Dog stroller or bike trailer for an older dog?
A stroller goes wherever you walk; a bike trailer lets your dog come along when you ride. For a trailer, check the weight limit, the step-in height and whether the hitch fits your bike's axle. Six of the nine trailers we compare also work as strollers.
Both let an older dog get out when long walks are too much. Which one fits comes down to how you get around and how your dog gets in.
The short version
| Stroller | Bike trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| How you move | Walking, pushing | Cycling, towing behind the bike |
| Where it goes | Sidewalks, parks, shops, the vet | Bike paths and quiet roads |
| What to check | Weight limit and cabin size | Weight limit, step-in height and whether the hitch fits your bike |
| Weight limits we've seen | Up to 180 lb (a stroller wagon) | 50 to 100 lb |
When a stroller makes more sense
A stroller goes wherever you walk, and you can stop any time to let your dog out for a sniff. The American Kennel Club notes that strollers let older or arthritic dogs enjoy outings without straining themselves, and that gentle walking should continue where it's possible (AKC). See our stroller list for weight limits and cabin sizes.
When a bike trailer makes more sense
If you ride, a trailer lets your dog come along on longer outings than a walk allows. Check three things before you buy:
- Weight limit. Use the maker's own figure. When two of the maker's pages disagree, we list the lower one and say why.
- Step-in height. Burley lists a 9-inch step up on its trailers. Many makers don't list one at all, so measure the one you're looking at if you can.
- Your bike's axle. Quick-release, nutted and thru-axle bikes need different hitches. Our axle guide shows how to tell.
Want both?
Six of the nine trailers we compare come with a stroller kit, so one purchase covers rides and walks. Burley's Bark Ranger comes with a one-wheel stroller kit, and the VEVOR and Aosom models switch to a stroller with a push handle.
Either way
Use a harness, not a collar, if there's a leash clip inside. On hot days, Croozer's trailer safety advice is to use the shade and airflow and stop often for water. If your dog has balance, heart or breathing problems, ask your vet which is safer for them.
Questions people ask
Can a dog bike trailer be used as a stroller?
Many can. Six of the nine trailers we compare come with a stroller kit, including Burley's Bark Ranger and the VEVOR and Aosom models. Burley's Tail Wagon and Schwinn's Rascal trailers are bike only.