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At first glance, pet strollers might seem a little silly. But with a closer look and thoughtful consideration, it’s easy to see why owning one is so valuable.
For starters, pet strollers come in handy for pushing around a sick, old, or injured pet. They are also helpful for pets who need to spend more time outside because they are overweight or suffer from anxiety and depression.
In addition, pet strollers are a great asset for people who have more than one pet, live in a city, or like to go hiking. Pets are secure inside a stroller, reducing worries about walking with multiple leashes or crossing the street through traffic. Having a stroller also complements hiking and jogging, as the pet can trot along for a while and then ride in the stroller after it gets tired.
Pet strollers come with a wide range of features, capabilities, weight capacities, and price ranges. Before you choose the best pet stroller, it’s a good idea to study the most loved products out there.
Contents
- 1 Quick Answer: The Best Cat and Dog Strollers
- 2 Best Overall Pet Stroller
- 3 Best Pet Stroller for Small Dogs
- 4 Best Pet Stroller for Large Dogs
- 5 Best Pet Stroller for Joggers
- 6 Best Pet Stroller for Travel
- 7 Best Double Pet Stroller
- 8 Best Heavy-Duty Pet Stroller
- 9 Best Compact Pet Stroller
- 10 Best Foldable Pet Stroller
- 11 Best Cat Stroller
- 12 What to Look for in a Pet Stroller
Quick Answer: The Best Cat and Dog Strollers
Best Overall Pet Stroller
1. Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Pet Stroller
The Happy Trails Pet Stroller has some of the best user reviews on the market, and it’s easy to see why. The lightweight (13 pounds) four-wheel frame doesn’t require any tools for assembly and is a snap to set up. It’s also easy to transport and store thanks to a one-hand, quick-fold mechanism. The hassle-free, no-zip, wide opening makes putting your pet in and out as stress-free as possible. Once inside, pets happily ride along while enjoying panoramic windows, mesh ventilation, a sun canopy, and an elevated paw rest. Made with 600 Denier water-resistant fabric and a washable, removable liner, the stroller withstands rain and pet messes. The six-inch EVA plastic wheels are suitable for casual walks on hard surfaces. The Happy Trails Pet Stroller is the best pet stroller for cats and dogs up to 30 pounds and comes in emerald, pink, and sapphire color options.
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Best Pet Stroller for Small Dogs
2. Pet Gear Travel Lite Plus Stroller
If you’re looking at strollers for puppies, the Pet Gear Travel Lite Plus is one of the best pet strollers on Amazon. It’s affordable, extra-lightweight (nine pounds), ultra-compact, comes fully assembled, and folds down in an instant. The six-inch wheels are ideal for strolling in parks, malls, and sidewalks and include rear safety breaks. This pet stroller is best for cats and small dogs up to 15 pounds. It has a convenient clamshell front entry for easy pet-loading, a thin nylon board base, panoramic viewing windows, and mesh ventilation. These features make it ideal for puppies, dogs with limited mobility, and cats who love strolling around outdoors. Larger pets who lie still and don’t need extra space to move or jump around may also fit comfortably in this stroller if they remain in a lying or sitting position. The umbrella-style handles rise to a comfortable 38 inches, and the stroller is available in rose, sapphire, and black.
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Best Pet Stroller for Large Dogs
3. Pet Gear No-Zip Expedition Pet Stroller
The best pet stroller for large dogs is the No-Zip Expedition Pet Stroller by Pet Gear. It’s one of the few pet strollers for dogs suitable for animals weighing up to 150 pounds. The dual-entry openings make it convenient to load pets of various ages and ability levels through either the front or rear openings. This feature is beneficial when transporting injured or aging pets who may have difficulty turning around in a tight space as they can enter from one side and exit from the other. The spacious interior and high weight-bearing ability make this pet stroller suitable for pushing one large dog or multiple smaller pets together in one stroller. All door openings feature quick lock/unlock systems and zipper-free button entry. Pets enjoy excellent visibility via panoramic windows and sunroof-style opening that allows them to stick their head out. The wheels and handle are designed for the best maneuverability possible with large 11-inch back wheels and brakes, swiveling 6.25-inch front wheels, and a sturdy, adjustable handlebar. The Pet Gear No-Zip Expedition Pet Stroller has 600 Denier nylon and an EVA plastic frame, and includes a parent tray and cup holder, a fleece pad, and two safety tethers inside. It is available in six beautiful colors: boysenberry, candy red, dark platinum, fog, midnight blue, and mountain lilac.
