The Spruce Pets
Dog strollers make it easy to bring your dog alongno matter what his or her size or age. Small dogs whose little legs tire quicklysenior dogs who may not be able to go on long walks any longerand dogs recovering from surgery or those with mobility issues can benefit from riding in a stroller. And most dogs seem to think it’s a treat to take in the sights and smells while you do the work!
Dog strollers come in various sizesbased on your dog’s weight. Some strollers have larger “jogger” wheelsmaking them a better choice for roughunpaved terrain or if you’re actually going to run with it. There are also a few that remove from the stroller frame and convert into carriers that can be used in your car for transporting pets to and from vet visits and so on.
Top Picks
Best Overall
Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite Pet Stroller
Easy to close the canopy with a secure clasp and no zippers
Lightweight and compact design that's easy to fold for storage in a closet or trunk of a car
Water-resistant carriage with removablewater-resistant interior liner
Mesh panels for airflow and viewing on all sides and top
Foot brakes at rear and front shock absorbers
Pets closer to weight limit of 25 pounds may find the carriage a little snug
The Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite No-Zip Pet Stroller provides perks for pawrents and pups. Its got an easy-to-foldlightweight designand now comes with with a tray and cup holder built-in to the handle bar. There's even an elevated paw rest for small dogs (under 25 pounds) to enjoy the ride and the view.
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
In our lab testing coursethe stroller glided smoothly over turf and cement curbsand with several months of real world testingthe stroller continues to offer a calming ride for its canine passenger.
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
The carriage cover of this stroller pops down easily and closes securely in place with a clasp. In our testingzippers could at times get stuck on fabric which also made us think it could possibly get stuck on furso we like that this carriage doesn't have any zippered panels. Before setting out on a strollan interior security leash makes it easy to attach your dog via their harness or collar.
The stroller is sturdy and the exterior fabric provides light protection from the elementsshielding the sun and preventing rain from entering. The interior of the stroller comes with a removablewaterproof liner to make it easy to clean up any accidents. Plusthe storage basket under the carriage does a good job at keeping items securely in placeeven when folded upbut we don't recommend putting anything valuable or fragile in that compartment.
Dimensions: 21.5 x 11.5 x 17 inches | Stroller Weight: 11.5 pounds | Weight Limit: 25 pounds | Color(s): Boysenberrypine greenjaguar | Suitable for jogging: No | Number of riders: One small dog or cat
Best Upgrade
Tavo Pets Maeve + Roscoe Pet Stroller
Excellent maneuverability and sturdy design
Use as stroller and car seat (crash tested)
Easy to fold and setup
Large footprint than other options on our list
Made by the same company that manufactures deluxe baby strollersthe Tavo Maeve + Roscoe 3-in-1 Pet Protection System takes pet strollers to a whole new level. Granted this combination stroller and car carrier is a splurgebut it’s lived up to its hypein my opinionbecause its luxury price tag matches its luxury features.
The carrier clicks neatly and quickly into the stroller portionand off you go with no assembly required. It can stand up to a quick walking pace without feeling unstable. The handle has a sturdy cup holder and spot for your cell phoneas well as a little covered box with a magnetic latch that can corral keys.
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
The magnetic buckles to close the canopy are especially efficient and foolproof. Mesh ventilation panels keep the canopy cool for your petwhile the canopy itselfwhich is UPF50 sun protection fabricopens from either side. If you choose to keep the canopy openthere also are two different leash lengths and leash attachment points inside to keep your pet from jumping out while strolling.
For use as a car carrieryou install a separate vehicle base onto the car seat. A stability leg extends from the base to the floor of the vehicle. In an accidentthe stability-leg decreases rotation and keeps the carrier anchored properly.
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Credit: The Spruce Pets
Admittedlythere’s a bit of a learning curve when you’re first trying to figure out how to attach the carrier to the vehicle base. But after a few attemptsI can do it without issue. Indicators on several attachment points turn green to show you when you’ve got it properly seated in the vehicle base.
