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There are a number of different pet
strollers on the market today. When it comes to selecting the one that
is right for you, I believe there are three major categories you need
to consider, those being size, function and appearance.
First let us discuss size. There are generally two sizes. The smaller one will accommodate animals up to 26.5 pounds and the larger one can handle up to 45 pounds. It is important that you get the correct size. You could use the large one for your small pet, but why push around the larger unit if you don't need it.
Function will be the most important item to think about. What will you use the stroller for? Are you just going to use it to walk up and down the street near your house? Do you want to try jogging with it? Do you think you might want to put the unit in the car with the pet inside so that it can be used as a pet car seat? Would you like this to also serve as a carrier so that you can put the strap over your shoulder and carry it that way? What about the possibility of taking your pet on the airplane when you travel? Your answers to these questions will determine which model you should purchase. If you are not sure what all the uses may be, it might be best to get one of the combination units so that you will have everything covered. If it is not clear, ask the seller specific questions to make sure you are getting the correct stroller for your needs. For instance, if you want it to double as a pet carrier, make sure the cage can be removed from the frame and that there is a shoulder strap included. If you would like to take some things along when you use the stroller (like water, treats, towels, etc.), make sure there are pockets to hold these things. The stroller should have a strap or ring sewn into the inside that can be attached to the animal's collar or harness to prevent accidental escapes. This is especially important with hyper animals. If you are tall and/or have long legs, make sure you get one with a handle height of 37 inches. Some strollers only have a 33 or 34 inch high handle and with these you may wind up kicking the back of the stroller every time your foot goes forward.
Appearance will be more important to some buyers than others and this will be a personal thing. After all Angelina Jolie was once married to Billy Bob Thornton, not mention the whole Presley - Michael Jackson thing, but I digress. Some of the strollers remind me of a box with some nylon mesh nailed onto the front. If that is your thing, then go for it. But if you want something with a little flash and flair then get one that fits into that category. Maybe you want one to match the color of your car or the color of you hair. Whatever the case, there is probably one out there for you.
Now, where should you buy the stroller? Well, I look at the pet store ads in the paper every weekend and I have yet to see any stroller for less than $115 and that one was a cheap looking thing that was on sale for 3 days only, marked down from $129.95 Most of them sell for $159 and up. Right now there are tons of better strollers on eBay for less than half of that price including shipping and handling. Some of the ones on eBay are drop shipped so the shipping may be a little slow. Read the item description carefully and if in doubt, ask the seller how quickly the item will be shipped. If you want your stroller quickly, ask if it is in stock and ready to ship. If you don't mind waiting several weeks then this is not a consideration for you. As always, look at the seller's feedback. Not just the number or the percentage, but what people are saying about the quality of the stroller and how fast it is shipped. Lately there are a lot of really cheaply made strollers hitting the market.
If this guide has been helpful, please click on the "Yes" button below. I would certainly appreciate it.
First let us discuss size. There are generally two sizes. The smaller one will accommodate animals up to 26.5 pounds and the larger one can handle up to 45 pounds. It is important that you get the correct size. You could use the large one for your small pet, but why push around the larger unit if you don't need it.
Function will be the most important item to think about. What will you use the stroller for? Are you just going to use it to walk up and down the street near your house? Do you want to try jogging with it? Do you think you might want to put the unit in the car with the pet inside so that it can be used as a pet car seat? Would you like this to also serve as a carrier so that you can put the strap over your shoulder and carry it that way? What about the possibility of taking your pet on the airplane when you travel? Your answers to these questions will determine which model you should purchase. If you are not sure what all the uses may be, it might be best to get one of the combination units so that you will have everything covered. If it is not clear, ask the seller specific questions to make sure you are getting the correct stroller for your needs. For instance, if you want it to double as a pet carrier, make sure the cage can be removed from the frame and that there is a shoulder strap included. If you would like to take some things along when you use the stroller (like water, treats, towels, etc.), make sure there are pockets to hold these things. The stroller should have a strap or ring sewn into the inside that can be attached to the animal's collar or harness to prevent accidental escapes. This is especially important with hyper animals. If you are tall and/or have long legs, make sure you get one with a handle height of 37 inches. Some strollers only have a 33 or 34 inch high handle and with these you may wind up kicking the back of the stroller every time your foot goes forward.
Appearance will be more important to some buyers than others and this will be a personal thing. After all Angelina Jolie was once married to Billy Bob Thornton, not mention the whole Presley - Michael Jackson thing, but I digress. Some of the strollers remind me of a box with some nylon mesh nailed onto the front. If that is your thing, then go for it. But if you want something with a little flash and flair then get one that fits into that category. Maybe you want one to match the color of your car or the color of you hair. Whatever the case, there is probably one out there for you.
Now, where should you buy the stroller? Well, I look at the pet store ads in the paper every weekend and I have yet to see any stroller for less than $115 and that one was a cheap looking thing that was on sale for 3 days only, marked down from $129.95 Most of them sell for $159 and up. Right now there are tons of better strollers on eBay for less than half of that price including shipping and handling. Some of the ones on eBay are drop shipped so the shipping may be a little slow. Read the item description carefully and if in doubt, ask the seller how quickly the item will be shipped. If you want your stroller quickly, ask if it is in stock and ready to ship. If you don't mind waiting several weeks then this is not a consideration for you. As always, look at the seller's feedback. Not just the number or the percentage, but what people are saying about the quality of the stroller and how fast it is shipped. Lately there are a lot of really cheaply made strollers hitting the market.
If this guide has been helpful, please click on the "Yes" button below. I would certainly appreciate it.
Guide created: 06/06/06 (updated 10/28/09)
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