How To Choose a Dog Stroller?
Introduction to Choosing a Dog Stroller
Perhaps dog strollers are a new concept to you, or maybe you’ve had yours for several years and the design has naturally progressed, making it time for an upgrade.
Either of which may leave you wondering how do I choose a dog stroller?
There are several factors that lead you into making your decision, and with some guidance, you can steer through all of the noise and navigate to your final choice via process of elimination.
What to look for when buying a pet stroller?
Type
A dog stroller is a dog stroller, right? Wrong.
In the same way a baby pram is different from a baby pushchair, in the world of pet strollers there are several types. At least, that's the way we view them here at Silver Circle Pets. Thankfully, we've categorised them by type, allowing you to shop more conveniently and recognise which type would suit you best.
From an easy city saunter, to a more exertive excursion, to a trip or travel; we've got a classification of dog stroller to suit.
City Dog Strollers: Designed for urban adventures, our city dog strollers offer sleek manoeuvrability and compact designs perfect for navigating busy pavements, crowded shops, and public transport with ease.
Ibiyaya Cloud 9 dog pram - plastic wheels
Mixed Terrain Dog Strollers: Built to tackle a variety of surfaces, our mixed terrain dog strollers feature robust wheels and enhanced suspension systems, allowing you and your furry friend to comfortably explore everything from paved park paths to rugged nature trails.
Ibiyaya The Beast dog jogging stroller - PU tyres
Pet Travel Systems: Our versatile pet travel systems combine the functionality of a pushchair, carrier, and car seat in one ingenious package, providing a seamless and safe travel experience for your pet whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a cross-country adventure.
WonderFold P2 3-in-1 Pet Travel System - rubber tyres
Some even have the ability to be turned into a dog trailer with use of an additional tow-bar. This allows you the freedom to choose your mode of travel or adventure for you and your fur friend.
Dog Bike Trailers: Perfect for active pet owners, our dog bike trailers are designed to attach securely to your bicycle, offering a safe and comfortable ride for your pet. These trailers often feature robust construction, ample ventilation, and easy-to-clean interiors, making them ideal for both short trips and long-distance cycling adventures.
InnoPet Sporty Deluxe multifunctional dog trailer & dog stroller
Accessibility and Dog Wagons
When considering a pet stroller, the accessibility of the model you opt for is a crucial factor, especially for pets with limited mobility due to conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint or spinal issues.
These conditions can make it challenging for pets to climb into a stroller that stands higher off the ground, similar to a traditional pram style, such as model like the InnoPet City Hopper dog pram.
In such cases, the pet would need to be lifted in and out every time, which can be cumbersome and potentially strain both the pet and the owner. It's wise to consider not only your pet's current mobility but also their potential future limitations, as well as your own.
Opting for a model that is styled as more of a dog wagon with a low loading level, than a traditional pram or stroller style, can significantly enhance accessibility for your pet. Wagon style models like the Petique Apollo (pictured below), the InnoPet Hercules, and the Ibiyaya Gentle Giant are designed with low entry points, making it easier for pets to step in and out without assistance.
Additionally, the number and type of entry points on a stroller can greatly affect its accessibility. Some dog wagons, such as the Apollo or the Grand Cruiser, feature an open-top canopy, allowing pets to board and alight from any position.
This open, free space is particularly beneficial compared to strollers with a single, fixed entry point, which can be restrictive and challenging for pets with mobility issues.
Additional Ramp Options
For even greater accessibility, the Ibiyaya Grand Cruiser offers an additional portable ramp that can be attached to the stroller. This ramp allows pets to walk in and out of the stroller with ease, eliminating the need for lifting and reducing strain on both the pet and the owner.
On the other hand, the Petique Apollo comes with an included, attached ramp, providing a built-in solution for pets with mobility issues. This innovative design ensures that pets can independently enter and exit the stroller, making outings more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.
By considering these above two factors, you can choose a pet stroller, or pet wagon, that not only meets your pet's current needs but also accommodates any future mobility challenges, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for your furry friend.
Size
The weight of your canine (or feline) friend is one of the most defining factors when you're deciding which model to choose as each pet stroller is designed to support a different weight capacity and size animal.
Thankfully, here at Silver Circle Pets, you can refine your search by weight capacity, allowing you to view models that are best suited to your furry friend.
Buy Pet Stroller
You should ensure that the stroller kilogram capacity is large enough to support the weight of your pet so that the it doesn't buckle under the load.
Consider not only your pet's current weight, but allow a margin for fluctuating weight, or for a fur-friend of theirs to hop on-board too.
The kilogram rating also indicates what size of pet the stroller is intended to carry. Some are lightweight and made to carry a small pet, where as others are made to support a wider variety and can hold a medium to large sized pet.
Achieving this is simply a case of measuring your furry friend while they are standing, from toe to their tallest point (be that the top of their head or the tip of their ear). While they are lying down, measure their length from nose to tail.
InnoPet Buggy Comfort AIR & InnoPet Buggy Comfort EFA dimensions
Each dog stroller model lists their dimensions and usually has a handy diagram, allowing you to compare that to the measurements of your animal companion that you wrote down.