The interior is cozywith two liners: a fabric liner that matches the canopy or a plush fleece-like liner. The carrier comes in small and medium to accommodate pets up to 25 or 30 poundsdepending on the carrier size chosen. I have a medium and find it’s fine for my tiny dogs but I’m not sure a dog larger than about 20 pounds would like feeling so confined. It’s also available with either a flexible or rigid handle.
For safetyonly one dog should ride inside the Tavo carrier at a time. I did discover that one of my dogswho often cries in his crate in the carwas completely quiet and content when snuggled inside the car carrier portion. For this reasonI think it’s worth considering for any dog that is nervous inside a car crate. After more than a year of useI still love the easy maneuverabilitystabilityand efficiency of this system.
Dimensions: SmallL 24.6L x 16W x 18.25H inches; medium31.7L x W 16W x H 21H inches | Stroller weight: Stroller frame14 pounds; Small carrier7.8 pounds with canopy9 pounds with vehicle base; medium carrier10.8 pounds with canopy12.2 pounds with vehicle base| Weight Limit: Small25 pounds; medium30 pounds | Colors: Onyxmerlefawnbrindleand sable| Suitable for jogging: Not specified| Number of riders: One pet
Best Budget
BestPet Cat Dog Stroller
Budget priced
Large mesh panels for air circulation
No storage space
Maneuverability not greatespecially on uneven pavement
If you just need a basic stroller for occasional usethis budget pick is worth considering. The compartment has a double zipper for full wrap-around closurewhich makes entry easy. The wheels turn 360-degreeswhich helps with maneuverability.
It’s not meant to be used as a jogger nor will it do well on uneven surfacesbut it’s serviceable enough for light use with one small dog (less than 30 pounds). Because it’s so lightweightit’s easy to load in and out of vehicles. Our tester felt the mesh front was nice for puppy visibilitybut that the nylon sun cover was probably not very waterproof.
Dimensions: 31.5 x 19.7 x 41.3 | Stroller Weight: 8 pounds | Weight Limit: 35 pounds | Color(s): BlueLeopard SkinOrangePinkRedTealand Yellow Plaid | Suitable for jogging: No | Number of riders: One dog
Best for Big Dogs
Pet Gear No-Zip Pet Stroller
Can hold dogs up to 150 pounds
Adjustable handle bar
Lots of window panels
Push button entry in the front and back
Lower profile
Zippered mesh panel on the top
Reflective stripe
No extras like storage pockets or cup holder
Security leash attached via hook and loop straps which our tester didn't think felt very sturdy
If you have a large dog the Pet Gear Expedition No-Zip Stroller is equipped to provide a restful ride with a generous weight limit of 150 pounds. The wide carriage is set low making entry and exit easier for senior dogs and dogs with mobility issues. The stroller has mesh on every side and can be opened and closed with a button at the front and the back.
There is a zippered mesh panel at the very top that can be opened—kind of like a sunroof in a car—and taller doggos can stick their head out. And there are mesh panel throughout allowing humans and dogs to keep an eye on each other.
The handle bar is adjustable so you can find a level that works for you. There is also lightly padded liner that can be removed for cleaning. But the stroller could be improved with more cushioning for the pupper passenger and a security leash attached to the frame instead of a hook and loop strap.
Dimensions: 32 x 22 x 23 inches | Stroller Weight: 30 pounds | Weight Limit: 150 pounds | Color(s): Fogboysenberry | Suitable for jogging: No | Number of riders: One large dog
The Spruce Pets
Best Jogger
Pet Gear Jogger Pet Stroller
Sturdy frame
Roomy enough for two small dogs
Easy to maneuver; rolls smoothly
Doesn’t fold flat enough for easy transport
The Pet Gear No Zip Jogger Pet Stroller is suitable choice for two small dogs or one medium sized dog. The stroller offers smooth maneuverability and stability on both paved surfaces and natural terrain. It has a canopy that easily pops open or securely locks shut without any zippers involved. The weight limit is 75 poundsbut a large dog might not feel comfortable in the basket portion.