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Best Pet Stroller for Joggers
4. Pet Gear No-Zip Jogger Pet Stroller
For active pet parents who plan to go jogging with their doggie, the Pet Gear No-Zip Jogger Pet Stroller is where it’s at. The three-wheel design, airless 12-inch gel-filled tires, and ergonomic handle are the standout features that make it the pet stroller for joggers. In addition, it includes a removable liner and large storage basket, 600 Denier water-resistant material, and a one-hand quick-fold mechanism. Essentially, it’s perfect for those seeking rougher terrains and a pet stroller with excellent stability that’s easy to clean and has virtually zero chance of a flat tire. This jogger-style pet stroller is suitable for carrying dogs up to 70 pounds and is especially great for dogs who are extra-sensitive to jerks and jolts. Even on typical hard surfaces, it offers a gentler ride appreciated by older or injured dogs. The front opening, zipper entry also make it a cinch to load and unload small to medium dogs. Color options include forest green, midnight river, rugged red, and summit gray.
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Best Pet Stroller for Travel
5. Pet Gear 3-in-1 Travel Stroller System
Pet owners looking to haul their fur babies on a bigger than average adventure are best off looking for a detachable stroller system. When it comes to this, the Pet Gear View 360 Pet Travel System 3-in-1 Carrier is the best stroller for pets who travel. The three-part stroller set includes a stroller frame, a Click N Go carrier, and a Click N Go Booster Seat Attachment. The booster seat can easily be used with the stroller and as a car booster. The pet doesn’t need to get out of the carrier; the booster can simply be lifted off the stroller and placed in the car, or vice versa. In addition, the carrier and stroller frame are ultra-lightweight and fold flat for easy transport and storage. Pets enjoy a removable fleece pad, safety tethers, and superior ventilation with 360°-view mesh panels inside the carrier. Padded handles and dual-sided, push-button openings make this carrier both comfortable and easy to use. This pet travel stroller is suitable for cats and small dogs up to 30 pounds. It comes in attractive patterns and colors, including gray animal print, pink floral, silver pearl, and jet black.
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Best Double Pet Stroller
6. Pet Gear No-Zip Double Pet Stroller
Many pooch parents have numerous dogs or cats and need a pet stroller that isn’t bulky but can efficiently carry more than one pet. Pet Gear has come out with an excellent option, a double stroller for pets. It has significantly larger interior dimensions than most pet strollers and has double the weight capacity. Yet it remains lightweight (32 pounds) enough to be manageable. The Pet Gear No-Zip Double Pet Stroller boasts 7.5 inches of extra width and can hold up to 90 pounds. It also includes three 12-inch Air Ride tires made with gel-filling that make it impossible to get a flat tire. Plus, the no-zip technology makes putting pets in and out hassle-free, the weather top keeps furry friends dry, and the plush bolster pad is comfy and easy to remove for cleaning. The under-carriage basket is ideal for carrying water bowls, a pet bag, or personal items. In addition, this double pet stroller features a quick-fold mechanism, a padded, ergonomic handle, and 600 Denier water-resistant material. It is available in boysenberry or pine green color options.
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Best Heavy-Duty Pet Stroller
7. HPZ Pet Rover Premium Heavy Duty Pet Stroller
Unbelievably, heavy-duty and lightweight are not oxymorons, at least not when it comes to the best dog stroller. And Pet Rover has nailed the blend of these features with the Premium Heavy Duty Pet Stroller. This pet stroller is for pet owners who don’t want to cheap out on materials and accessories but still value portability. This pet stroller qualifies as heavy-duty because of the extra-thick, stainless-steel tubes, premium human-grade suspension system, comfort-ride rear wheels with brakes, rotating 360° front wheels, rubber tires, and durable bearings. It also includes a cushioned, reversible handlebar, UV-reflective polyester materials, a single hand quick-fold mechanism, and an adjustable internal space to accommodate different-sized pets. Additional extras include a mesh cover, a polyurethane canopy, two washable pads, an oversized undercarriage basket, three small accessory bags, and a water bottle holder. This heavy-duty pet stroller weighs only 22 pounds and can hold one large dog or several smaller pets up to 100 pounds in weight. HPZ Pet Rover Premium Heavy Duty Pet Stroller is available in blue, midnight blue, and red.
