A dog stroller can look like a funny luxury until you need one. Maybe your dog is a senior who tires halfway around the block, a small pup with short legs who can’t keep up on long city walks, or a dog recovering from surgery. Maybe you just want to bring your dog along to the farmers market or a street festival without little paws getting stepped on.
In an apartment, though, a stroller also has to fit through doorways, ride in an elevator, and tuck into a closet when you’re home. We picked three dog strollers for city sidewalks that fold down for small spaces and roll smoothly over curbs, plus tips for choosing the right size for your dog and your building.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Approx. Price | Pet Weight Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magshion Compact Fold Pet Stroller | ~$54 | Up to 22 lb | Tight closets and small car trunks |
| Gen7Pets Regal Plus Pet Stroller | ~$119 | Up to 25 lb | Smooth daily sidewalk rides |
| BestPet 3-Wheel Pet Stroller | ~$45 | Up to 11 lb (spec table) | Tiny dogs and tight budgets |
Prices and stock change often. Check the current price at each link.
1. Magshion Compact Fold Pet Travel Stroller
Check the Magshion Compact Fold Stroller on Amazon
The big selling point here is the fold. Instead of folding into a wide, flat rectangle, the Magshion folds like an umbrella stroller into a long, skinny shape, about 10 by 12 by 41 inches. That’s easy to stand up in a coat closet, slide behind a door, or lay in a small car trunk, which is exactly what you want when floor space is tight.
It weighs about 9 pounds and is rated for pets up to 22 pounds. It has breathable mesh windows, an adjustable canopy, zippered doors so your dog can hop in, safety tethers, rear brakes, a cup holder and a rear storage pocket. It has a 4.5-star average from close to 300 ratings on Amazon.
Best for: Apartment dwellers who care most about a slim, easy-to-store fold, and small dogs up to about 22 pounds.
Pros
- Slim umbrella-style fold that’s easy to store
- Light at about 9 pounds
- Mesh windows, canopy and safety tethers
- Budget-friendly for the features
Cons
- Fewer ratings than our other picks
- Rear pocket holds less than a big under-basket
- Small wheels aren’t made for rough trails
2. Gen7Pets Regal Plus Pet Stroller
Check the Gen7Pets Regal Plus on Amazon
If your dog will ride most days, the Regal Plus is our pick for everyday comfort. It has the highest rating of our three, with a 4.6-star average from nearly 2,000 ratings on Amazon, and it’s rated for pets up to 25 pounds with a roomy riding area.
The front wheel swivels a full 360 degrees and can lock straight, which helps a lot when you’re weaving around people on a busy sidewalk or turning into an elevator. Its handle is designed so you don’t kick the stroller as you walk, the canopy folds out of the way, and there’s a basket under your dog for treats, bags and keys. At about 11.5 pounds, it folds flat for storage.
Best for: Daily walks with a senior or small dog, and owners who want the smoothest, most proven ride.
Pros
- Highest rating of our picks
- Swivel front wheel for easy steering on crowded sidewalks
- Roomy space for dogs up to 25 pounds
- Handy storage basket
Cons
- Costs about twice as much as the other two
- Folds flat but wider than the Magshion
- Raspberry Sorbet pink won’t be everyone’s style (check the listing for colors)
3. BestPet 3-Wheel Pet Stroller
Check the BestPet 3-Wheel Stroller on Amazon
The BestPet is one of Amazon’s best-selling dog strollers, with a 4.3-star average from more than 13,000 ratings, and it’s usually the cheapest of our picks. It has three 6.3-inch wheels, a front wheel that swivels or locks straight, mesh windows, a cup holder and a big storage basket underneath.
One thing to know: the listing calls it a stroller for small and medium dogs, but the spec table lists a maximum weight recommendation of 11 pounds, so we’d only count on it for tiny dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkies and small cats. It weighs about 13 pounds and folds for storage without tools.
Best for: Very small dogs, occasional outings, and anyone who wants to try a stroller without spending much.
Pros
- Lowest price of our picks
- Huge number of ratings from other owners
- Swivel front wheel and big storage basket
- Folds without tools
Cons
- Low listed weight limit of about 11 pounds
- Heaviest of our three to carry up stairs
- Bulkier when folded than the Magshion
Buying Guide: Choosing a Dog Stroller for City Life
Check the weight limit first. Use the weight in the spec table, not just the title, and pick a stroller rated comfortably above your dog’s weight. If your dog is close to the limit, size up.
Measure your storage spot and your elevator. Look at the folded size and make sure it fits your closet, the space behind a door, or your car trunk. Most strollers fit through a standard apartment door, but a slim, light stroller is much easier in a small elevator or on stairs.
Think about how far you’ll carry it. If you live in a walk-up, every pound matters. Light strollers around 8 to 10 pounds are much easier to carry up a few flights.
Look for safety basics. A safety tether that clips to your dog’s harness, rear brakes, and zippers or latches that close securely all help keep your dog in place. Always clip the tether to a harness, not a collar.
Wheels matter on sidewalks. A front wheel that swivels and locks straight makes it easier to steer around people, curbs and cracks. Bigger wheels roll more smoothly over bumpy city sidewalks.
Let your dog get used to it. Leave the stroller open at home with a favorite blanket and some treats inside. Start with short rides around the building before heading out on a busy street.
FAQ
Do dogs really need strollers?
Most healthy dogs are better off walking, but strollers are great for senior dogs, small dogs who tire quickly, dogs recovering from surgery or injury, and crowded places where paws could get stepped on. Many owners use the stroller for part of the walk and let the dog walk the rest.
Can I take a dog stroller on an elevator or bus?
Usually, yes. A folding stroller is easy to bring into an elevator, and many owners fold it for buses and trains. Rules about pets on public transit vary by city, so check your local transit agency before you ride.
What size stroller does my dog need?
Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably inside, and their weight should be well under the stroller’s limit. Measure your dog’s length and height and compare it to the listing’s inside dimensions if they’re shown.
Are dog strollers safe in hot weather?
They can be if you’re careful. Use the mesh windows for airflow, keep rides short in the heat, park in the shade, and bring water. Pavement and enclosed spaces can get hot fast, so check on your dog often.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Short on storage space? Go with the Magshion Compact Fold Stroller. Its slim umbrella fold is the easiest to tuck away.
- Daily rides for a senior or small dog? The Gen7Pets Regal Plus has the best rating, a roomy ride and easy steering.
- Tiny dog and a small budget? The BestPet 3-Wheel Stroller is the cheapest and a proven best seller, as long as your dog is under about 11 pounds.
With the right stroller, your pup can come along for longer walks, weekend markets and trips around the city, and it all folds away when you get home.
More for city dogs: Check out our dog harnesses for elevators and city walks and portable dog water bottles, and find places to roll to on our Dog Fun Map. Browse All Guides.
Photo: 褒忠國中 雲端網, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, cropped.
Disclosure: City Pups is reader-supported. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission from Amazon, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we think suits apartment life. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.