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8 Best Dog Strollers, Tested and Reviewed

Get across town with your dog off the ground using one of these.

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I've spotted dogs in strollers in Atlanta, Boston and in my city, Brooklyn. In Indianapolis, I watched a dog being happily strolled down a parade route. At first it all seemed a bit silly, but now I better understand why people are pushing their pets.

A dog stroller allows you to quickly get your pooch from here to there, especially if your dog dawdles. I have a friend in Cape Cod who takes both her dogs to the beach but one trots happily and one is a grump, so the sour guy rides in a stroller. A set of wheels smooths the way to the vet or doggy daycare, helping you move faster than you might when toting a dog carrier. If you want to maneuver your dog through a crowd, like at a farmer's market, a doggie stroller keeps your pet from being underfoot and protects it from other dogs.

"Small dogs benefit since they sometimes don't have the stamina for walking far — although my little dog begs to differ," says Megan Conrad, B.V.M.S., a veterinarian with Wellhaven Pet Health who frequently weighs in on petcare for the Good Housekeeping Institute and who owns two pups.

"Dog strollers are also useful for dogs with neuropathies, non-painful nerve conditions that causes difficulty walking," Conrad says. "Or for an elderly dog that can't walk as far as it used to but still wants to be out." We've also noticed that some pandemic-era pups have a hard time separating from their owner and would rather ride along on errands than be left at home. For this list our Lab pros at looked at more than a dozen top-selling dog strollers and tested among dogs of different sizes. We also poured through online reviews and Reddit forums, and consulted pet owners while researching brands we've come to trust.

1
Best Overall

Gen7Pets Promenade

On Sale
Promenade
Now 24% Off
$170 at Amazon
Credit: Gen7Pets
Pros
  • Can hold two dogs, each with their own teether
  • Wide, comfy bed
  • Smooth rolling
  • Sturdy zip-shut storage basket
  • Console with two cup holders and storage compartment
Cons
  • Assembly takes a little care; must add pins for the wheels

This smooth-rolling set of wheels can hold one large or two small dogs, up to 50 pounds in total, thanks to two separate tethers. The bed is wide and, to our human hands, felt comfy and springy. "I've pushed baby strollers and this is totally comparable," said a tester, who used it with a 19-pound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. "The dog loved it."

The Promenade has the largest and most sturdy basket of all the ones we tested. You can't just reach into it; you'll need to bend down and unzip a zipper at the back to access the space. The nice part about that is nothing can fall out when you zip it back up. There's also a useful pet parent console with two cupholders and a storage compartment that clicks shut.

We found folding the stroller to be fairly easy during testing, though it did take a minute to learn the process. Our only hiccup was the assembly; you must insert two pins into the back wheels, which takes good eyesight and dexterity. (You might need to phone a friend!) But even with that, it came together in less than 15 minutes. Gen7Pets also makes our favorite roller bag pet carrier.

Weight limit50 lbs
Dog bed length x width25" x 13"
Stroller weight16 lbs
Stroller dimensions37" x 20" x 40"
2
Best Value

Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite

Amazon’s Choice
Happy Trails Lite
Credit: Pet Gear
Pros
  • Under $100
  • Deep storage basket and two cupholders
  • Dome closes with an easy latch, not a zipper
  • Good choice for small dogs
Cons
  • Not as smooth-rolling as our best overall

You can find even under-$50 dog strollers out there, but our experts felt they were just too rickety to recommend. We prefer this value choice, which comes in under $100, but has relatively substantial wheels and an overall sturdy feel. Happy Trails Lite is also easy to fold and the lower storage basket, though only 10" x 10", is deep enough at 7 inches so that contents don't roll out. Plus, there are two cupholders.

The top dome shuts with a latch, not a zipper, which allows you to quickly secure your dog or let it back out. It's a nice feature for owners and also for nervous pets who don't like the sound of a zipper. At press time, 75 percent of the Happy Trails Lite amazon reviews were five-star ones.

This is best suited for small dogs as it only holds up to 25 pounds and the bed is 22 inches long. Though the seat is compact, the handle is still 40 inches tall, a suitable height for tall pet parents. It's fairly lightweight at 13 pounds, though that means it bounces a bit over the sidewalk so it's not as smooth-rolling as our top choice.

