The Best Dog Strollers in 2022

Buying pet stroller can help give a sick, old, or injured dog a new lease of life. A puppy stroller can also be a useful tool for socializing young dogs before they are able to be put down on the ground or walk long distances. But it is important to buy an appropriate dog carriage that suits the size, breed, and needs of your dog. To help with this, in this part of the buying guide we explore the key considerations for buying a dog stroller and discuss why you should use a stroller designed for pets. We also outline the different types of strollers and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about pet strollers.

Check out our guides on Airline Approved Pet Carriers and Motorcycle Dog Carriers.

Socialization, fresh air, and a change of scenery are important for all dogs, even those whose mobility may be limited for whatever reason. While very small dogs can be carried by their owners there is always a risk of injury to the owner or injury to the dog should the owner fall. For larger dogs, carrying is out of the question. A dog stroller is the perfect answer. When looking for the perfect stroller there are a few key points that you should consider.

• Size

All dog strollers will have a recommended maximum carrying weight. It is important that you do not exceed this as it may make the stroller unstable and potentially cause it to fail. The actual size of the carrying compartment is just as important. Your dog needs to be able to sit and lay down comfortably. Consider the height of the compartment as well as its length and width. A good way to test whether it is suitable for your dog is to lay a towel down at home and get your dog to lay on it in their usual position. Take measurements of the area of the towel that they need to be comfortable and compare this to the dimensions of the compartment on the stroller you are considering.

• Number of dogs

If you need to transport more than one dog, then you will need to consider the weight and size needs of both dogs. As well as being larger strollers that are designed for multiple dogs should have multiple leash attachment points or other safety features and more room for their toys and other accessories. Take a look at our review of the best dog leashes for more options.

• Durability and ride comfort

All dog strollers are designed to be sturdy and provide a comfortable ride on flat, even ground. However, some are specifically designed to deal with rougher terrain and uneven surfaces. If you are considering hiking or walking through woods or generally going off the beaten track, then look for a stroller that is designed for such terrain.

• Wheels

The type of terrain you are planning on walking over will also affect the number and type of wheels that you need to look for on a stroller. Generally, three-wheel strollers with air-filled tires are considered to be the better choice for hiking and jogging. Solid wheel and four-wheel designs are ideal for flat surfaces and general walking around towns and parks.

• Brakes

An effective and easy to use braking system is a must to help you avoid accidents and run-away strollers. Some strollers have front and rear brakes, others just rear braking systems. Check the position of the brake control and ensure that it is in easy reach while you are pushing the stroller.

• Safety features

The best dog strollers come complete with safety restraints or leash clips. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your dog cannot fall or jump out while you are walking. It also reduces the amount of movement in the stroller, which helps maintain weight distribution and balance.

• Zip or no zip

Most strollers come complete with hoods or canopies that completely close to keep your dog secure and protected in less pleasant weather conditions. Some stroller canopies close with zips, while others use a no-zip system and instead use clip locks or something similar. It really depends on which you find easiest to deal with when securing your pet in the stroller. Just remember that you may only have one hand free to open and close the canopy.

• Number and position of entry points

If you have an older or injured pet, then a stroller with front and rear entrances can be useful as it reduces the need for your dog to turn around or try to exit the stroller backward. Make sure that your pet can reach to get into the stroller, particularly if it is a larger dog that is too heavy to lift.

• Canopy and compartment materials

The best strollers have compartments that are covered with hardwearing and durable, weather-proof materials. They should also be easy to clean and resistant to mold growth. If the stroller is not weather-proof, then look for one that comes complete with a weather cover.

Head over to our review of Best Backpack Dog Carriers and Dog Bike Trailers for more choices.

There are numerous reasons why it is useful to invest in a dog stroller. Firstly, for very young puppies that are not ready to be on the ground outside the house, a puppy stroller enables you to start the process of socialization without the risk of them picking up germs. When they are old enough to go down on the ground, having a stroller means you can continue your walk once they are tired. It also means you can limit their walking time so that you reduce the risk of damage to their growing joints, muscles, and ligaments.

If you have smaller dogs, even those in full health may struggle to walk long distances. Little legs get tired, so dog strollers for small dogs allow you to take longer walks without wearing out your pet pooch. If you have two small dogs with different energy levels, then a double pet stroller enables you to more easily cater to the needs of both dogs.

Sick or injured pets who are in the process of recovery still need access to fresh air and a change of surroundings. They may not have the energy to walk or may need to keep dressings clean, so being down on the ground is not always feasible. A dog buggy is the perfect answer, especially one with a closed compartment that keeps your pet out of the elements but still allows them to enjoy their surroundings.

As dogs age, they often become less active and larger dogs especially can suffer from a range of joint issues. This can make walking distances very difficult and they can be too tired and in too much pain to play once you reach the dog park. Investing in a large dog stroller allows you to get your dog to their favorite destination, gives them the energy to play and socialize, and gives you the peace of mind that you can get them home safely and without causing pain or injury.

Most pet strollers follow the same basic design. They are comprised of a compartment, usually with a closing hood or canopy, which sits on a frame with wheels at the bottom and a handle at the top. Within this basic design, you have strollers that are designed for specific purposes such as carrying multiple pets, larger or heavier dogs, jogging and hiking, and lightweight strollers designed for easy folding for traveling.

Other differences in design relate to the number of wheels, the type of wheels (solid or air-filled), and the type of braking system. There are also some strollers that have multiple purposes such as those that can be attached to a bicycle as a trailer and those that can be transformed into carrying cases, backpacks, and dog car seats.

For more options, check out our detailed reviews of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Best Dog Carrier Slings. 

Our top pick is the Paws & Pals 3 Wheeler Elite Jogger Pet Stroller. It is ideal for smaller or senior dogs who cannot manage longer walks. It is also ideal for pets who do not like rain or need to go out during adverse weather conditions. The stroller features front and rear zips, making loading and unloading your pet easy. It also features a leash clip to secure your pet and ensure they cannot escape or tumble out when the canopy is up. The stroller is easy to set up and folds easily with the press of a button. Its compact size when folded makes it simple to store and ideal for traveling.