Does Your Dog Need a Stroller? When a Pet Stroller Actually Makes Sense

Pet strollers get a few looks at the park, but for many dogs and cats they are what makes getting outside possible at all.

Who a stroller really helps

• Senior dogs who still love the park but tire halfway through the walk. The stroller lets them walk what they can and ride the rest, so you do not have to cut the outing short.
• Small breeds on long walks, crowded sidewalks, or hot pavement.
• Dogs recovering from surgery or an injury whose vet has limited their walking but who still benefit from fresh air. Follow your vet's activity advice.
• Anxious pets who feel safer in an enclosed space in busy places.
• Cats who enjoy the outdoors but should not be on the ground near traffic or other animals.
• Multi-pet walks, where one pet is much slower than the other.

What to check before buying

• Weight limit and interior size. Your pet should be able to sit, turn and lie down comfortably. Always check the listed limit against your pet's weight.
• Brakes that lock — essential on any slope and whenever you stop.
• An inside safety tether that clips to a harness (not a collar), so your pet cannot jump out.
• Mesh panels for airflow and so your pet can see out.
• Fold and weight if you need to lift it into a car or up stairs.

Our Folding Pet Stroller has an aluminum frame, lockable wheels, a safety rope, breathable mesh, a storage basket and a cup holder, and weighs about 9.4 lb. It is designed for small and medium-sized pets.

How to get your pet used to it

1. Leave the stroller open at home and scatter a few treats inside.
2. Once your pet climbs in on their own, close it for a few seconds, then open and reward.
3. Push slowly around the house before your first outdoor trip.
4. Keep the first outings short and quiet.

A stroller supplements walks, it does not replace them

Dogs that can walk still need to — for their joints, their weight, and the sniffing that keeps them mentally happy. Use the stroller for the part of the outing your dog cannot manage. For how much activity dogs need, see how much play does a dog need.