Walking your dog is a great way to help your pooch get exercise and enjoy fresh air! But not all canines are always up for a stroll. Some dogs fare much better getting out and about with the help of a stroller.
Whether you’re taking out an old friend or an injured pup, dog strollers are a great way to enjoy the sunshine with dogs that just couldn’t keep up otherwise.
Best Strollers For Dogs: Quick Picks
- Pet Gear No-Zip Stroller [Best All-Around Stroller]! This foldable and zipperless stroller can hold dogs up to 25 pounds and it has cupholders and shock-resistant front wheels.
- OxGord Pet Stroller [Best for Portability]. Easy to ride and foldable stroller, with weather hood, few extra bells and whistles. It comes in 6 colors, giving you lots of choices to personalize this great stroller.
- 2-in-1 Dog Jogging Stroller [Best for Big Adventures]. A sturdy stroller that is made to withstand long, fast, bumpy rides and can hold dogs up to 66lbs. It also comes with a well-built brakes.
Continue reading for more in-depth reviews
Is a Dog Stroller Right For Your Canine?
Most dogs are probably happier walking alongside you than being wheeled along inside a stroller. It’s hard to sniff fire hydrants and roll in the dirt if you’re in a stroller. That said, some dogs are better off in a stroller than on their own four paws.
Dog strollers are great for a lot of different types of dogs:
Old dogs will enjoy getting out for fresh air and new sights, even if they can’t keep up on runs and walks the way they used to. While some light exercise is still recommended for older dogs, they may be unable to walk their favorite 5 mile stretch on the beach any longer. Dog strollers let senior dogs still enjoy nature without tiring themselves out.
This is especially good for our really old canine companions. I recently met an 18-year-old Miniature Pinscher. You bet that old girl was rolling around in a stroller whenever the young dogs went out for a walk!
Injured or disabled dogs may also have a hard time keeping up on outings. Whether your dog is sick and lacking energy, physically unable to move much, or recovering from a surgery or illness, it’s undeniable that getting out of the house is still good for these dogs – all dogs love enjoying the sights and smells of nature!
Sick dogs or unvaccinated puppies, depending on their health, may also benefit from getting out in a safe, controlled way. Unvaccinated puppies shouldn’t be on the ground in areas where they’re likely to come in contact with diseases like distemper and parvo, but will benefit massively from the socialization that comes from stroller walks! Sick dogs – as long as they’re fit enough to go out and won’t make others sick – may also benefit from stroller rides.
Very small dogs can’t keep up with active owners. If you’re a big-time runner with a small-time dog, a running stroller may be a good compromise!
Getting your dog outside every day and exploring the world is important, even if they need help to move through the world safely and comfortably!
Keep in mind that some dogs may prefer to spend their recovery or old age lounging in the sun and being carried to a small potty patch. Post-operation or sick dogs might not want to go out on a bumpy stroller ride, and the jostling might feel bad on arthritic joints.
You might want to test drive a friend’s stroller before putting money down on a stroller, since your dog might not enjoy the stroller ride. Remember that the stroller should be fun for your dog, and his opinion matters!
If you do decide to go ahead with a stroller, make sure that those first few rides are fun for your dog. Bring treats and keep it on smooth, short paths. If your dog starts showing lots of calming signals (or even whining and trying to escape the stroller), it’s time to abandon the trip for today!
Go back home and take some time to reward your dog for sitting calmly in a stationary stroller. Then roll it short distances (a few feet or so) and reward again. Repeat until your dog is a stroller-riding champ!
Pet strollers are awesome for getting around town, but if you’re intending to fly with your four-footer, you’ll need an airline-approved pet carrier.
Dog Stroller Selection Tips: What to Look For
When choosing the best stroller for you and your dog, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.
Smooth Ride Wheels. Different types of stroller tires are designed for different types of activities. If you’re looking for a stroller that will handle well on long, bumpy rides, aim for air tires. These tires will need inflating like bike tires, but are much better suited to shock absorption. Solid plastic wheels are fine for shorter, easy rides, but won’t hold up well going over cracks and tree roots.
Protective Top Covers. Consider whether or not you’ll want your dog stroller to have a closable hood. Hoods protect your dog from sun and rain. Just as importantly, hoods will also help keep your dog from jumping out of the stroller!
Airflow vs Staying Dry. Some strollers for dogs will close with a mesh hood, giving your dog plenty of airflow. Others will have plastic panes, which keep your dog dryer but prevent good airflow.
In general, more air flow (and therefore more mesh) is better, since dogs learn so much about their environment through their noses. Who wants to go for a stroller ride in the rain, anyway?
Weigh your options and decide which is more important to you! Whichever option you choose, do make sure that your dog has plenty of air circulation.
Folding Strollers. Many strollers are quite bulky, so it’s important to make sure strollers are foldable for easy storage unless you’re the 1-in-1,000 person with spare garage space.
Each of the strollers on this list will fold down for transport or storage, so this won’t be an issue! However, if you already have a tough time assembling Ikea furniture, you may want to opt for simplest, more streamlined folding method possible.
