 |
To help you select the best pet stroller for you and your
pet, here are some tips we've learned from the sale and
service of thousands of pet strollers. Please browse the
information on this page or click on one of the following
suggestions for more information:
Check your pet's dimensions and not just his or her weight
You'll often see cat and dog strollers sold with
information about the maximum weight they handle.
The weight limit indicates how much the frame supports and
not whether a pet of that weight will be
comfortable within the compartment, so be sure to verify the height, width,
and length of the stroller compartment compared to your
pet. We see a very low return rate but when
strollers are returned, it is usually due to animals who
are not
comfortable in a pet stroller that suits his or her weight
but not dimensions.
Pet Stroller Tip: If you have concerns
about whether your pet will fit into a particular
stroller, use masking tape or newspaper on the floor to create a
rectangle equal to the length and width of the pet
stroller. In a pet stroller, your pet doesn't need so much room that he
or she can run around, but your cat or dog must
be able to sit, stand, turn around, and curl up
comfortably within the given dimensions.
Back to top
Do you only walk on well-maintained sidewalks? If
so, strollers with smaller wheels should suit you well;
but if you wish to take your pet over cracked pavement, ice- or snow-covered sidewalks,
sand, gravel trails, or grassy areas, then consider a pet
stroller specifically made for rougher terrains.
Products with larger wheels, stronger frames, and shock
absorbers will give your pet a safer and more comfortable
ride.
Pet Stroller Tip: For uneven terrains,
consider pet strollers with larger
wheels, sturdier frames, and shock absorbers. Examples
of pet strollers made for rougher terrains include the
AT3 All Terrain Pet Stroller and the
Jeep Rubicon Pet Stroller.
Back to top
Assess your storage and travel needs to decide if a
collapsible stroller is necessary
Some pet strollers
are specifically designed to be very easy to collapse--the entire stroller folds at
the push of a button, making it perfect for travel and
storage.
Pet Stroller Tip: If you want a product that can easily fold
to just several inches in depth, then consider pet strollers
from Jeep and Pet
Gear or the
Walk 'n Roll Pet Stroller.
Back to top
Would a stroller with a detachable carrier or car seat provide more value and function for
you?
Some pet strollers are multi-functional, converting from a
stroller to carrier and/or a car seat. These pet
strollers are usually smaller than other models, so they may
not be right for larger dogs and other pets. Some different
examples and types of detachable carriers and car seats
include:
- The Kittywalk Pet Stroller
line: These pet strollers feature carriers that
detach, but they are quite bulky and not generally
functional for carrying pets over longer distances.
The detachable compartments are great for moving a pet into
and out of a home or vehicle without having to remove your
pet from the stroller's enclosed compartment.
-
Pet Travel Strollers: These pet strollers feature
carriers that can easily be used to transport your pet around
town or on trips. Pet travel strollers have shoulder
straps that attach to the compartment for easy carrying, and
they include a car seat loop so that the carrier can be secured
in a vehicle using the seat belt. The size of these
pet strollers make them appropriate only for smaller pets.
Examples include the spacious
Pet Gear Travel System and the
Pet Valet, which can fit underneath an airplane seat.
Back to top
Consider your pet's preference for privacy
If your pet wants to get outdoors but still wishes to
have some privacy, select a stroller with a privacy
parlor. Kittywalk strollers have two
sections--one netted area so your pet can see out and enjoy the
sights, and a second section that is surrounded by canvas
so he or she can be alone.
Pet Stroller Tip: If your pet may desire some
"me time" during a stroll, check out the Kittywalk
pet strollers, which offer a privacy compartment for your
cat or dog.
Back to top
If you wish to jog with your pet stroller, select the
right pet product for your purposes
If you wish to go jogging with your pet stroller, select a
stroller made for such a use. Regular pet strollers
will not provide the stability or mobility you need for
jogging speed! Pet strollers that are
best for jogging have three wheels rather than four (for
stability) and offer large
wheels, shock absorbers. and other safety features.
Pet Stroller Tip: One stroller made
specifically for jogging is the
Jeep Rubicon Jogging Pet Stroller; it features
air-filled tires, a front wheel that is fixed in the
forward position, a fender over the front wheel to keep
your pet dry, a hand brake, sturdy shock absorbers, and an
air pump.
