Let’s get one thing straight: if you’ve ever passed a pet stroller and thought, “Oh, come on, it’s just a dog,” trust me, the person behind the stroller saw that look you shot. That subtle, raised-eyebrow, I’m-trying-not-to-judge-but-absolutely-am look. But here’s the thing, Side-Eye Sally: pet stroller people know you’re judging them, and honestly, they don’t care.
In fact, they want you to know a few things—starting with the fact that their decision to push a French bulldog or a rescue mutt in a rolling throne isn’t about spoiling their fur babies (OK, maybe a little). It’s about practicality, safety, and yes, a little bit of "because I can." So buckle up—or should I say, strap in—because it’s time to unpack the wheeled phenomenon that’s taking sidewalks, parks, and yes, even malls by storm.
The Rise of Pet Strollers: From Niche to Necessary
Pet strollers are no longer just for doting pet parents with too much time and disposable income. They're now a booming industry, with a global market expected to hit $820 million by 2031. That’s right, your dog-walking side hustle might not make it to six figures, but pet stroller manufacturers are laughing all the way to the bank.
But why are they so popular? Turns out, it’s not because people are treating their pets like actual babies (although let’s not pretend that isn’t a thing). According to experts like Brandi Hunter Munden from the American Kennel Club, it’s all about practical solutions for modern pet challenges: urban congestion, aging dogs, or pets with medical conditions.
Translation: the next time you snicker at a pug lounging like royalty in a stroller, remember that little fur potato might just have arthritis—or maybe their human has a bad back. Either way, it’s none of your business, Karen.
Meet the Pet Stroller Evangelists
Let’s hear it straight from the stroller-pushers themselves—the unapologetic few who are happy to be both misunderstood and fabulous.
Sami Jo and Oatie Meal: Frenchie Fabulousness
Sami Jo Siedband and her French bulldog, Oatie Meal, are living proof that sometimes, life is better with wheels. Sure, Oatie could technically walk, but Frenchies are notoriously stubborn and get tired faster than your Wi-Fi buffering during a Netflix binge. The stroller means Oatie can enjoy the great outdoors without having a meltdown halfway through.
But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t about laziness. Sami Jo is practically a walking (or rolling) REI ad, equipped with dog wipes, cooling vests, and even pepper spray. That’s right, haters: while you’re juggling keys and a latte, she’s saving the world one hydrated Frenchie at a time.
Sami’s PSA? Don’t assume a stroller means a spoiled dog. Sometimes, it’s the only way her little guy gets to experience the world. Plus, have you seen Oatie Meal in a stroller? It’s a serotonin boost for everyone involved.
Anna and Theodore: A Stroller as a Safe Space
Anna McGrath’s story is a testament to how pet strollers can be life-changing—both for pets and their humans. Her rescue dog, Theodore, suffers from anxiety that used to keep him glued under the bed. Enter the stroller, a safe haven that made exploring Central Park a possibility for the 35-pound bundle of nerves.
Anna even turned her stroller into a Swiss Army knife on wheels, complete with storage for toys, water bottles, and treats. Sure, some people raise an eyebrow when they realize the “baby” inside is, in fact, a bow-tie-wearing dog, but Anna’s not here to appease the stroller skeptics. She’s here to give Theodore the best life possible, judgment be damned.
Pet Strollers Are for Seniors Too (The Dogs, Not the Owners—Well, Maybe Both)
Here’s where the “fur baby” jokes really need to stop. For senior dogs, strollers are nothing short of miraculous. Case in point: Mary Barnsdale and her trio of elderly rescues. These pint-sized pups—Gracie, Gonzo, and Corky—are like a retiree dream team, complete with creaky joints and their own set of medical complications.
For Mary, the stroller isn’t just convenient; it’s a back-saver. Carrying even a 13-pound dog gets old fast, and when you’ve got three of them? Forget about it. Thanks to the stroller, Mary’s crew gets their daily dose of fresh air without anyone (dog or human) keeling over from exhaustion. And if you think it’s “humiliating” to push a tiny dog around in a stroller, well, Mary would like to remind you she doesn’t care what you think.
"Judge Me All You Want—I’m Still Strolling"
Then there’s Terry Roy, who’s been rocking the stroller lifestyle for nearly a decade. Her dogs range from blind Boston terriers to three-legged French bulldogs, and each one has benefited from stroller rides when walking became too much. But don’t think Terry’s here for your pity. If anything, she’s here to clap back at the unsolicited opinions.
“People are going to judge no matter what,” she says. “But the longer I do this, the more I see how much it helps my dogs—and I don’t care what anyone thinks.” That’s the kind of confidence we should all aspire to, stroller or no stroller.
Side-Eye My Stroller? Here’s What You’re Missing
Let’s address some of the most common (and uninformed) criticisms of pet strollers.
"It’s Unnecessary."
Oh, is it? Tell that to a dog with arthritis, a rescue with anxiety, or a pug whose paws are burning on hot pavement. Strollers provide comfort and safety in situations where walking might not be feasible or humane.
"You’re Treating Your Pet Like a Baby."
Sure, some people push their dogs around while calling them their “kids,” but let’s not pretend anthropomorphizing pets is new. Also, if someone wants to pamper their dog, who are you to stop them? It’s not like they’re asking you to foot the bill for the stroller.
"Just Let Them Walk."
First of all, they do walk—many stroller users let their pets roam freely for part of the outing. The stroller is there for when the pet gets tired or needs a break. Unless you’re prepared to explain why you wouldn’t give your own grandmother a wheelchair if she needed one, maybe sit this one out.
In Defense of the Stroller Set
At the end of the day, pet strollers aren’t about pampering—they’re about inclusion. Whether it’s a senior dog, a rescue with a traumatic past, or a Frenchie who just wants to vibe, strollers make it possible for pets to experience the world alongside their humans. And if it makes you smile to see a bow-tied Boston terrier rolling by? That’s just a bonus.
So, the next time you catch yourself side-eyeing a pet stroller, maybe take a moment to reevaluate. Because while you’re busy judging, that tiny corgi in a rolling chariot is living its best life. And honestly, isn’t that the dream?