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Best Compact Pet Stroller
8. Gen7 Regal Plus Pet Stroller
The Gen7 Regal Plus Pet Stroller is the best compact pet stroller for small dogs. This narrow, lightweight stroller weighs just 12 pounds and collapses flat to fit almost any storage space. It’s also affordable and stylish, and includes several Smart features that make it comfortable for owners to use and pets to enjoy. These include a Smart-Canopy that folds away from the pet’s headspace, a Smart-Reach handle with generous space to accommodate both walking and jogging, and a Smart-Basket with a huge zippered under-storage area. In addition, the pet stroller has a three-wheel design with a 360° swiveling front wheel and stabilized back wheels with brakes. Other things that make this an excellent doggie stroller are the pull-down mesh cover, interior harnesses, a cup tray for parents, and a back viewing window. It comfortably fits cats and small dogs up to 25 pounds and comes in a single color palette of black and gray with red accents.
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Best Foldable Pet Stroller
9. Paws & Pals Three-Wheeler Elite Jogger Pet Stroller
If you’re looking for a cheap pet stroller that doesn’t skimp on features, the Paws & Pals Three-Wheeler Elite Jogger Pet Stroller is the front-runner. It comes in well under $100, is designed for jogging, and is one of the best space-saving foldable pet strollers on Amazon. The stroller frame folds down with the push of a button and compresses to 32 x 17 x 11 inches. The carrier folds separately at 21 x 14 x 19 inches. In addition, the pet stroller is lightweight and crafted from metal and high-quality polyester. It also features an adjustable canopy that can be pushed away from the head entirely for a fresh-air convertible mode. When closed, it has panoramic, breathable, mesh windows. Other perks include a large undercarriage basket, zippered front and back openings, three all-terrain wheels with shock absorbers, leash clips, a cushioned pad, and a paw bar. This pet stroller is suitable for cats and small dogs and is available in blue, gray, pink, and beige.
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Best Cat Stroller
10. VIVO Four-Wheel Pet Stroller
The VIVO Four-Wheel Pet Stroller is the best cat stroller out there. Why? Because its unique design prevents cats and tiny dogs from finding a way to wiggle out through small openings. It’s also portable, durable, weighs less than 12 pounds, and folds up easily in one piece to save on hassle and space. The pet compartment is covered frame to frame with a single piece of fabric to prevent small gaps that tiny, curious pets can escape from. In addition, it has three zippered openings that securely keep cats and dogs inside. This stroller can support one or more pets with a combined weight of 30 pounds. It has front and back mesh windows for excellent visibility and ventilation, a removable pad, and an elevated paw bar. There are two cup holders, a tray for cell phones or keys, and a large storage basket underneath the stroller. The VIVO Four-Wheel Pet Stroller is available in three colors: black, light blue, and pink.
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What to Look for in a Pet Stroller
Wondering what to look for in a pet stroller? Check out this handy list of precisely what you should be considering:
1. Wheels & Handles
The wheels and handles are essential components of a pet stroller as they greatly influence maneuverability for the owner and comfort for the pet. Pet strollers come in three-wheel or four-wheel options. Usually, the three-wheel design is better for jogging or pushing along trails, gravel, or dirt surfaces. The four-wheel pet strollers are best for sidewalks, malls, and hard surfaces.
Hard plastic tires are typical, but opt for metal tires with tubes if you want something more durable and shock absorbent. The best tube tires are filled with gel, which means if you poke a hole in the tire, it won’t go flat. Gel-filled tires also make for a more cushioned ride, which is especially nice if you’re pushing a sick or injured pet.
As for the handles, many pet strollers have a single flat bar or double umbrella handles. These are fine for walking, but if you plan on jogging or taking the stroller on a trail, it’s better to opt for an upgraded handlebar. Look for ergonomic designs with lots of space between the handles and the stroller’s top, padded bars, brake levers, and push buttons for easy folding.
