Awesome dog stroller made from a used jogging stroller

There is a problem. You like going walking or running with your medium-to-large dog, but he just can’t keep up anymore.  Whether he’s got a temporary injury or a permanent disability, you don’t want to leave your workout buddy behind.  Commercial pet strollers won’t work because they are built for very small dogs and are equipped with small, low-speed wheels.
The solution?  Hack a jogging stroller into an awesome pet stroller.
Please note that this is a re-build of stroller #1 so some parts were already made.  Every stroller is a little different, so each project will need different parts and measurements.  Basically, you want it to be lightweight, weather-resistant, and cleanable, and the parts to be replaceable.  The dog needs to feel comfortable and secure while riding in the box.  The hardest part is finding a box to fit both the dog & stroller.  If you are a fiberglass wizard you could make an artful custom box.
This will attract attention.  Expect to field lots of questions about your dog & stroller. We get our picture taken by strangers – I call them the Pup-erozzi .
Costs will vary depending on how many of the supplies you already have and how much repair your stroller needs.  The first build was around $50 total.  The re-build was $15. 

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Step 1:  Gather supplies :
*Jogging stroller (this one was $35 at a thrift store, also available cheap at yard sales & curbside on trash day for free)
*Plastic passenger box that will fit the frame of your stroller and your dog.  Buy 2 so you have a spare when the first one cracks.  ($10 each)
*Plywood or chipboard and/or scrap lumber (free or $0.50 from the bargain bin)
*Non-skid shelf liner (cheap, already owned)
*Bath towel or large pillow (already owned)
*Heavy-duty zip-ties ($5/pack)
*Bungee cord (not shown, sorry) ($2)
*Hand towel (already owned)
*Masking tape (already owned)
*Spray paint ($3)
*Marking pen
*Assorted fasteners such as glue, screws, & nails – need will vary.
Optional items:
Stick-on velcro
Box, bin, or bag for storage
Empty yogurt container for cup-holder
Plastic tube or pipe for cane holder
Keeper strap (optional in flat country, a must in hilly areas)
“Helper” cat – not recommended, but sometimes unavoidable
Tools:
Drill + bits
Saw
Wire cutters
Scissors
Screwdriver (not shown, sorry)
Level (optional)
Tape measure or ruler

Comments

[Wivaz075]

Wivaz075 says: Jan 4, 2013. 12:45 PMReply
Thank you so much for this idea... Moved to Canada for a short period of time and decided not to buy a car (we are saving a lot of money in car payments and insurance), but carrying my groceries home is a real pain!!! And after destroying three foldable shopping carts decided to use your idea, bought an old stroller and with some spare pieces of wood made my shopping stroller... Used a very strong plastic crates and made a cute cover for them... Carrying my groceries home is a lot easier... Thank you!!!

[Wivaz075]

Here is the pictures to my shopping stroller... I still can folded to store it in the closet ... Thank you again for the idea... ;)

[rosewood513]

This is beautiful, and I went out a bought one, but I did not pay much. I really want one like this with big wheels.

[CatTrampoline]

Please let me know how it works out. What kind of dog do you have?

The big wheels are great for rough ground or for running. I am keeping my eyes open for one of the models with a swiveling front wheel.

[menage-a-noir]

Thanks so much for this! We're going to try building the converted stroller this weekend for our 45-lb arthritic lab.

[CatTrampoline]

Good luck, and let me know how it turns out.

[Uptonb]

Good luck on the Pets Challenge.

[mary candy]

I love this project ;)
got my vote

[CatTrampoline]

Thanks!

[seamster]

Very nice. I especially like the custom drawings!

[CatTrampoline]

Thanks! The drawings went places where I thought, "shucks, I really should have taken a picture of this".

[DorrieH]

I wonder if a twin or triplet stroller would work for larger dogs over 70 lbs

[CatTrampoline]

Possibly, since they are designed for that much weight. If someone makes one, I'd love to see pictures. I figure I'll have to make a twin dog/kid stroller if I get grandkids in the next 10 years - won't that be a sight!

[DorrieH]

Now I'd love to see that :)
Thanks for the reply

[plowe1]

I was wondering if anyone may have a plan for a doggy wheelchair ,old shepards hips are going and needs a little hlep getting around

[CatTrampoline]

Dog wheechairs are tricky to fit correctly. the balance has to be right and the dog's weight needs to be supported comfortably. I worked on a front-end one (double the difficulty of a rear-end cart) for Pretzel for 6 months before admitting defeat. I got him a cart from Eddie's Wheels before finally locating OrthoPets, who made the leg brace. We still have the cart in case he needs it later in life.

If you do decide to try building your own or buying used, please visit the Eddie's Wheels site for fitting and measuring tips. I am not an employee or stockholder - just an impressed customer.

http://eddieswheels.com/carts/used-carts/

[DorrieH]

You might be able to adapt this idea for your dog.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Dachshund-wheelchair/

[tklementsen]

This is wonderful! I appreciate people who care enough about their animals that they care for their needs, even when the pet is old and infirm. I see a gentleman in our neighborhood running with a young lab, and a very old lab in a pet stroller (he uses a modified bike stroller) and I think that says a lot about his character.

And the helper cats are priceless. We all need helper cats to keep us in line because, you know, we can't be trusted without their guidance.

[CatTrampoline]

Thank you for your kind words.

We have a supervisor cat (not pictured) that keeps us in line. She might not be a real cat - I suspect she is an alien anthropologist in a cat suit.

[kelliott4]

Thanks so much for sharing this......... I had a cat once and she always wanted to "help". If there was a "container" she was in it!!

[pedleyfigg]

I think your helper cats are awesome.

[CatTrampoline]

Thank you. Those two are friends with the dog. The third one is bent on world domination and does not approve of dogs.

[gwrober]

This is so awesome!! Now your pup can go with you without pain. So cool.

[CatTrampoline]

We used take short walks and still get stranded 3 blocks from home when his legs would give out. Now we go as far as I have time for.