JustPetStrollers.com Customer Ratings for December

Every month we post our ratings--every single rating!--here on this blog. You don't really have to believe us: You can see it yourself at Yahoo's rating service: http://shopping.yahoo.com/merchrating/user_rv.html?merchant_id=1028259. (They collect the ratings and we can't edit or delete them!)

Since our pet stroller Web site launched, we've collected 124 ratings: 94.4% have been "Excellent," 4.8% have been "Good," and just 0.8% have been "Okay." And once again we're proud of the ratings we received in December--19 Excellent and one Good! Here are what customers said about us in December (completely unedited responses):

Rating: Excellent
Fantastic service/fantastic product. Could not be more satisfied!

Rating: Excellent
5 Stars. It was such a relief dealing with justpetstrollers.com. They had free shipping and the stroller came very soon after I ordered it. I was very impressed because it was very close to the 25 of December and I was sure I wouldnt get it in time. But, all my worries were cast aside because the stroller came within a few days of my order. I would definitely purchase items from them again without any hesitation. They are the best, the most dependable and they had the best price I could find. I would like to personally thank them for showing there are excellent online merchants out there.

Rating: Excellent
very satisfied with order and fulfillment and even customer service on the phone. Thank you

Rating: Excellent
Comments: None

Rating: Excellent
Comments:
This animal stroller is a quality product, was delivered to me in time for christmas. I saved over half on the price over shopping mall prices. Thanks

Rating: Excellent
Comments: None

Rating: Excellent
Unbelievable price-compared to local stores or anyone else on the internet!! Rapid turn-round. Appreciated the mail tracking information to anticipate delivery. Pet-strollers were very informative & professional, via e.mail. Would definately buy from them again. Item exactly as stated on their web-site. Very satisfied - Outstanding Company.

Rating: Excellent
I love my dog stroller! I researched dog strollers before I made my final decision by calling and going to local pet stores and by checking out many other web pages which sold dog strollers but Justpetstrollers.com by far had the best prices and the best selection of strollers. I called to see when my stroller would be shipped and I received friendly knowledgeable customer service. I highly recomend Just Pet Strollers, I have my stroller now, it was super easy to put together and my dogs love it!!!

Rating: Excellent
I do about 80% of my non-food purchasing on-line. Buying a pet stroller from justpetstrollers.com was, by far, the BEST transaction I have ever experienced. The site is easy to navigate, the info is accurate, their pricing is excellent, their communication and delivery was phenominal. No one has even come close...not even two of the big companies: LL Bean or QVC. There is also an element of customer service that comes thru their e-mail communication which Ive not found anywhere else.

Rating: Excellent
I have been pricing these strollers for months. Ive checked a ton of web sights and these people had the best price. Not having to pay shipping was an extra bonus. The stroller was packaged extremely well, everything was included and there were no missing parts. The only thing I found that wasnt up to standards was the box was ripped that the stroller was shipped in and that gave me cause for concern. After checking and finding that everything was there and nothing was damaged, to say the least........Im a happy shopper.

Rating: Excellent
Comments: None

Rating: Excellent
The Pet Stroller is exactly as was portrayed in the picture.

Rating: Excellent
Extremely happy with recent purchase (AT3 pet stroller). Item arrived in great condition, merchant provided tracking information which allowed me to track package. Great site, was nervous at first placing an order because Ive never ordered from this merchant, but they had the best price on line for this particular item. I highly recommend them!!!

Rating: Excellent
Comments: None

Rating: Excellent
JustPetStrollers.com provided very quick shipping and an accurate item description. The prices are average but the free shipping and excellent customer service helps tilt the scale in favor of JustPetStrollers.com. Their website is informative, secure and easy to navigate. They offer many items to choose from, which guarantees a suitable item for everyone!

Rating: Excellent
Comments: None

Rating: Excellent
The best prices, and I am very pleased with the speed of delivery. Thank you!

Rating: Good
Comments: None

Rating: Excellent
One of the few sites that had sturdy pet strollers. Their prices were comparable to other sites. Shipping was included in the price. Their return policy seemed to be clear where some of the other sites return policy seemed a little murky. Stroller was delivered as stated. The product was what I had hoped for. Prior to the purchase I sent an email of about 10 questions. All questions were adequately answered.

