Pet Strollers

My family had plans to travel to Asheville, North Carolina in the summertime a few years back when my first female corgi Loki was still a puppy, almost 12 weeks old. Due to her young age I was unable to (and would not want to) board her at a dog kennel. Asheville has tons of great restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities, and I did not want to miss all the fun so I researched dog equipment that could help with traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.

The stroller I purchased at that time was a last minute buy before our trip at one of the big pet stores, it was the only one in stock, and only one size was available. The stroller was the perfect size for a young puppy, with plenty of storage areas and a drink holder.

Having the use of a dog stroller was key in being able to enjoy most of the fun on vacation, while continuing full time puppy care. Outside of the stroller and in the Airbnb we stayed at, my puppy was a maniac, running around everywhere, and biting everyone and everything as she was teething. Once in the stroller and outside with a view, she was calm and quiet (for the most part) and seemed to enjoy the attention she was getting. She was secured in the stroller but could peek her head out to see the world.

I also discovered that many of the stores we visited were also happy to let me in with my puppy, since she was secured in a stroller, bonus! I got a lot of shopping done and my dog got a LOT of puppy lover attention!

We were able to eat at many of the popular restaurants on the outside patios. We had breakfast biscuits and gravy at Biscuit Head, lunch tacos at White Duck Taco, and Indian street snacks at Chai Pani for dinner.

When my second corgi Koda came around, we did the same thing and used the stroller when he was young. He enjoyed going to the Renaissance Festival in the fall. He had so much fun people watching, and not worrying about being trampled by the crowds.

The stroller size was perfect for using for both of my corgis when they were young and small enough to fit in it, but I did not factor in the stroller size that would be needed when they were full grown. Thankfully I was able to make additional use of the stroller for grocery shopping at our local Farmers Market, when my dogs outgrew it. The stroller was the perfect size for holding a few vegetables, eggs and bread and I did not have to worry about hand-carrying multiple bags around the market and to my car!

Currently pet strollers come in all different sizes and with many different features for different uses.

Pets that would benefit from going out in a pet stroller/dogs stroller

• Senior pets
• Pets with limited mobility or arthritis
• Timid pets
• Pets recovering from medical procedures
• Low energy pets, that may not want to go on a long walk
• Puppies or kittens

Additional benefits of pet strollers

• Protection from people
• Protection from insects
• Protection from other animals
• Protection from the sun, with shade cover
• Shopping with a pet, in a nonintrusive way
• Protection from other animals at veterinary appointments
• Storage for pet supplies, leash, water, food, toys
• Doubles as a pet carrier/car seat carrier

Different types of pet strollers

Standard Pet Strollers: These are the most common type of pet strollers and resemble traditional baby strollers. They typically have a foldable frame, a compartment for your pet to sit or lie in, and a canopy or mesh enclosure for ventilation and protection. They often feature storage compartments and cup holders for convenience.

Jogging Pet Strollers: Designed for active pet owners, jogging pet strollers are equipped with sturdy wheels and a suspension system to handle rough terrains and provide a smooth ride. They usually have a lightweight, aerodynamic frame and offer enhanced stability while running or jogging.

Bicycle Pet Trailers: Bicycle pet trailers are specifically designed to be attached to the back of a bicycle, allowing you to take your pet along for bike rides. They typically feature a compartment with mesh panels for ventilation, a hitching mechanism for attachment, and safety features such as a leash attachment and reflectors.

Multi-Pet Strollers: These strollers are designed to accommodate multiple pets simultaneously. They have larger compartments or separate compartments to accommodate multiple small dogs or cats. Some multi-pet strollers may have adjustable partitions to create separate spaces for each pet.

Travel Pet Strollers: These strollers are designed with portability in mind. They are lightweight, compact, and easily foldable for easy transportation and storage. Travel pet strollers are convenient for trips to the vet, traveling, or outdoor activities.

All-Terrain Pet Strollers: All-terrain strollers are designed to handle a variety of surfaces, including rough terrain, gravel paths, or sandy beaches. They often feature larger wheels with tread patterns for better traction and shock absorption.

Luxury Pet Strollers: Luxury pet strollers are designed with a focus on style, comfort, and premium features. They may have plush padding, high-quality materials, additional accessories, and stylish designs.

Super-Sized Pet Strollers: These can typically hold a pet up to 100 pounds.

Small-Size Pet Strollers: These typically hold a pet up to 30 pounds

Strollers with Ramps: Some of the above strollers also come with ramps, so that your pet is able to get out of the stroller without having to lift them out.

Before purchasing a pet stroller

Consider factors such as the size and weight capacity suitable for your pet, the terrain you'll be using it on, whether you will be walking, jogging or running, the level of portability you need, and any specific features that would enhance your pet's comfort and safety.

How to get your pet used to a pet stroller

Introduce the stroller gradually: Start by placing the stroller in an area where your pet feels comfortable, such as their favorite room or a familiar space. Allow your pet to explore the stroller at their own pace, sniffing and investigating it.

Associate the stroller with positive experiences: Make the stroller a positive and rewarding place for your pet. Place treats, toys, or their favorite blanket inside the stroller to create a positive association.

Familiarize your dog with the stroller's movements: Once your pet is comfortable in the stroller, start gently moving it back and forth while giving them treats and praise. Gradually increase the movement and duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.

Encourage your dog or other pet to sit or lie down in the stroller: Once your pet is comfortable with the movement, encourage them to sit or lie down inside the stroller. Use treats, verbal cues, and gentle guidance to help them get into a comfortable position. Reward and praise them for staying inside.

Secure your pet in the stroller: Once your pet is comfortable being in the stroller, you can start securing them with a harness or leash attached to the stroller's built-in tether or a designated attachment point, read the instructions for your particular stroller and for your particular pet. Make sure the leash is long enough for your pet to move around comfortably but short enough to prevent them from jumping out.

Practice short rides: Start with short rides around the house or in a quiet, familiar area. Gradually increase the duration and distance of the rides as your pet becomes more accustomed to being in the stroller. Provide treats, toys, or comforting words during the ride to keep your pet relaxed and engaged.

Gradually expose your pet to new environments: Once your pet is comfortable with short rides, gradually expose them to new environments while in the stroller. Start with calm and familiar places before gradually introducing more stimulating or busy areas.

Costs of Pet Strollers

A cheap pet stroller will get you the basic features, likely with less durable materials. Prices vary depending on the size, durability, and features. Costs of a pet stroller can range between $30-$400.