Weight limit25 lbs
Dog bed length x width22" x 11"
Stroller weight13 lbs
Stroller dimensions27" x 17" x 40"
3
Best for Small Dogs

Frisco Collapsible Stroller

Collapsible Stroller
Credit: Frisco
Pros
  • Quick and easy assembly
  • Lightweight
  • Small but deep bed is comfortable for a small dog
  • Folds down compactly
Cons
  • Not the sturdiest cupholder or basket

This lightweight choice also comes in under $100. If you're nervous about assembling a stroller, this one is no sweat. We were able to snap the wheels on and have it ready to go in about four minutes. For such a lightweight stroller (at 11 pounds), it rolled well and turned easily while our tester was walking with it, thanks to its swiveling front wheels. The bed itself is small (only 19 inches long), but it's nearly 10 inches deep and our 20-pound tester dog enjoyed lying in this one and peering out the front mesh panel.

The Frisco brand is a Chewy exclusive. We've previously praised Frisco's hard-to-destroy plush toys for dogs. Chewy customers report using this dog stroller for French Bulldogs and similar-sized pets.

The detachable cupholder is fairly loose, so our tester used it for a water bottle only. ("I would not trust it with a cup of take-out coffee," she said.) The storage basket is shallow yet fits several dog toys. Folding the stroller is a bit awkward but, once folded and locked, it's slim and easy to store.

Related: Our favorite dog harnesses from Chewy, Amazon, Walmart and Petco

Weight limit30 lbs
Dog bed length x width19" x 13"
Stroller weight11 lbs
Stroller dimensions29.4" x 19.7" x 38.2"
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4
Best With Car Seat

Wonderfold P2

P2
Pros
  • Bed detaches to serve as a car seat, held in with a seatbelt
  • The bed can also be a dog carrier
  • Easy fold and unfold
  • Leatherette details
Cons
  • Does not roll as smoothly as others
  • Shallow basket does not hold a lot

With its removable pet bed, the P2 can function as both a dog stroller and a dog car seat — plus it can be a dog carrier, essentially giving you three products for the price of one. You fold the frame out of your way and cart the bed as a carrier using the shoulder strap, making this a nice choice if you frequently transition your pet in and out of your car. Your vehicle's seat belt can attach to straps on the side of the carrier and hold it in place in your backseat. (Read the manual carefully for full instructions.)

"Folding and unfolding is really simple and works well," said a tester who used this with a 10-pound miniature poodle. "The only thing is that it's not great for going over big cracks on a walkway or sidewalk. We hit hard a few times and stopped instantly." Some of the three-wheelers on our list rolled better over bumps, but the P2 does fine if your sidewalks are relatively smooth or you push your dog around a simple park path. This could also be a perfect choice for getting your dog through a crowded station or airport (though if you need the carrier itself to fit under an airplane seat, we have smaller choices in our dog carrier story).

Leatherette details give this a high-end look and a durable feel, especially at the handlebar. The sling basket is the most open and shallow on our list and not able to hold much. There's also a basic, detachable cup holder that hangs off the side.

Weight limit30 lbs
Dog bed length x width22" x 12.5"
Stroller weight16 lbs (carrier is 6 lbs)
Stroller dimensions27" x 17.6" x 39.4"
5
Best for Running

Pet Gear Jogger

Jogger
Pros
  • Front wheel locks straight for running or jogging
  • Robust wheels are gel-filled so no air pump is needed
  • Large tires deliver a smooth ride
  • Lots of ventilation and a panoramic front view
Cons
  • Tougher to fold than the smaller strollers

A dog stroller with large tires and a fixed front wheel allows running or jogging with your pet — extra exercise for you, and a fun outing for them. The 12-inch tires on this model are gel-filled, not air-filled tires, so they provide a smooth ride over most terrain yet can't go flat (unlike some other popular dog joggers on the market, which have to be sold with air pumps and which need more tire maintenance).

Because of the robust tires and frame, you can take a medium-sized or fairly heavy dog in this, as long as it's less than 75 pounds and 28 inches long. That means this is also a great choice even if you only intend to walk but you have a chonky dog who weighs more than the 30 pounds that most regular dog strollers can hold.

Like other Pet Gear strollers, this is zipperless; the mesh latches shut for easier entry and exit. There's plenty of mesh ventilation along all sides for breathability and a panoramic view out the front. It comes with a console that has two cupholders. The basket on this is shallow and both the assembly and the fold are a little more difficult than with other models, because of those big tires.

Weight limit75 lbs
Dog bed length x width28" x 12"
Stroller weight‎33.7 lbs
Stroller dimensions32" x 16" x 42"
6
Best for Two

ibiyaya Double

Double
Pros
  • Two compartments each have two tethers
  • Though top is for a small pet, bottom can hold up to 33 lbs
  • Top compartment could be storage if you prefer
Cons
  • No underseat storage

If you've got two dogs, you'll want a double dog stroller. Actually this double-decker model has two tethers in each of the two compartments, so you could safely transport up to four pets if you've got a brood of small dogs or stroller-loving cats. The brand touts this as a way, for instance, of taking multiple pets to a dog or cat show.