Back to top
Consider if you'll stroll in inclement weather
If you only plan to use your pet stroller when the sun is
shining, then any pet stroller will do for you and your
pet. But if you plan to use your pet stroller on
days that are raining, windy, or cold, then consider a pet
stroller that provides more protection for your loved one.
Pet Stroller Tip: Examples of pet
strollers that provide the
greatest all-weather protection include the
Happy Trails
PLUS Pet Stroller and
AT3 All Terrain pet strollers, which come with Wind &
Rain covers. Other strollers have rain covers as an
optional item available at additional expense.
Back to top
Be aware of how many items you
may wish to take with you on a stroller
If you and your pet stroll with a lot of items
such as toys, water bottles, and snacks, consider a pet
stroller with a large basket for storage and transport of
items. In addition, if you wish to stroll with
beverages or cell phones handy, select a pet stroller with a
"parent tray" mounted to the stroller handle.
Pet Stroller Tip: If you carry a lot with
you, check out the
Pet Gear or
Jeep pet strollers;
all offer large mesh baskets for maximum carrying
capacity, and all but one include a parent tray.
Back to top
Beware of hidden costs
When comparing strollers and retailers, check the price
but don't stop there:
- Watch for hidden shipping
charges;
- Be sure you read the return policies to find a
retailer who backs their products;
- Check to see if
the retailer has product in stock and can ship
quickly; and
- Do not purchase from an online store that doesn't
share ratings and comments from customers.
Back to top
Be careful about look-alike pet strollers
As pet strollers have become more popular, cheap look-alike strollers have reached the market. They have
similar designs as name brands, but the knock-offs are not
made with the same quality construction and materials and have a much higher return
rate. Many wholesalers of these "knock offs" won't
stand behind the product, so many retailers don't permit
returns.
Pet Stroller Tip: Look for genuine, quality brands such as
Pet Gear, Happy Trails, Jeep, Pet Valet, and Kittywalk!
And please be confident in purchasing from
JustPetStrollers.com: We only carry pet strollers in
which we trust our own pets!
Back to top
Be sure your pet gets the exercise he or she needs
Pet strollers have many great purposes, such as taking
pets to outdoor events and parks, making trips to the vets,
visiting dog shows, permitting cats to get fresh air, and
providing a means to transport older or injured animals.
But, we want your pets to he healthy! Please use your
pet stroller wisely and keep your pet healthy with plenty of
exercise!
Back to top
Tips for helping your pets adjust to a pet stroller
Finally, here are some tips to help you and your pet
adjust to your new pet stroller. Most people find their pets take to pet strollers immediately, but for
those of you with change-resistant pets, here are some
easy tips to help your pet with his or her new pet
stroller:
- Try leaving the pet stroller open and available
to your pet with some treats inside the stroller. Let
your cat or dog explore the
pet stroller and get to the treats inside. Be sure to
lock the wheels so the stroller doesn't move as your
pet explores it. Many pets will begin to treat the
stationary stroller like a bed or perch.
- Before going out of doors, try wheeling your pet
to an open door or window. Let your pet
associate the stroller with the great outdoors, but
allow him or her to get acclimated from the safety of
indoors.
- Reward your pet with a treat the first couple of
times you use the pet stroller.
- Plan a few quiet trips first. Pet
strollers are great for taking pets to crowded or
hectic environments, but plan your first couple of
trips to nearby destinations that are quieter and at
times that are less busy. Let your pet get used to the
new stroller experience without too much hustle and
bustle.
- Place a favorite blanket inside a
stationary pet stroller. A familiar blanket will
provide a sense of safety and will allow your pet to hide
when they want some privacy.
- Once accustomed to the pet stroller, only put your pet in the stroller when
headed outside. Your pet should associate the
pet stroller with the enjoyment of being out of doors
rather than with being confined indoors.
- Give your pet a little time to adjust. As with any change to a pet's habits, be sure to give
your cat or dog some time to get used to the change. We have had
many customers report their cats and dogs were unsure of
the stroller at first, but virtually all pets eventually
get comfortable and enjoy their stroller trips as a
treat; some even come to view the pet strollers as
theirs and not yours!
Back to top
We hope you find these tips helpful. You will also
find additional ideas, tips, and information on our Pet
Stroller Blog and on our Help
page. You may also find helpful information by
viewing our information about
dog strollers
and cat strollers. Of course, if you have any questions, please
feel free to contact us!
|
 |
|
|
Other Just Pet Strollers Information
|
|