Size & Weight. When looking at a dog stroller, you’ll want to examine a few different size elements. Confirm that the stroller’s cabin is big enough for your dog to fit comfortably inside. Ensure that it is also compact enough and light enough for you to use and carry well.
Finally, make sure that the stroller is strong enough to hold the weight of your dog. It’s worth noting that most pet strollers are only designed to hold small dogs, although there are a few exceptions for handling hefty hounds. This means that taking your post-op Great Dane for a stroller ride might be out of the question!
Running vs. Walking Strollers. Many strollers simply aren’t cut out for the task of long, regular runs. They are made for strolling on level, nicely paved walks, or shorter distances. If you’re planning on long, bumpy rides or runs along gravel paths, be sure to look specifically for strollers that are made for jogging, running, and off-road travel!
While these dog strollers will likely be more expensive, they have the durability required for more strenuous activities. If you just want a stroller for the occasional walk, surgery recovery, or short jaunts around a local park, save your money and skip the running strollers.
Safety Features. Many strollers for dogs come with hand brakes, which are great to keep your pup from rolling away while you’re catching up with a friend. Others have safety belts or other safety features. Keep an eye out for these, especially if your dog isn’t used to strollers and may be a bit wiggly inside!
Bonus Bells and Whistles. Many dog strollers boast of cupholders, undercarriage storage, or fancy colors. Consider how important these bonus features are for you – if you want to take a morning stroll with your pup and a Starbucks coffee, you’ll likely want a cup holder handy!
Space For Pairs of Pooches. If you plan on bringing your two pups on a ride, you’ll likely want to look for an extra-wide stroller designed to hold multiple pets. Some even have separation panels so that both pooches get their own bit of elbow room.
As with all products, keep an eye out for strollers that are generally easy to use, sturdy, and safe. A stroller that is complicated to put together, fragile, or unsafe is a bad stroller!
Best Dog Strollers: Our Top 5 Picks
1. Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite Pet Stroller
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Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite Pet Stroller
An all-around great pet stroller
This zipperless and foldable stroller holds dogs up to 25 pounds. Plus it has cupholders and shock-resistant front wheels!
About:The Pet Gear No-Zip Stroller has most of your dog stroller basic needs – it’s zipperless (preventing any fur from getting snagged), foldable, has cupholders, and has shock-resistant front wheels.
Features: This stroller for canines comes in pink, dark blue, and teal. It holds dogs up to 25 pounds and is a great, practical, all-around stroller that will suit your needs for a small, city-going dog.
Recommended Weight Limit: 25 pounds
Suitable for Running: No
PROS
Owners like that this foldable stroller comes in many colors and is at an affordable price point. It’s got a panoramic viewing window for your dog to look out of, along with a compartment underneath to hold your dog’s treats and gear. This is the lightest stroller here, weighing in at just 13 pounds.
CONS
Owners note that first-time assembly is difficult. Some owners have issues with the plastic wheels not holding up for very long on bumpy city streets. Although the stroller folds, some owners have a hard time getting it to fold and unfold easily. The wheels can shake if the dog is too heavy, so this stroller is best for lighter dogs.
2. OxGord® Pet Stroller Dog Easy Walk Folding Carriage
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OxGord® Pet Stroller
Lightweight and perfect for on-the-go use
This affordable three-wheel stroller emphasizes portability with a single-touch quick collapse option.
About: The OxGord Pet Stroller is a great quality dog stroller. It’s a bit cheaper than most other dog strollers, but still has a host of great features like a cup holder, easy ride, foldability, and a weather hood.
Features: The OxGord dog stroller even has a few extra bells and whistles, like a safety belt and rear brakes! It comes in 6 colors, giving you lots of choices to personalize this great stroller.
Recommended Weight Limit: 30 lbs
Suitable for Running: No
PROS
Owners like that this stroller has a seat belt leash and rear security brakes. They love its cupholders, storage, and weather hood. Owners also note that this stroller is easy to assemble and sturdily made. It’s relatively lightweight, weighing in at just 13.6 pounds – making it perfect for on-the-go use.
CONS
Owners noticed that this stroller doesn’t have a great view for your dog, with some disliking this stroller’s restrictive windows. It gives your dog a less-than-panoramic view of the world. Some owners also had trouble with mud clogging the zippers, and were frustrated that the zippers got stuck easily.
3. 2 in 1 Jogging Dog Stroller / Bicycle Trailer
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2-in-1 Jogging Dog Stroller & Bicycle Trailer
Perfect for big adventures
A sturdy stroller made to withstand long, fast, bumpy rides.
About: This 2 in 1 Dog Jogging Stroller is made for jogging or even pulling behind a bike as a trailer, so you’ll never have to leave your geriatric, sick, or injured dog behind on your adventures again.
It lacks cupholders and storage, but that shouldn’t matter if you’re pulling your dog behind your bike! This is the perfect adventure stroller, and won’t slow down an active owner.