For storagethe stroller is equipped with a lower basket offering ample space. There is also a cup holder at the handlesbut our tester felt it was too shallow to securely hold a reusable water bottle. The stroller folds upbut it still takes up a generous amount of space in car or a closet.
Dimensions: 35"L x 28.5"W x 42"H| Stroller Weight: 30 pounds| Weight Limit: 75 pounds | Colors: Forest greenmidnight riverrugged red| Suitable for jogging: Yes | Number of riders: Not specifiedbut fits two small or one medium dog
Final Verdict
The Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite Pet Stroller is our top choice for most. It's affordableeasy to useand folds up easily. If you want a stroller that doubles as a crash-tested pet car seatwe strongly recommend the Tavo Pets Maeve Roscoe 3-in-1 Pet Protection System. It’s admittedly a splurgebut its maneuverability topped anything else we tested.
How We Tested
We purchased and tested 20 dog strollers in our New York Labsetting up each and then running them through several tests to rate and compare features and functionality. We brought in two real dogsused propsand weighted sandbags to challenge claims made by manufacturers. Our methodology guided testers through multiple scores while also gathering subjective impressions along the way.
We then sent each stroller to a home with a dog suited for the design of their designated stroller. Each tester incorporated the dog stroller into their routines and provided regular check-ins on the performance. Taking note of anything changes in qualitymaneuverabilityand durability.
Equipped with this first-hand informationwe ranked and categorized our top picks to simplify your search for the right dog stroller.
Testing the Best Dog Strollers for Weight LimitSizeand Safety Features
What to Look for in a Dog Stroller
Weight Limit
All dog strollers have a weight limit that dictates the size of dog that can be safely transported inside. It’s important to find a stroller that can accommodate your dog’s weight. If you get one that is too smallyou risk injuring yourself or your pet. If your dog is on the cusp—for instancethe weight limit is 30 pounds and your dog is 28 pounds—you may want to size upjust to be safe.
Size
Depending on the model you choosedog strollers can be quite largeso you’ll want to look at the dimensions of each product before you buy. As when shopping for wagons for dogscheck that the pet compartment is large enough to accommodate your dog comfortably and that the unit will fit in your carif needed. Many strollers do fold flat for storagewhich is another factor to take into account. Smaller dogs might be more comfortable and secure in one of these dog bike baskets.
Safety Features
There are a number of safety features you may want to look for in dog strollers or cat strollers. Common features include a built-in leash to prevent your dog from jumping outa safety brake on the back wheelsand safety clips that stop zippered compartments from opening while you’re moving.
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Is it safe to put a dog in a baby stroller?
It is not safe to push your dog in a baby strolleras these products lack the features necessary to keep your dog secure. Most dog strollers have a fully enclosed compartment to prevent animals from jumping outand many even have a built-in leash for back up. Baby strollerson the other handgenerally have open frontswhich do not provide sufficient protection for your pet.
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Can you bring a dog stroller on an airplane?
If you’re planning to travel via airplane with your peta stroller is a great way to keep them secureand it saves you from having to carry around a traditional carrierwhich can get heavy. Most airlines allow you to check a pet stroller at the gate before boardingthe same way you would with a baby stroller (you’ll want to double-check with your particular airline to be sure)but when going this routekeep in mind that you may also need an airline-approved carrier or a travel backpack to put your dog in during the flight.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This roundup was mostly recently updated by Arricca SanSonewho writes for The Spruce PetsPreventionGood HousekeepingVERANDASouthern Livingand more. Her two papillons love riding in their stroller. Arricca also has provided guidance for the best dog paw balmsbest dog ID tagsbest mosquito repellents for dogsand the best dog ramps. She even can help you pick your first beekeeping suit or the best filter for your axolotl tank.
A previous version was written by Anna Mejoradaan editor The Spruce Petswho shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidgetwho also participated in testing and enjoys cruising in her Tavos Pets Maeve + Roscoe Pet Stroller. Before researching and writing about pet products for a livingMejorada embarked on a self-mandatedongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.