your pup maximum comfort, it should also be very safe to use. The cabin needs to be locked securely to prevent your pup from falling out. It should also be equipped with a safety belt or leash. Finally, some dog strollers are prone to tipping over due to the flaws of the construction.
Quality and budget
A good dog stroller does not need to be expensive to meet you and your dog’s requirements. In our list, we picked the strollers that combine outstanding quality with budget-friendly prices to give you more bang for your buck.