Pet Stroller Buying Guide

Quick summary: A pet stroller (also called a pet pram) is a wheeled cabin that lets dogs or cats join outings when walking isn't an option, whether that's due to age, joint pain, recovery from surgery, small size, anxiety, or a puppy not yet fully vaccinated. When choosing one, the main things to check are your pet's weight and body size against the cabin dimensions and weight limit, the frame material and wheel setup (steel vs aluminium, 3 vs 4 wheels, suspension or none), how easy it is to get your pet in and out, safety features like interior harness clips, storage, fold size for the car, and price, which in Australia runs from roughly $150 for a basic model to $500+ for a premium suspension pram. Fur King's three models sit at different points on that spectrum: the Jogger ($399.99, up to 20kg) is the all-round option, the Royal ($499.99, up to 20kg) adds full suspension for senior or IVDD dogs, and the Wagon ($349.99, up to 30kg) is built for bigger dogs or multi-pet households.

Why People Buy a Pet Stroller

A pet stroller isn't just for small, spoiled dogs. The most common reasons owners buy one are:

• Senior dogs and arthritis. Older dogs often want to keep going on walks but physically can't manage the distance anymore. A stroller lets them walk as far as they're comfortable, then ride the rest of the way.
• IVDD, injury or post-surgery recovery. Dogs recovering from spinal issues or surgery often need to avoid jumping, running, or jarring movement, but still benefit from fresh air and mental stimulation.
• Puppies before full vaccination. Vets commonly recommend limiting a puppy's contact with the ground in public spaces until they've had their full vaccination course, but the socialisation window is still open. A stroller lets a puppy see, hear and smell the world safely from the cabin.
• Small or toy breeds that tire quickly. A five-hour round trip to the markets might be a fifteen-minute walk for a Chihuahua before their legs give out.
• Anxious or reactive dogs. Some dogs find the world overwhelming on the ground level. A stroller gives them a bit of height and distance from triggers, which can make walks less stressful for everyone.
• Hot climates and brachycephalic breeds. Flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs overheat far more easily than other dogs. A stroller with good airflow lets them get outside without the same heat risk as a full walk.
• Multi-pet households. Walking two dogs on two leads through a crowded market is its own kind of chaos. A larger stroller lets both travel together, hands free.

Design Aspects to Consider

Not all strollers are built the same, and the design choices affect how comfortable your pet is and how easy the stroller is to actually use day to day.

Frame material. Steel frames are strong, durable, and generally more affordable than the alternatives, though they add a bit more weight to carry and lift into a car than a lighter frame would. All three Fur King models, the Jogger, Royal, and Wagon, use steel frames, prioritising strength and long-term durability over shaving off grams.

Wheels and suspension. Three-wheel designs are more manoeuvrable and easier to turn in tight spaces, while four-wheel designs are more stable, particularly with a heavier or restless dog on board. Suspension makes the biggest difference for dogs with joint pain, IVDD, or arthritis, since it absorbs the bumps and cracks in footpaths that would otherwise jolt a sore spine or hip. The Fur King Royal has full spring suspension and four wheels for exactly this reason, while the Jogger runs three large EVA wheels without suspension, trading a bit of ride smoothness for a lighter, more agile stroller.

Getting your pet in and out. Some strollers use zips, which are secure but fiddly, especially one-handed with a lead in your other hand. Others use a quick-latch canopy that lifts straight up. If your dog needs to get in and out several times on a walk, or you're managing the stroller solo, a fast, simple entry method saves a lot of frustration.

Ventilation and weather protection. Mesh panels keep airflow moving through the cabin, which matters a lot in an Australian summer. Weather-resistant fabric (Oxford fabric is common) keeps the cabin usable in light rain and protects against sun damage over time.

Storage. A basket underneath the cabin for water, treats, poo bags and a lead is genuinely useful rather than a nice-to-have, especially for longer outings. Side pockets add a spot for your phone or keys. A cup holder is a small thing, but worth having if your walks usually end at a cafe.

Handle height and adjustability. A fixed-height handle can mean hunching for taller owners or over-reaching for shorter ones, which adds up to shoulder and wrist strain on longer walks. An adjustable handle with multiple height settings means the stroller works for whoever is pushing it, not just one person in the household.

Fold mechanism and stored size. Check how many steps it takes to fold the stroller down and whether it fits in your car boot once folded. A stroller that takes five minutes and both hands to collapse gets used a lot less often than one that folds in a few simple steps.

Your Pet's Weight and Size

Weight capacity is the first filter, but it's not the only measurement that matters. A stroller rated for 20kg might still be too short or too low for a long-bodied breed like a Dachshund, or too narrow for a broad-chested French Bulldog.

To check the fit properly:

1. Weigh your pet and compare it against the stroller's stated maximum weight, ideally with some margin rather than right at the limit.
2. Measure your pet from nose to the base of the tail for cabin length.
3. Measure from the floor to the top of their head while sitting for cabin height.
4. Compare both measurements against the cabin's internal dimensions, not just the outer size of the stroller.

For reference, the Fur King Jogger's cabin measures 64cm long, 31cm wide and 52cm high, and the Royal's measures 69cm long, 38cm wide and 54cm high. Both carry pets up to 20kg, which comfortably covers most small to medium breeds: Cavaliers, French Bulldogs, Mini Groodles, Shih Tzus, and smaller Beagles. For bigger dogs, or two smaller dogs travelling together, the Fur King Wagon carries up to 30kg with a roomier, wagon-style cabin.

