When choosing your pet stroller there are some important factors you need to take into consideration. You want to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable and that the dog stroller will perform to your satisfaction based on where your outings will take place.
The primary criteria in your selection starts with the weight capacity of the cat and dog stroller. Both the compartment or cabin and the frame have weight limits and this is normally the same for each except in the case of double strollers. The weight capacity or limit should be listed for each pet stroller, so you will need to know the weight of your pet to get started. It never hurts to have a pet stroller that is designed to carry more weight than what your pet weighs but, never ever less.
The next area to pay attention to is the size of the compartment as compared to the size of your pet. In order for your cat or dog to be comfortable, they must have enough room to sit, stand, turn around and lie down. It is not necessary to have enough room for your pet to run around though, as this is not a replacement for your pet getting exercise. Making sure the height of the compartment exceeds the height of your pet at the shoulders allows sufficient room for standing and sitting. You can check the width and length of the pet stroller compartment by using masking tape, yardsticks, etc. to make a rectangle on the floor equal to these dimensions. If your pet can curl up and lie down within this area, you are good to go with that size interior.
For optimum performance you should consider where you plan on using and taking your dog stroller. Some pet strollers will only perform satisfactorily on level pavement and traversing small curbs, while others are capable of going virtually anywhere you may want to venture with a stroller. Wheel size is the main determining factor here. The larger the wheels are on the pet stroller, the easier venturing off the sidewalk will be. Inflated tires and/or shock absorbers make it easier for you over rough terrain and provide a cushiony ride for your pet. Some pet strollers have even been designed with the jogger in mind to provide the stability and mobility required when pushing and running with the stroller.
If you plan on using your pet stroller in all types of weather, you need to consider the protection your pet requires. Wind and rain covers are a must for keeping your pet healthy and comfortable during rainy, windy and cold conditions. At a minimum the pet stroller compartment should be able to be completely enclosed with water resistant material.
Additional features you should take into account will increase the pleasure of both you and your pet when using your dog and cat stroller. A well ventilated cabin area insures plenty of fresh air and provides viewing for both you and your pet. A padded insert provides a soft ride and should be removable and washable for easy cleaning. Wheels with a locking brake are almost a necessity to prevent unwarranted rolling when you least expect it. Reflective strips are a great feature for walking after dark. Some dog strollers include a flashing light for additional safety when walking at night. A collapsible pet stroller is a must if you intend to travel and greatly simplifies where and how you can store your stroller. A cup holder or water bottle holder provides transport for both you and your pets liquid refreshments. If you plan to stroll with a lot of items such as toys, snacks, etc., pay particular attention to the storage areas and pockets available. A parent tray provides easy access for you for items you need to keep handy such as cell phones.
If you are looking for versatility and multiple options from your dog stroller, those with detachable carriers allow you to keep your pet contained while moving from one venue to another. Some of these carriers are also designed to function as pet car seats allowing simplified travel options with your pet. Multiple pets can be accommodated by either a double pet stroller that has separate cabins or one that is large enough to hold more than one of our smaller breeds.
Pet strollers will give you years of enjoyment with your pets if you follow these guidelines when making your choice. Happy Strollering!!