The top compartment is small — less than 16 inches long, and only able to hold 13 pounds — but if you aren't using it for a second pet, it can instead make a nice basket for your own storage. So, say, you're visiting an outdoor market, you can fill that up while your dog sits below. (That larger bed on the bottom holds a dog up to 33 pounds.)

There's no underseat basket storage on this one, but there are pockets on the back of each compartment as well as two cupholders. Assembling is on the easy side but it really helps if you watch the instruction video, which is the second brand video to play on the product's Amazon page.

Weight limitTop: 13 lbs; bottom: 33 lbs
Dog bed length x widthTop: 15.7" x 11.8"; bottom: 23.5" x 11.8"
Stroller weight13 lbs
Stroller dimensions37.8" x 19" x 38.8"
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7
Best for Large Dogs

Pet Gear Expedition

Expedition
Pros
  • Holds a dog up to 150 pounds
  • 11 inches off the ground so your dog can step in
  • Dog can enter from the back or the side
  • Sun roof allows dog to pop out of the top
Cons
  • No cupholder or storage basket

Are you looking to stroll a big and heavy dog? This model from Pet Gear can hold a dog up to 150 pounds and nearly 32 inches long. The front wheels can swivel 360 degrees to help you steer your big bud. You also don't have to do as much heavy lifting with this low-to-the ground dog stroller — you can coax your dog to step up 11 inches onto the dog bed from the side, or from the back. This also makes it a great choice for dogs with an injured leg or a similar health complication.

We like the adjustable handle for the pet parent who is doing the pushing; most other dog strollers have only one set handle height. There's no cupholder or storage basket on this one.

You latch your dog inside, no zipping required. It only has one tether, so it's meant for a single rider. A sun-roof panel zips open so your dog can stick his head out of the top (truly adorable). You do need a wide door to accommodate this going in and out of your home; it might be best if you can store it in a garage.

Weight limit150 lbs
Dog bed length x width32" x 22"
Stroller weight26 lbs
Stroller dimensions39.5" x 29.9" 43"
8
Luxe Dog Stroller and Car Seat

TAVO Pets Maeve + Roscoe

Maeve + Roscoe
Pros
  • Stroller, dog car seat and pet carrier all in one
  • Dog car seat has a stability leg and side-impact protection
  • Nice touches like an extra mattress cover, leatherette trim
  • An investment for people who drive their dog frequently
Cons
  • Highest price we've seen for a dog stroller

It was only a matter of time before pet strollers got as fancy as baby strollers, and this one is a high-end modular system that functions as a gorgeous stroller, car seat and carrier. This set is made by Tavo from the minds of Nuna, which makes our favorite baby stroller for frequent travelers, and the Roscoe pet stroller has the smooth wheels and easy steering you'd want from gear with this price tag.

The "pod" that your dog rides in, the Maeve, clicks on and off the stroller frame. In car-seat mode there's a stability leg you can use and clip-on side impact protection. The brand says its dog car seat benchmarks against United Nations ECE child-restraint standards and is even crash-tested (for dogs, not children), labeling the whole thing a "pet protection system." It could be a worthwhile investment for people who drive often with their dog in the backseat.

Our tester, however, only used this as a stroller. "We are training a puppy and this is helpful when she gets tired," they said. " There's a plush mattress and also two machine-washable mattress covers, plus nice details like leatherette trim, a pet-parent organizer on the handle, and both a short and long tether for the carrier. This model is for medium dogs; Tavo also makes a set for small dogs.

Weight limit30 lbs
Dog bed length x width31.7" x 18.4"
Stroller weight14.5 lbs
Stroller dimensions35.5" x 20.6" x 42"

How we test dog strollers

a cavalier king charles spaniel rides in a stroller down a rainy sidewalk, part of good housekeeping testing the best dog strollers
Jessica Hartshorn

Good Housekeeping Institute pros evaluate pet gear (and kid gear) regularly, and we frequently publish pet-care advice.

For this list of the best dog strollers, we considered bestsellers and new dog strollers from reputable brands. In home tests conducted by both our experts and consumer testers we assessed more than a dozen models, timing how long it took to assemble each stroller. Then we pushed dog strollers along bumpy sidewalks with a dog inside and rated the ease of folding after our walks. We ranked strollers for extras like cupholders and storage. Finally, we interviewed pet owners who use dog strollers, read through online reviews to be sure we weren't missing any important details and checked Reddit forums before finishing our recommendations.