If your pet is still growing, or you're planning to use the stroller for more than one dog, buy for the size they'll be in six months, not just where they are now.

Features Worth Comparing

Beyond frame and wheels, these are the features that tend to separate a stroller you'll actually use from one that ends up folded in the garage:

• Interior safety leashes or harness clips. These attach to your dog's harness (never a collar) inside the cabin, so they can't jump out mid-walk. Two clips are better than one, particularly for dogs who are still adjusting to the stroller.
• Brakes. A rear brake matters more than people expect, especially on slopes or when you need to stop to chat without the stroller rolling away.
• Removable, washable lining. Dogs shed, drool, and occasionally have accidents. A liner you can unzip and throw in the machine saves a lot of hassle compared to trying to spot-clean a fixed cabin base.
• Non-slip base. Keeps your pet from sliding around on turns or when the stroller stops suddenly.
• Warranty length. Fur King's Royal and Jogger both carry a 12-month warranty. Check what's covered (frame, wheels, fabric) before you buy, particularly on cheaper imported models where warranty support can be harder to access.

Pricing: What You're Actually Paying For

In Australia, pet strollers roughly fall into three price bands:

Budget (under $200): Usually lighter steel or aluminium-look frames, basic fabric, no suspension, and smaller wheels. Fine for occasional, short outings with a small, calm pet, but the frame and fabric often don't hold up well to daily use or a restless dog.

Mid-range ($300 to $450): This is where you'll find sturdier steel frames, larger all-terrain wheels, proper storage baskets, and safety leashes as standard. The Fur King Jogger ($399.99) and Wagon ($349.99) sit in this range, built for daily walks and everyday durability rather than occasional use.

Premium ($450+): Full suspension, a sturdier steel frame, and design details aimed at dogs with genuine mobility needs, like IVDD recovery or arthritis, where ride smoothness isn't a luxury but a comfort requirement. The Fur King Royal ($499.99) sits here, purpose-built for senior and recovering dogs.

Price differences usually come down to frame material, suspension, wheel quality, and fabric durability rather than gimmicks. A cheaper stroller that flexes under your dog's weight or has wheels that seize up after a few months of grass and gravel will often cost you more in the long run than paying properly the first time.

Other Things to Think About Before Buying

Introducing the stroller gradually. Most dogs don't hop straight in and settle on day one, and that's completely normal. Let your dog sniff and explore the stroller at home first, reward them for stepping in, then do a few short trips somewhere familiar before a proper outing. Nervous or senior dogs might take a week or two to settle in fully, and that patience pays off.

Public transport and public spaces. If you're planning to take the stroller on trains, trams, or buses, most Australian networks treat a fully enclosed pet stroller (mesh zipped shut, dog not visible) the same as any other enclosed pet carrier, though rules and peak-hour restrictions vary by state and operator. Worth checking your local network's pet policy before you rely on it for a commute.

Stroller weight versus your own strength. The stroller itself has weight beyond your pet. The Fur King Wagon, for example, weighs around 10kg empty. If you're lifting it in and out of a car boot regularly, or up and down stairs, factor that in alongside your pet's weight.

Which model fits which situation. If you're choosing between similar-looking options, it usually comes down to what your dog actually needs day to day. A dog with sore joints or IVDD benefits most from suspension. A dog who's simply small, anxious, or not yet vaccinated often does fine in a stroller without it. A household with a bigger dog, or more than one dog, needs the extra capacity of a larger cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Pet Stroller Over The Top For A Dog That Can Still Walk?

Not really. A stroller isn't about replacing walks for a dog who's fully capable. It's about extending time outdoors for a dog whose body can't keep up with their enthusiasm anymore, whether that's a senior dog, one recovering from surgery, or a small breed that tires fast. Most dogs still walk as far as they comfortably can and ride the rest of the way.

How Do I Know If My Dog Will Actually Use It?

Most dogs adjust within a handful of short sessions once they've had a chance to explore the stroller at home and build positive associations with treats. Nervous, senior, or reactive dogs can take a week or two longer, which is normal and worth being patient with.

What's The Difference Between A 3-Wheel And 4-Wheel Stroller?

Three-wheel strollers tend to be lighter and easier to manoeuvre and turn quickly, which suits general walks and active outings. Four-wheel strollers are more stable, which matters more for dogs who move around inside the cabin, or for owners who want the smoothest possible ride, particularly with suspension added.

Do I Need A Stroller With Suspension?

If your dog has joint pain, arthritis, IVDD, or is recovering from surgery, suspension makes a real difference by absorbing bumps that would otherwise jar a sore spine or hips. For a healthy, comfortable dog who simply tires easily or is too small for long walks, suspension is a nice extra rather than a necessity.

Can Two Dogs Share One Stroller?

Yes, as long as the combined weight and size stay within the stroller's limits. Larger cabins, like the Fur King Wagon's 30kg capacity, are specifically built with this in mind, giving two smaller dogs room to travel side by side without feeling cramped.

How Do I Clean A Pet Stroller?

Most strollers with a removable lining can be unzipped and machine washed. Wipe down the frame and wheels after walks in wet or muddy conditions, and check the fabric periodically for wear, particularly around the entry point and base, where most day-to-day wear happens.