2. Stroller Weight & Weight Capacity
When considering the weight of a stroller, it’s important to calculate both the weight of the stroller on its own and the weight load it can carry. After all, the combined weight is what you’ll be pushing around. The stroller’s weight alone matters, too, because that’s how much you’ll be dealing with when you need to lift it into a trunk or carry it up a staircase.
Lightweight strollers often range between 10 and 20 pounds. Look for sturdy, rotating wheels with back brakes, shock absorbers, and a great handlebar if it weighs more.
3. Openings & Closures
Look closely at the openings on the pet compartment to see which direction they face and how they open. The size and mobility of your pet will likely influence the best option for you. For example, if you need to place your pet inside on your own, top openings are ideal so you can easily reach straight down and inside the compartment. However, if your pet is heavy and mobility impaired, a back-facing opening is helpful. This option allows the pet to be picked up from the floor and lifted into the compartment without front wheels getting in the way.
Some strollers have a front opening and a small step above the front wheels. This feature is excellent for cats, tiny dogs, or injured but mobile pets. It allows the pet to climb into the stroller independently, and the step gives them an extra boost if they need it.
Strollers with multiple entry points are ideal if you have a large, aging, or mobility-limited pet. These allow the pet to enter from whichever side is more comfortable for them. It also prevents them from needing to turn around or back out of the compartment.
Small- and medium-sized dogs and cats without mobility issues usually do fine with the typical front-opening compartments.
Other things to consider are what kind of closures the openings have. Some owners prefer zippers and locks to prevent curious pets from pushing their way out of the stroller. Others like the convenience of Velcro or clip closures so that they don’t have to fumble with zippers.
4. Visibility for the Pet
Many pet owners take their dogs and cats out in a stroller to immerse them in outdoor environments. If this is the case, inside visibility is an essential factor for a successful outing. Therefore, the riding compartment should have plenty of mesh or ventilated plastic windows so the pet can see out.
If the pet is timid or has anxiety and benefits from feeling hidden, look for a pet stroller with a flexible canopy. This feature is perfect for increasing or decreasing visibility as desired. Plus, it’s an excellent option to have for sun, rain, and wind cover.
5. Storage Compartments
Some pet strollers come with storage compartments, while others have none. Consider if you want to be able to carry additional items in the stroller. For example, think of things like a pet bag or blanket, a pooper scooper and bags for picking up droppings, maybe a water bowl, pet nail clippers or a brush, and perhaps even toys to play with and a towel. Some pet strollers have big baskets underneath, others have small pockets on the side or the back, and some don’t have any at all. Would you like a place to put your water bottle, coffee mug, or cell phone? Look for a pet stroller with a parent tray that allows you to keep all these things within reach.
6. Water-Resistance
Is it essential for your pet stroller to be water-resistant? First, consider if pet messes inside the stroller are a possibility. If so, look for water-resistant pads and liners that easily remove for cleaning.
If there is a chance of rain on your walks, think about that before you buy. Some pet strollers have water-resistant fabrics, others will require a rain cover to be purchased separately, and some are only for sunny weather conditions.
8. Storability
Odds are, you won’t be keeping the pet stroller assembled all the time, and you’ll need to store it when it’s not in use. Luckily, many pet strollers are foldable or the parts are detachable. But not all space-saving systems are the same. Look for a version with quick-fold or quick-release features that make putting the stroller away both fast and easy. Also, don’t forget to check measurements before buying to ensure the stroller fits in a car trunk, closet, or under the bed.
If you take the stroller on an airplane, choose a pet stroller with a detachable pet carrier, and ensure it meets the size regulations for under-seat storage.
9. Cost
Most pet strollers range between $50 and $200, and the features are pretty broad. How much you want to spend matters a lot, so be sure to compare with others in the same price range to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Lower-cost strollers will usually be very basic and made from lower-quality materials but might be perfectly suitable for the occasional walk to the park. Higher-end strollers often cater to joggers, travelers, large dogs, or pets with severe mobility issues. Make sure it has every feature you can dream of before paying a higher price tag.
Now that you have the lowdown and lists of the best pet strollers out there, we hope to see you soon with your new set of wheels!