Rating: Excellent
The stroller arrived on the day they said it would and my cat loves strolling! This is the second one I purchased because the first one got ruined by a neighbor allowing her dog to continually urinate on it. My cat would not get into the stroller after the dog urinated on it and at the time I didnt know that it was being urinated on until I caught the girl standing there and the stroller was soaked! Before that, my cat, Giuseppe would run so fast to get in the stroller that it would slide across the floor. He would come out and ask to go strolling only to hear not until the new one arrives. He stopped asking after awhile. Now the stroller has been replaced yet a little too chilly to take him out. He is not allowed out on his own as he would get away, he ran away from an unloving home to mine to begin with a few years ago, so with his stroller, he can go outside anytime he wants and loves going around the neighborhood with my sisters dog! He thinks hes really cool! Thanks to however invented the stroller, my babies can enjoy the fresh air.

JustPetStrollers.com featured in online news articles

Our e-commerce site, JustPetStrollers.com, has been featured on a couple of news sites recently. We appreciate the recognition and wanted to share the links:

If pet can't walk, stroller can help
Disabled, disinclined, or just plain tiny catch a ride
Deleware Online/The News Journal
12/09/2005
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005512090311

While a pet stroller seems to contradict the idea of taking the dog for a walk, the new trend in pet conveyances is not all that far-fetched. More pets seem to need a little assistance these days. Tiny dogs, which can't walk far, are hugely popular... and today's dogs are living long enough to develop arthritis and other ailments that make romping in the park difficult.

All of these are reasons why a collapsible nylon stroller, much like those used to tote tots, is perfect for pets.

Several Web sites sell pet strollers, including http://Justpetstrollers.com offered by the Metropawlis pet boutique in Milwaukee. The site includes a blog devoted to customers' experiences with a variety of pet strollers. [Hey, they're talking about this blog--cool!]


Strollers are often more than a pet indulgence
The Oregonian/OregonLive.com
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
http://www.oregonlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/living/1133819709320520.xml?oregonian?ylvcdw&coll=7

(A Pet Stroller is) also a great alternative for someone with a small-sized senior or disabled dog -- the dog gets to enjoy being outside with his owner, even if he can't walk very far. Strollers are also handy, safe transportation in crowded places such as outdoor markets or dog shows.

Strollers don't come cheap, selling for about $100 to more than $300. Look around before buying; some retailers sell the same model for much more than others. The largest variety with the best prices I've seen on the Internet were at www.justpetstrollers.com.

Tips for getting pets used to your pet stroller

Did you get a pet stroller for Christmas? Most people will find their pets take to pet strollers immediately, but for those of you with change-resistant pets, don't fret! Here are some easy tips to help your pet with his or her new pet stroller:

• Only put the pet in the pet stroller when you are taking them outside. Your pet should associate the pet stroller with the enjoyment of being out of doors rather than with being confined indoors.
• Try leaving the pet stroller open and available to your pet with some treats (or for cats, catnip) inside the stroller. Let him or her explore the pet stroller and get to the treats inside. Be sure to lock the wheels so it doesn't move as your cat or dog explores it (and only consider pet strollers with lockable wheels for safety's sake).
• Reward your pet with a treat the first couple of times you use the pet stroller.
• Pet strollers are great for taking pets to crowded or hectic environments, but plan your first couple of trips to nearby destinations that are quieter and at times that are less busy. Let your pet get used to the new stroller experience without too much hustle and bustle.
• As with any change to a pet's habits, be sure to give it a couple of times for him or her to adjust. We had one customer report that their dachshund was nervous the first two times they used the pet stroller, but by the second week he was waiting at the stroller when they got home from work. Even funnier is that he "acted like royalty" being pushed around in the pet stroller with his head held high.

Hope these tips help. If you have any other questions, please let us know!

Walk 'n Roll vs. Pet Gear Happy Trails

We received a question that others may have and find interesting. It's about the size of the Walk n' Roll and whether it is appropriate for a dog of a certain size. While we think the Walk 'n Roll is a fine pet stroller, you must be careful about your pet's size when purchasing this one. Here's the question and our answer:

Hi. I live in Florida and have a Pekingese puppy who I think may get up to around 15 pounds (but I hope not). He is going to have a very big coat. I am interested in the walk and roll stroller. the one for dogs under 20 pounds, which he certainly will be. I am hoping he stops at 12, but who knows? Anyway, since the info. says for very small dogs, would he fit well in this stroller? To me compared to many dogs, he will not be very small. My second question is will this stroller be too hot for a hairy boy? I am worried about that as well. Thank you.

