The 7 Best Pet Strollers
Special Honors
Doggie Diva PetZip Pet Zoom Trailer This jogger stroller and trailer combo has two large rear wheels and a front swivel wheel, which makes it both stable and easy to maneuver. No matter what terrain you go over, it should provide a smooth ride, and since it can accommodate up to 75 pounds, it can handle a large breed, or two smaller pets. doggie-diva.com
Ruff Houzin Executive Pet Stroller This stroller has multiple zippered entry points, which makes getting your furry companion in and out of it simple. Its four-wheel design should provide stability, while its two built-in leashes and seatbelt loops can also enhance safety. The mesh windows throughout will offer plenty of ventilation, too. ruffhouzin.com
Editor's Notes
May 11, 2021:
We removed a handful of models that were basically identical to others on the list. Our new addition is the Best Choice 2-in-1, which has plenty of room inside and is one of the few with a spring-loaded suspension. This makes a huge difference when towing it as a bike trailer, and should help keep pets comfortable even when riding on uneven ground. If you don't plan on towing it with a bike, the Ibiyaya 3 Wheeler is still our top choice, thanks in part to its dependable inflated wheels. For the best bang for your buck, consider the BestPet S8013L, which isn't meant for large breeds but is relatively well built for the price.
February 15, 2020:
We wanted to create a list of pet strollers that would make it easier for you to bring your fur baby along, no matter your lifestyle or your animal's habits. With that in mind, we included some options that are good for athletic animal owners. Both the DoggyRide Novel DRNVST09 and the Rage PowerSports 2-in-1 can be hitched to the back of a bicycle in trailer mode, so you can ride around town and Fido can enjoy some fresh air. Meanwhile, the Paws & Pals 4 Wheeler Elite Jogger, with its excellent brakes and a lightweight build, is good for running.
If you're dealing with an escape artist, there is the Pet Gear No-Zip PG8450NVD, which has a sturdy closure that's hard for finicky pets to get out of, as well as the Ibiyaya 3 Wheeler, which has locking zippers.
Durable materials are obviously also important in this category so we like that the Gen7Pets Promenade G2340 has a front steel bar. On the other hand, the Confidence Deluxe lost its spot as it didn't feel very stable.
Conveniences for the pet parents are important, so the Vivo Four Wheel, with its cell phone tray, and the BestPet S8013L with its large storage basket for things like toys and poop bags caught our attention, as did the HPZ DS328, which has the thoughtful feature of a reversible handlebar, so you can position your fur baby to face you.
Why You Need A Pet Stroller
But pets can benefit from riding around in a stroller, too.
Since most people associate strollers with human babies, they can be hesitant to put their furry babies in them. But pets can benefit from riding around in a stroller, too. There is a myth that says no amount of exercise is too much for an animal, but that’s simply not true. Pets need different amounts of exercise depending on size, health, age, breed and more. Toy dog breeds, for example, don’t need to burn hundreds of calories per day as they only eat a few hundred calories a day. Overexercising them can cause them to be fatigued and underweight.
Dogs with arthritis cannot handle prolonged activity, either. If you’d like to bring these types of pets with you on jogs or for long days out, you can put them in the stroller when they start to slow down. Unlike humans, pets don't know when they need to slow down. A dog doesn't understand that he isn't supposed to play with his best friend because he's recovering from surgery. If you do need to transport a convalescent dog around town, keeping them in a stroller can keep other animals from trying to play with them.
Even if your dog isn’t too tired or sick, it might simply be too hot outside for them to walk. If you’re caught out and about when the temperature rises, the asphalt can be too hot for your pet’s paws, and that can be dangerous. Unless you want to carry your dog for the rest of the outing, you’ll need a pet stroller on hand. Pet strollers can be very useful when it's time to go to the vet, too. They give your pet a confined space where they can relax, and stay away from germs circulating in the lobby.
Bonus Features To Consider
Whether you need to put it in your car along with groceries, pack it in the overhead compartment of an airplane, or stow it on public transportation, a pet stroller that folds up compactly is very helpful. Pets aren't famous for their patience, so look for a stroller with quick-release latches that let you fold it down in mere seconds. That way, you can keep a hand free to hold onto your pet's leash.
To keep your pet warm and comfortable, look for a stroller that's padded on the inside.
Having several access points can help you in difficult situations, too. If there is something in front of the stroller that you don't want your pet to get into, a multi-access-point model will let you retrieve them from the back, side or top.
Pet owners who live in rainy climates should look for a pet stroller made from waterproof material because everyone knows that a wet dog smells terrible. To keep your pet warm and comfortable, look for a stroller that's padded on the inside. Some pets travel with a lot of luggage, like treats, water bowls, and toys, so a stroller with a large storage compartment can be useful.
If your main purpose for getting a pet stroller is to take your animal along on jogs, look for a tricycle model as these are easier to steer. You may also want a design with extra kick space, so your knees don't bump up against the stroller when you run. Not all pets are receptive to riding in a stroller at first, so you may need to train them. For added security against escape-artist pets, make sure your stroller has a covered top.
The History Of Dog Strollers
While pet strollers have become quite popular among small dog owners, they were originally designed for much larger breeds, often housing dogs that weighed up to 75 pounds. In 2003, a company based in Amsterdam called Dutch Dog Design released their DoggyRide stroller. The stroller was inspired by another product popular at the time — baby strollers designed to attach to the front of a bicycle, otherwise known as bike trailers.
It wasn't until 2007 that pet strollers for smaller breeds of animals appeared on the market.
Truly the pet stroller was the culmination of several products that had risen from peoples' desire to bring their dogs on outings, without having to hold a leash, like the original dog leash for joggers. The DoggyRide combined the best of all of these products, and added a large, flat bottom compartment in which a dog could lie down comfortably.
The DoggyRide didn't reach the United States until 2006, but by then, several other companies had made copycat products. It wasn't until 2007 that pet strollers for smaller breeds of animals appeared on the market. Initially, consumers believed the pet stroller was only for incredibly spoiled pets, when in actuality, it was designed for pet owners who liked to bring their dogs on rigorous activities like hikes.