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 pet 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.
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Best Overall Dog Stroller for Most Owners
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Best Dog Stroller for Small Pets
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Best for Dog Stroller for Bumpy Rides
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Continue reading for more in-depth reviews
Best Dog Strollers: Our Top 5 Picks
Curious which dog stroller will work best for you and your barker? We have a few solid picks to explore, ranging from suburban chariots to adventure wagons.
1. Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite Pet Stroller
About: The Pet Gear No-Zip Pet Stroller meets most of your dog stroller’s basic needs — it’s zipperless (preventing fur from getting snagged), foldable, has cupholders, and has shock-resistant front wheels. It also has a small storage space where you can stow your sniffer’s poop bags, treats, and more.
Features:
- Comes in Pink, Dark Blue, and Teal
- Holds dogs up to 25 pounds
- Mesh panels offer airflow and visibility to your doggo
- Suitable for small, city-going travel with your pup
Recommended Weight Limit: 25 pounds
Suitable for Running: No
Pros
- Great mix of color options
- Affordable price point is a win
- Gives pupper passengers a great view through a panoramic viewing window
- Pawesome extras like storage, a cup holder, and a foldable design
Cons
- Some owners found the assembly to be difficult
- Plastic wheels aren’t the most durable, especially when encountering bumpy city sidewalks
2. BestPet 3 Wheels Pet Stroller
A suburban-friendly stroller in a compact size that's foldable for easy storage and transport.
About: Travel with your pooch without taking up too much space with the 3 Wheels Pet Stroller by BestPet, a 12-pound woof wagon that folds down for easier transport and storage. Safety features like a rear brake and pet tether offer peace of mind during outings, while a cup holder and storage place let you keep your hands free for pushing your pupper prince around town.
Features:
- Mesh windows provide ventilation and visibility to your pup
- Waterproof material makes for more convenient cleanup
- Interior pad cushions your canine during travel
- Available in Black, Blue, Dark Black, Pink, Purple, and Red
Recommended Weight Limit: 30 pounds
Suitable for Running: No
Pros
- Compact, foldable nature ideal for city settings
- Great extras like added storage for more convenient canine outings
- Budget-friendly price point
Cons
- Some pawrents prefer four-wheel dog strollers
- A few owners report issues with the wheels not moving in unison
3. Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Bike Trailer and Stroller
A three-wheeled, 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 pet stroller for adventures, and it won’t slow down an active owner.
Features:
- Removable interior cushion helps keep your canine comfortable during outings
- Offered in a single color option (Red)
- Safety comes first, with this dog stroller having a built-in hand brake, a visibility flag, and reflectors
- Steel frame offers more stability than lightweight plastic dog strollers
Recommended Weight Limit: 66 pounds
Suitable for Running: Yes
Pros
- Owners report this pet stroller is well-built and durable
- Safety features like brakes and a flag for extra visibility keep your canine more secure
- Higher weight limit a win for medium-sized barkers often left out of the dog stroller market
Cons
- Lack of cupholders and storage a bummer
- Somewhat bulky and heavy at 37 pounds, making it less than ideal in small apartments or for traveling
- More color options would be nice
4. Pet Gear No-Zip Double Pet Stroller
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 provides plenty of space for pet parents with multiple dogs. It also provides great viewing opportunities for your dogs, while keeping them safely inside the stroller with mesh windows. These panels also let in air, helping to prevent your pooches from overheating.
Features:
- Gel-filled tires offer a smooth ride and top-notch comfort
- Available in 2 colors (Boysenberry and Pine Green)
- Latches closed with no zipper, avoiding painful hair snags
- Sizable undercarriage storage bin for carrying canine accessories
Recommended Weight Limit: 60 pounds
Suitable for Running: No
Pros
- Offers plenty of space for venturing out with two small or medium doggos
- Water-resistant material helps keep pups dry
- Ample visibility through the stroller’s numerous mesh panel windows
Cons
- Pricing is on the higher side
- Heavier than most pet strollers at 32 pounds, making it less portable
5. Ibiyaya Multifunction Pet Carrier + Backpack + Carseat + Stroller
This pet stroller can also be used as a backpack, carry-on roller bag, car seat, or plain old pet carrier!
About: Perfect for dogs who need or want regular wheeled assistance, the Ibiyaya Multifunction Wheeled Carrier is practically a transformer, changing into a backpack, carry-on roller bag, car seat, or pet carrier with a few adjustments. It also comes with a detailed manual to ensure you get the most out of it and folds down to an astonishingly small size.
Features:
- Mesh windows offer plenty of ventilation and visibility for pup passengers
- Crafted to baby stroller standards with SGS quality and environmental stress-cracking resistance tests
- Available in 4 colors (Pink, Brown, Blue, and Orange)
- Safety tether keeps your pup secure while a machine-washable interior pad keeps him cozy
Recommended weight limit: 18 pounds
Suitable for running: No
Pros
- Multi-functional design a win for getting the most bang for your buck
- Owners report this dog stroller is easy to assemble
- Using just one carrier makes it easier for your pup to travel comfortably in a secure and familiar space
Cons
- Weight limit restricts use to small breeds only
- On the smaller side, leaving some canines feeling cramped
Is a Dog Stroller Right For Your Canine?
Most dogs are probably happier walking alongside you than being wheeled along. It’s hard to sniff fire hydrants and roll in the dirt if you’re in a dog stroller. That said, some dogs are better off in a dog 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 dog stroller whenever the young dogs went out for a walk!
Injured or disabled dogs may have trouble keeping up on outings. Whether your dog is sick and lacking energy, physically unable to move much, or recovering from surgery or illness, it’s undeniable that getting out of the house is still good for these dogs – all puppers 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 dog 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 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 they are much better suited to shock absorption. Solid plastic wheels are fine for shorter, easy rides, but they won’t hold up well 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 dog strollers 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 (or dogs, if you have multiple pets to consider) 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!
Does your dog love your stroller rides? What features do you love about your stroller? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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