Ah, pet strollers. They conjure up images of pampered Pekingese, hair-bow-adorned Shih Tzus, shrieky Chihuahuas, and the occasional entitled cat. But, in practice, they’re useful for a lot more than just making a fashion statement. Pet strollers can sometimes be more convenient than an unwieldy cat carrier.
A pet stroller can help transport pets with mobility issues, or low-energy animals, over long distances. And they’re great for taking your beloved companion on indoor trips to the grocery store or mall. It also helps if the stroller includes a few amenities for humans, like storage for excess bottles and bags.
But your purchase should be based on what you intend to use it for—whether that means casual strolls around the neighborhood, tandem-bike rides, or extended hikes in the woods. To help you pick the right dog or cat stroller, we’ve rounded up some of the best pet strollers on the market.
How to choose a pet stroller
Pet strollers are often better alternatives to pet carriers, and are similar to baby strollers in that you’ll want the stroller to be safe for transporting your pet from place to place. You’ll also want to find a stroller that can hold up over rugged roads or cracked sidewalks, with a weight limit that’s suitable for your dog, cat, or other companion.
Treating your pet to an outing in the fresh air shouldn’t be a chore. But with the right pet stroller, it’ll be a breeze.
Safety features
Like any vehicle that transports a cared-for family member, safety is key. Whether you’re worried about an escape-artist kitten, pets that overheat easily, or just want to cover all the bases, keeping safety features high on your list will save you from buyer’s remorse.
Not all pet strollers are built the same, and with specially designed zippers and locks, you can venture out into the world without having to worry about their possible escape attempts. Still, not all of the different combos will work for you. If you have dexterity issues, some options can be more difficult to manage than others. In these cases, we find a leash clip especially helpful, and the added security feature is a good idea for any pet.
Most strollers strive to create as much airflow as possible, with the option to keep your pet shaded or give them some sun at the same time. If your pet is prone to overheating, you may want to consider a pet stroller with all-around mesh and a built-in canopy so they can still enjoy a breeze—whether they’re in the sun or not.
Like children’s strollers, pet strollers also offer parking brakes to ensure you won’t have the cartoon-nightmare experience of chasing after your pet if the stroller rolls away on an incline.
Quality
Choosing pet gear can certainly be overwhelming. But when it comes to members of our family, furry or otherwise, quality is of high importance. Finding a high-quality pet stroller with a smooth ride and ease of use is important; you want your pet to enjoy themselves and stay comfortable on all types of terrain. A bumpy ride can increase stress levels in an already anxious pet.
If you’re planning on spending more time outdoors or on uneven surfaces, then a stroller with air-filled tires would be a great choice. The added cushion provides a smoother ride for pets when going over rough terrain and makes it easier to maneuver over rocks. For indoor use or flat sidewalks, you don’t have to take this into consideration. A stroller with smaller wheels will work just fine.
For some pet strollers, bedding is as much a feature of quality as it is comfort. After all, your pet’s overall comfort will ultimately be the tell of whether or not they allow you to take them out into the world.
Weight capacity
Pet strollers aren’t just for small pets and sometimes our big buddies need an extra hand in getting from point A to point B. If your pet’s on the larger side, you’ll want to pay close attention to the capacity of the stroller you’re considering. While some are meant to transport multiple pets or heavier animals, others can carry just one pet at a time and may not be built to suit big dogs’ needs.
Fortunately, there are some great pet strollers for large dogs and heavier pets. For strollers with higher weight limits, you’ll want to consider how easy the stroller you pick is to fold down and store. A compact, lightweight pet stroller could be great for a small dog or cat, but a heavier stroller with a higher weight limit might be tricky to store.
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