Recommended Weight Limit: 66 lbs
Suitable for Running: Yes
PROS
Owners love that this sturdy stroller has brakes and is very well-built. It’s the only stroller on this list that’s really made to withstand long, fast, bumpy rides. It’s pretty spacious, so you could even fit a medium-sized dog in for your trail adventures! It’s got a safety flag for visibility and a hand brake to keep the stroller still if you step away.
CONS
Some owners took issue with the lack of cupholders and under-carriage storage – features that most other dog stroller provide. It’s a bit bulky and heavy at 37lbs as well, so not great for storing in small apartments!
4. Pet Gear No-Zip Double Pet Stroller
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Pet Gear No-Zip Double Pet Stroller
A large stroller for double the doggos
This pet stroller features a double wide carriage so both your pups can come along for the trip. Also uses air-filled tires for a smoother ride.
About:This high-end Pet Gear No-Zip Double Stroller is double wide and provides great outdoor viewing for your dogs while keeping them safely inside the stroller.
Features: This dog stroller’s air-filled tires help keep rides smooth – many other strollers have solid plastic wheels, which aren’t as good at shock absorption.
This durable, high-quality stroller comes at a higher price point, but you can rest assured knowing that it’s made for the long haul and will stand up to long walks and regular use.
Price: $494.99 | Buy on Amazon
Recommended Weight Limit: 90 lbs
Suitable for Running: No
PROS
Owners love the plush pad that’s included in this dog stroller to keep your pets comfy. Many say that this stroller will handle well on most terrain – especially bumpy city sidewalks. The stroller is made from water-resistant material to keep your dogs dry, while panoramic windows for your dogs should keep them entertained! A really nice touch is the extra wedge of mesh, allowing you to look in on your dogs!
CONS
This dog stroller isn’t cheap. While the quality and durability is worth the cost for long-term use, it likely isn’t worth the price tag if you’re just looking for a basic stroller to take your dog out a few times while he’s recovering from surgery. It’s also worth noting that this dog stroller is heavy (it is double wide after all), weighing in at 32lbs.
5. Ibiyaya Multifunction Pet Carrier + Backpack + Carseat + Stroller
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Ibiyaya Multifunction Pet Carrier
Versatile 5-in-1 pet stroller
This pet stroller can also be used as a backpack, carry-on roller bag, carseat, or plain old pet carrier!
About: Perfect for dogs on the go that need or want regular wheeled assistance, the Ibiyaya Multifunction Wheeled Carrier is practically a transformer. It comes with a manual to ensure that you can get the most out of it. It folds down to an astonishingly small size.
But the real winning feature of this gadget is its multifunctionality. None of the other strollers on this list can also become a backpack, carry-on roller bag, carseat, or plain old pet carrier!
Recommended weight limit: 18 lbs
Suitable for running: No
PROS
Users were consistently pleased with how easy it is to assemble this bag, even with all of its add-ons. They also reported that most dogs seemed to find it comfortable, and it was easier to teach the dogs to accept just one carrier for all purposes
CONS
This bag might try to do a few too many things. Some users reported that it is a bit small for their dogs, making it less comfy if you’re near the limits of the weight recommendation. Other users reported that the shoulder strap is uncomfortable. Finally, in the roller bag “mode,” the air holes are at the bottom. This means users need to purchase a pad or some other way to keep their pup’s paws safe.
With your new dog stroller, your pooch can enjoy long trips comfortably (whether that involves walks around the neighborhood or long shopping sessions). Just check out Mazie the Chug (Pug / Chihuahua mix) in her dog stroller:
Does your dog love your stroller rides? What features do you love about your stroller? Share your thoughts in the comments!
6 Comments
June 14, 2021
I have 3 yorkies 2 at 5# and 1 at 12# what stroller has enough room
June 14, 2021
Hey there, Carla.
With the caveat that none of these are really designed to hold three doggos, the Pet Gear No-Zip Stroller is probably your best bet.
Let us know how it works out for you!
April 12, 2019
What a helpful blog! I recently got a Paws and Pals Deluxe Stroller and I’m so happy with it! Even though it didn’t make your list, your criteria were super helpful. Thanks for the great content!
October 3, 2018
This is the first time I have seen your site and it’s great! Thank you. I have a lot of ideas but this is my first one.
I have been working with dogs about 30 years. I directed a college canine program for 9 years. I trained my GSD to help me when I got hurt and I have used mobility dogs for about 15 years. Even if I don’t need the help you can’t tell a GermanShepherd to stay home, they go where I go. I would love to see some type of stroller device, may a bit lower and large enough for a 130lb dog. When they get too old to help it’s our turn to help them. They still want to go out. At one point I decked out a wagon that had a fold down side but, it wasn’t something I could take in the truck. I am sure that those of us with larger dogs would like to see one of these “stroller/cart” mobility devices for our big friends. I would love to work with someone on this idea.
Again, thank you for your site.
October 3, 2018
Marcie, that’s a great idea! I’m sure you’ll be able to find some others with the same problem and build something great.
August 27, 2018
Thanks “Kayla Fratt” for sharing this depth post about dog strollers. As a dog lover i this your recommended strollers will very helpful for every dog owner.