Here's our response:

Our recommendation is that the Pet Gear Happy Trails would be better for just a few bucks more (http://justpetstrollers.com/happy_trails_pet_stroller.html). It is substantially more spacious, and as your dog gets much above 12 pounds I think the Walk 'n Roll might get tight. (The Walk 'n Roll is great for teacup dogs and cats who don't mind curling up in the smaller pet stroller.)

As for the heat, neither pet stroller would be a problem. Both are well ventilated and can even be used open, if desired.

Hope that helps. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Praise for the Kittywalk Pet Stroller

We received this message from a customer and wanted to share it:

Your customer service is OUTSTSANDING!

Buster absolutely LOVES his new ride. (My parents love it too, but it’s the cat that matters, right?) We put him in and walked him around the house so he could get used to it. When we opened the door for him to get out, he would not leave! He finally fell asleep and stayed in it for 3 hours!! I have attached some pictures for you.

I have told all of my friend and coworkers of your company to hopefully send some more business your way. Thank you again for ALL of your help. You went above and beyond and I greatly appreciate it!

Melinda, Cotati, CA

Thanks for the positive comments and picture, Melinda. We're very happy your cat loves the pet stroller!

The World's Coolest Dog & Cat Show Winners Announced

JustPetStrollers.com was proud to be a sponsor of The World's Coolest Dog & Cat Show. The contest has come to an end, and you can see the lucky winners at http://www.dogster.com/show/. (The contest included both dogs and cats.)

The winner of the Craziest Tail contest for dogs was Pretty Boy Floyd, a 3-year-old Basset Hound. Pretty boy was the lucky winner of several prizes including the Trails PLUS Pink Pet Stroller. Congratulations to Pretty Boy Floyd and all the winners!

JustPetStrollers.com in The Oregonian

A couple weeks ago our site--JustPetStrollers.com--was featured in Brilliant Magazine out of Texas, and this week we're featured in an article in The Oregonian and on OregonLive.com. (We also had an ad in New York Dog Magazine, so it would seem we've got the country covered from East Coast to West Coast!)

The article says, "The largest variety with the best prices I've seen on the Internet were at www.justpetstrollers.com."

We appreciate the recognition! Thanks to Deborah Wood and OregonLive.com.

November Customer Ratings for JustPetStrollers.com

Each month, we've been sharing the Customer Ratings received by JustPetStrollers.com in the previous month. You don't need to believe us, of course; you can also view our ratings via the Yahoo Store rating system. Here, for your review, are the unedited ratings we received from consumers in November. (We're very proud of our consumer ratings--can you tell?)

Excellent: Justpetstrollers.com was great. I shopped around where I lived and found the same stroller for almost double the price I paid for it. Im glad I bought it online. It was fast and easy and it arrived right to my door in ample time. I would definitely recommend this site to anyone looking for a well crafted pet stroller for a resaonable price.

Excellent: My little doggie loved her stroller so much we had to buy her a 2nd one! We love your products and will do business with justpetstrollers.com again!

Excellent: The stroller is great! (Happy Trails pink) my cat is still a bit wary of it, but she likes the fuzzy mat that comes with it, so shes been sleeping on it on the floor while I air out the stroller (vinyl smell) in the livingroom. Happily, the stroller is not too heavy (the whole reason I got it is to ease the strain on my back when I carry my cat 6 city blocks to the vet) and I think, even with my cat in it, it shouldnt be too heavy to carry up and down the stairs to get to the street. I suspect well make quite a picture walking down the street--but Im sure shell enjoy the trip far more than bouncing for 15 minutes against my hip in the shoulder-strap cat carrier we currently have (I know my back will be MUCH happier for it!). Thank you so much for getting it here in time for our next vet appointment! (And the pink color is SUPER cute--thank you for offering it for a lower price than any other merchant I found online).

Excellent: great easy and fast thank you

Excellent: shipping was fast, nice product

Excellent: (No comment)

Excellent: I LOVE the stroller! Theirs was the lowest price I found...the person who told me about the stroller paid $10 more on Ebay for it.

Excellent: Could not have been a better transaction.

Good: (No comment)

Excellent: (No comment)

Excellent: (No comment)

Excellent: Very pleased with the overall transaction.

Excellent: The Happy Trails Pet Stroller was great. My puppy loves it too! It is very easy to fold up. It is better than I would have expected. The customer service with this company is the best.