Comfort
Each stroller has its own version of ventilation, which can come in the form of large mesh windows at the front, rear, and/or side for closed-cabin models; an open-top cabin to allow your fur-friend to catch the breeze as you travel through the streets, parks, or trails; or a partial opening cabin hood that provides the best of both worlds — some privacy and, due to the fold-back design, also offers ventilation and fresh air for your dog, cat, rabbit, or ferret.
Some dog strollers offer enhanced comfort options, including compatible mattresses available as additional accessories. These specially designed cushions can provide extra padding and support, making the ride even more enjoyable for your pet. The mattresses are often removable and washable, allowing for easy maintenance and hygiene.
InnoPet Premium Cozy Fleece Mattress
Some manufacturers even offer orthopedic or memory foam options, which can be particularly beneficial for older pets or those with joint issues.
InnoPet Sporty dog stroller & trailer orthopedic mattress
InnoPet Hercules orthopedic mattress
Some dog strollers are designed and made with integral suspension, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride for your pet by absorbing shocks and bumps from uneven surfaces. This feature is particularly beneficial for pets with joint issues or those who are sensitive to rough terrain, ensuring they can enjoy their outings without discomfort.
InnoPet Avenue dog pram with front suspension
The comfort of your furry sidekick is paramount. However, thought of the human user has been considered with various dog strollers being equipped with a height-adjustable handle-bar for user ergonomics when being pushed along.
When selecting a stroller, it's worth checking if these comfort-enhancing accessories are inclusive or available as an add-on, as they can significantly improve your pet's travel experience.
Wheel Type
InnoPet City Buggy - EFA wheels
Strollers with larger wheels will allow you to explore multiple terrain types, places further afield, local parks and fields, beaches, trail routes, or even just getting around if you live in a more remote area.
Dog strollers come equipped with different types of wheels suited to different intended uses such as plastic wheels, EVA wheels, EFA wheels, or even Air-filled wheels.
Storage
Each dog stroller comes with its own version of storage for accessories.
Some feature a large pocket, others have a storage space underneath allowing you to pack some goods you may need, such as a treats, a lead, a ball, a pet first aid kit, or water and a bowl.
Not only is the storage on the pet stroller an important consideration, but the storage of the stroller is also a key factor when deciding which one will be the chariot to enhance your pet's life.
If you plan on travelling between towns and cities then consider whether or not the stroller will fit in the boot of your car?
Diagrams that show the stroller dimensions, like the above for the InnoPet Buggy Comfort range, are useful when choosing which model of animal stroller you would prefer.
InnoPet Buggy Comfort EFA
Pet Stroller Safety
Finally, pet strollers come with at least one built-in safety leash to tether your pet to the stroller, which ensures a safe ride. Some premium models offer two or even three leashes, but in the case that you've bought a dog stroller from a third-party market place and it hasn't come equipped with safety tethers, we have a spare set of 3 dog stroller leashes available to purchase here: https://silvercirclepets.co.uk/products/innopet-sporty-deluxe-leash-set-of-3
As can be seen in the InnoPet Sporty Deluxe multifunctional dog trailer & dog stroller (pictured below)
Cat Strollers
Integrated leashes are crucial, especially for cat strollers. Cats, by nature, differ significantly from dogs in their behavior and temperament. While dogs often adapt easily to strollers and can be trained to enter and exit them, cats tend to be more skittish and unpredictable. Given cats' typically more nervous disposition, we at Silver Circle Pets recommend enclosed-cabin strollers for feline companions. This design serves two important purposes:
- It prevents cats from suddenly jumping out of the stroller.
- The enclosed space creates a more secure environment, helping cats feel safe during their ride.
Conclusion
We are often drawn to the aesthetic aspects of items we consider purchasing, such as colour. However, when selecting a pet transport solution, there are numerous other factors to consider beyond the colour. These factors ensure you choose a model that sufficiently meets your needs and your pet's requirements. While colour is a personal preference, it doesn't affect the functionality or suitability of the stroller for your animal companion.
1. Type: Choose between city strollers, mixed terrain models, pet travel systems, or dog bike trailers based on your lifestyle and intended use.
2. Size and Weight Capacity: Ensure the stroller can comfortably accommodate your pet's size and weight, with room for growth or additional pets.
3. Comfort: Look for features like ventilation, adjustable hoods, suspension systems, and compatible mattresses for your pet's comfort.
4. Wheel Type: Consider the terrain you'll be navigating and choose appropriate wheels (plastic, EVA, EFA, or air-filled).
5. Storage: Evaluate both the storage options on the stroller and how easily the stroller itself can be stored when not in use.
6. Safety: Ensure the stroller has built-in safety leashes and always attach them to your pet's harness, not their collar.
By carefully considering these different aspects, you can find a stroller type for your pet that not only meets your practical needs but also enhances your pet's outdoor experiences. Remember, the right stroller can open up new adventures for both you and your animal companion, allowing them to join you on various outings while ensuring their comfort and safety.
Check out our segmented ranges of pet strollers to find a suitable one for your pet:
Buy Dog Stroller
Buy Cat Stroller
Buy Pet Travel System
Buy Dog Trailer