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What to look for when shopping for the best dog stroller

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When picking out a dog stroller for your best friend, consider:

✔️ Weight limit: Compact dog strollers can't carry as much weight as the larger strollers, but it's important for your pet's safety that you find a model that can hold your dog's weight. If you want to use a dog stroller to carry two pups, add their weight together and make sure you buy a stroller that can accommodate that total.

✔️ One tether or more: A must-have safety feature is a tether inside the dog stroller that attaches to your pet's collar, so it can't leap out. If you want to stroll with two dogs, look for a model that includes two tethers.

✔️ Bed length and width: Measure the length of your dog and be sure it is a little shorter than the length of the dog bed on the stroller. When in doubt, go larger — it's best that your dog has some room to turn around and get comfortable. One dog-stroller brand recommends buying a stroller with a bed at least 2 inches longer than your dog. Look at the width too, and measure how wide your dog is while sitting or lying down to be sure they won't be cramped.

✔️ Strolling or jogging tires: Most dog strollers are meant for walking, in which case small plastic wheels will do. If you intend to run with the stroller or tackle rough terrain like a hiking path, look for a model with larger wheels, which provide more stability and a smoother ride. If you'll be jogging, the front wheel should lock so you can go straight without the stroller tending to veer to the side, which can happen if you try to move fast with a stroller that has a swiveling front wheel.

While large tires roll better, they'll add weight to the stroller and prevent it from folding as compactly as a stroller with small wheels. Pick which you want more: A heavy stroller that rolls smoothly but is still somewhat large when folded, or a lightweight and compact stroller that bounces a bit over cracks and bumps.

✔️ Number of tires: Eight weak tires are worse than three high-quality ones, so quality counts far more than quantity. In general, a stroller with three wheel positions is made to take on rougher terrain (but not always; again, check how big and robust those tires are first). Strollers with wheels at all four corners generally provide a stable ride on a smooth path.

Can a dog ride in a baby stroller?

a brown curly dog rides safely harnessed in to a dog stroller, part of a good housekeeping story on the best dog strollers
Kerry Stranman

No, pets should always ride in a pet-specific stroller, like Mickey is doing (pictured). Don't put your dog in a baby stroller or a toy stroller because:

✔️ Dog strollers have a tether to clip to the collar so your pet doesn't leap out. If your dog sees a squirrel and wants to give chase, you won't have a runaway as long as your dog is clipped in.

✔️ The seat is a flat bed in a pet stroller, so that your dog can lie down. A baby stroller is usually angled, not flat, and it's not comfortable for an animal who either wants to rest or stand up and see the sights.

✔️ Most pet strollers can be completely enclosed with mesh that zips or latches shut. This is another way to prevent a dog or cat from escaping, and it lets you provide a bit of privacy so your pet isn't bothered by curious kids or nosy canines.

On the flip side, you should never put a baby in a pet stroller. Pet strollers have none of the safety features required for a baby or a toddler. We also noticed in testing that there are plenty of pinch points when you fold these dog strollers. If you're opening or closing a dog stroller and have a young child, be sure they stand off to the side. For your kid's use, see any of our favorite baby strollers.

How to care for your dog stroller

a bulldog in an orange booyah dog stroller, part of a good housekeeping story on the best dog strollers
Amy Roberts

Pet strollers are made with water-resistant fabric to repel rain and to prevent the bed from getting ruined if your dog has an accident. All parts can be wiped down with a disinfectant wipe for cleaning. If the wheels get muddy you can rinse them with a hose.

The interior pads can be removed and washed with soap and water in a sink, then air-dried. Most have a stiff plastic or a wooden board inside to provide stability, so they can't go in the washing machine.

Many users report lining a stroller with a dog blanket or pet bed to make it more plush. Teddy (pictured) often visits the beach so his owners line his dog stroller with a beach blanket. Some brands sell bolsters; for instance there's a fuzzy stroller pad that matches with our value pick, Happy Trails stroller from Pet Gear (and it can be machine-washed).

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing consumer products for nearly 125 years. Scientists, engineers and experts of every sort test appliances, cleaning products, home goods, beauty products and yes, items for pets such as dog beds and cat toys. Many of our Lab pros are also pet parents.

This article was written by Contributing Writer Jessica Hartshorn, who previously covered pet gear and baby gear for Parents magazine. She leaned on dog-owning friends, relatives and consumer testers to provide real-life feedback on dog strollers but also personally assembled and pushed top choices with some of her favorite neighborhood dogs. You can also read her picks for the best dog jackets and the best cat carriers.

Headshot of Jessica Hartshorn
Jessica Hartshorn
Contributing Writer

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents.

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