Excellent: I love this stroller! It seems to be very sturdy, and it wasnt all that hard to put together even for me. The directions were a little unclear and the picture on the directions wasnt that great, but it was easy enough to figure out. The strollers plastic or whatever the material is has a strong plasticky smell, but Im hoping that goes away and its just because its new. I love having my little dog in there, and he can see out in all directions. He can go shopping with me and go almost anywhere. He and I love it!

Excellent: I purchased one for my self and loved it. A month later we purchased another one for my mother. She is 83 years old and loves taking her puppy out for a walk, which helps her as it gives her something to hang on to when she goes for a walk.

Excellent: The best price available on this article. Im very pleased

Excellent: Excellent service and quick delivery

Excellent: The stroller was well described, even with videos to show how it folds, so I felt well informed enough to buy over the web. It was priced fabulously, even sent with no shipping charge, I got it in 3 or 4 days, speedily. I am very, very happy with this experience.

Excellent: This merchant was wonderful. Best price and very quick service!

Excellent: The stroller arrived on the day they said it would and my cat loves strolling! This is the second one I purchased because the first one got ruined by a neighbor allowing her dog to continually urinate on it. My cat would not get into the stroller after the dog urinated on it and at the time I didnt know that it was being urinated on until I caught the girl standing there and the stroller was soaked! Before that, my cat, Giuseppe would run so fast to get in the stroller that it would slide across the floor. He would come out and ask to go strolling only to hear not until the new one arrives. He stopped asking after awhile. Now the stroller has been replaced yet a little too chilly to take him out. He is not allowed out on his own as he would get away, he ran away from an unloving home to mine to begin with a few years ago, so with his stroller, he can go outside anytime he wants and loves going around the neighborhood with my sisters dog! He thinks hes really cool! Thanks to however invented the stroller, my babies can enjoy the fresh air.

Excellent: One of the few sites that had sturdy pet strollers. Their prices were comparable to other sites. Shipping was included in the price. Their return policy seemed to be clear where some of the other sites return policy seemed a little murky. Stroller was delivered as stated. The product was what I had hoped for. Prior to the purchase I sent an email of about 10 questions. All questions were adequately answered.

For those not counting, that's 21 ratings--20 "excellent" and 1 "good." Our small family-run business strives hard to earn your trust, your recommendations, and your good ratings. Thank you to everyone who purchased from JustPetStrollers.com and who completed the Yahoo rating request!

AT3 Featured in "Brilliant Magazine"

Our site, JustPetStrollers.com, and one of our pet strollers, the AT3 All Terrain Pet Stroller, was featured in an article in the November 2005 issue of Brilliant Magazine. Focusing on "Texas style and substance," the November issue features Jerry Hall on the cover... and on page 54 is a picture of the AT3 Pet Stroller.

The AT3 is one terrific pet stroller--rugged, easy to fold, and spacious--so we were thrilled to have it receive this attention. Thanks Brilliant!

Uses for a Pet Stroller--An Update

We've been maintaining a running list of uses for a pet stroller, and we update it as more customers share their experiences. So, here is the latest and greatest version of all the purposes for a pet stroller. (If you have your own, please let us know!)

• Pets at work (NEW): One customer takes her cat to work. The stroller makes it easy to do and provides the pet a safe and quiet place to retreat.
• Older humans (NEW): We mention below that pet strollers are great for older pets who aren't as mobile as they used to be, but one customer reports the stroller is great for her 83-years-old mother: She can walk the pet and has something on which to lean as she gets around.
• Weather emergencies (NEW): One customer said the pet stroller was great during a recent weather warning. With warnings sounding, she got her pet into the stroller. Luckily, she didn't need to move to shelter, but with her pet in the stroller and items (snacks, radio, etc.) in the pockets, she was ready if she needed to take cover.
• Older pets: We had one customer thanked us profusely for her "brand new dog." Seems her older pooch was getting exhausted on his walk to the dog park, so once he got there the dog was too pooped to play. Now, the dog is walked to the dog park and "explodes" from the pet stroller ready to play!
• Longer walks: One customer enjoyed exercise from long walks but her new pug was tiring out so she had to cut her usual distance in half. Now with the dog stroller, she can walk her pug until he poops out, then continue her long walks with him resting in the stroller!
• Multiple dogs: One customer has three Yorkies and found life was much easier when they were in the stroller so they couldn't run in 3 different directions! She says, "They love it! " For multiple dogs, check out the AT3 All Terrain Pet Stroller or one of the Kittywalk SUV models.
• Trips to the vet: I never thought of this, but she's right: One customer thinks her stroller keeps her pet safer and healthier at the vet's office. "I don't have to worry about them being on the floor with germs from other sick animals. After all, that's why most animals are at the vets."
• Traveling: One customer who took a lot of driving trips especially liked the Kittywalk model, which includes a detachable carrier and collapsible frame--this allowed her to keep her pet secure while in the car and easily roll the pet into pet-friendly hotels.
• Alternative to pet carriers: Rather than using a heavy carrier, some customers find it much easier to use a pet stroller (which really is just a rolling pet carrier).
• Cats: Cats can be tough to walk on leashes--if you don't get them into harnesses at a young age, some cats will never adjust to a harness. A cat stroller is a great way for cats to get some fresh air.
• Ice & salt in winter: A northerner reported her dogs paws were taking a beating on the ice and salt, so she purchased a pet stroller to get her dog to the parks where they can play in the snow safely.
• Festivals: One couple liked to walk their dog to local festivals, but between the crowds, noise, and other aggressive animals, they found it stressful rather than relaxing. With the pet stroller, they keep their small dog safe and the pooch still enjoys getting some fresh air.
• Jogging: One athletic customer reported using the pet stroller while jogging. Check out the AT3 Jogging Pet Stroller.
• Boaters: A boater said she loved using the stroller to get her dog onto the boat safely since her pet didn't enjoy walking on the docks.
• Injuries: Animals with certain types of injuries cannot be walked for long distances but still want to get outdoors.
• Safety: We have customers in large cities who use a stroller to get their dogs to parks--the stroller keeps them safe on congested urban streets.
• Aggressive dogs: Another customer had a dog that could get aggressive, so walking him in the dog stroller helped to keep him calm (and other dogs safe.)
• Pocket dogs: Some small dogs cannot be walked very far, so customers find they can get all the way to the dog park and back if they use a pet stroller.
• More quality time: One customer shared that the stroller simply gave her more quality time with her pet. Using the stroller, she could take her dog more places than she could've otherwise, so she and her pet were enjoying more time together.

Craziest Tail will win a Pet Stroller

The World's Coolest Dog & Cat Show is entering the voting phase! JustPetStrollers.com is an official sponsor and will send a Happy Trails Pink Pet Stroller to the winner of the Craziest Tail category.

Although you cannot vote for Craziest Tail (since the judges must do that) you can vote for Best in Show! Please visit the World's Coolest Dog & Cat Show Web site to vote!

If you want to see the Craziest Tail finalists, here you go:

Pretty Boy Floyd










Lemon













Flora Post












Buddy Kinsey









Printz

















Please go to the World's Coolest Dog & Cat Show to vote!

Pictures and compliment for Pet Stroller!

We love getting pictures! Here are some shots and a message we received from a happy Happy Trails customer.

I purchased the "Happy Trails" pet stroller in pink from JustPetStrollers.com. I received it on Friday, Nov 11. I love it. I have 3 chihuahua's that fit perfect in it. Now I can take my babies anywhere with me. I received lots of compliments about it when I was out & about this weekend. I even ran into someone else who has one. Here are a couple pics of happy customers.

Thanks for sharing the feedback and the pix, Donna!

More pet stroller ideas - Bad weather and taking your pet to work

Last week, we got a post about someone who found their pet stroller useful in a weather emergency. With the dog safely in the stroller during a weather warning, he or she was ready in the event they needed to take shelter.

And here's another idea: Taking your pet to work. I found this post while cruising around the Internet:

One of the bonuses of working in an animal-friendly office is that our companion animals are welcome to visit. So today, I brought my cat Lucifer to work.

Lucifer is a very social cat, so he doesn't like being cooped up in the apartment all day. I recently bought him a Happy Trails Pet Stroller to make going out easier.

He enjoyed his first trip, where we sat in the park and he watched birds and squirrels. And I like the stroller--it's sturdy, easy to maneuver, and not too heavy. Plus, it folds up for easy storage in a small apartment.

This was posted to Lantern Books Blog by Laura Leslie.

Leslie purchased her pet stroller from another online retailer (Boo!), which means she paid several dollars more than she might've on Just Pet Strollers. So, if you're in the market for a pet stroller, be sure to price and compare--our site has many low price guarantees and after selling more than 1,000 pet strollers, we maintain a 99% customer satisfaction rating!

Cats out of doors in pet stroller

We received an e-mail from a customer who wanted to tell us how much she and her cat love the Happy Trails Pet Stroller. She likes to spend time outside and would feel guilty when she looked back to see her cat watching her from inside the screen door. Now, she rolls her cat outside with her and the cat enjoys fresh air, watching birds, and being somewhere other than in the house.

We're glad the stroller works for her cat! If you have any questions or ideas about pet strollers, please post them or e-mail us.

October Ratings for JustPetStrollers.com

Last month we posted how our site received unanimous "Excellent" ratings from our customers. In October... we didn't repeat, but we came close!

We received eleven ratings--10 "Excellent" and one "Good." (Darn it all anyway--we really work hard to earn those "Excellent" ratings!) Comments from our October customers include:

• I am very happy to have found this item, a dog stroller, for a good price from a good merchant. Their web site is one of the best I have seen; good, complete information, in detail, with excellent photos of everything they are selling. It is just as good as being in a brick and mortar store, without the hassle! The merchandise I ordered came within a week of me placing the order online. I would, and will, tell others about them.
  
• Wonderful! I bought a returned a cheaper version elsewhere and this was a bit more, not much, but worth it. Buddy loves it!!! Thanks for shipping it so quickly too!
• Excellent price, quick delivery, would definitely recommend.
• Overall, the strollers are very high quality and we are very pleased.
• Thank you so much! Super Fast Shipment. We both love the stroller =)
• We love the AT 3 pet stroller very much, it has made our walking with our pet so much easier.
• My puppy loves the stroller, she thinks its her new home and now the stroller has to stay unfolded because shell get upset if we put it away. One day she decided to take herself for a ride. Got into the stroller and tried pushing herself. Amazing product, really good company.
• I am sooo impressed with the all-terrain carrier; the quality of the product is excellent! Customer service was very helpful and informative; delivery was super fast; a model merchant! A
• Went way out of their way to accommodate my request. Outstanding. Thank you.

Thanks to everyone who completes and rates our store--even the ones who rate us "Good." We take the feedback seriously and always strive to improve upon our service. If you have any feedback about our store (JustPetStrollers.com) or any questions, please let us know.

Rabbits in pet strollers

We were asked the following in a comment to a prior post:

Hi, I'm really interested to know if anyone has bought a pet stroller for their rabbit? Our rabbit loves the fresh air, but for his own safety we only take him on a lead in the garden. He gets PLENTY of exercise within our home as he has the run of the house, but he loves the outdoors and doesn't like being parted from us - a pet stroller seems the perfect answer. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks very much.

Believe it or not, we've never been asked about rabbits in the pet stroller, nor have any of our customers mentioned using a pet stroller for a rabbit. We've sold hundreds of pet strollers, so we suspect someone has used theirs for a bunny, but no one has specifically mentioned doing so.

We'll contact our distributors to see if they have any experience with rabbits and pet strollers, and we'll post the info here. I wouldn't see why a pet stroller wouldn't work any better or worse for rabbits than any other kind of pet, but we'll try to find out if someone has some specific experience or advice to share. Thanks for asking!

Pet Stroller at Fashion Week

It's official: you can now join the ranks of the fashionable L.A. set for less than $125!

The Happy Trails PLUS Pink pet stroller made a stylish appearance at an L.A. Fashion Week show in front of guests such as Paris Hilton, Lucy Liu, Kimberly Stewart, and Jack Osbourne. One report called the Happy Trails PLUS Pink Pet Stroller "the highlight of the Sunday-in-the-Park style show."

If you want to learn more, please check out the Hollywood & Celebrity Pet News Blog or click here to read more about the stroller seen in the Verdad fashion show.

Uses for a pet stroller

The very first question we were asked when we started this blog was "Why would anyone need a pet stroller?" Now, we know dogs need their exercise and urge everyone to get their dog out walking, but that doesn't mean there aren't many great purposes for a pet stroller. Our customers keep sharing their uses, and we keep adding to the list:

• Longer walks: One customer enjoyed exercise from long walks but her new pug was tiring out, so she had to cut her usual distance in half. Now with the dog stroller, she can walk her pug until he poops out, then continue her long walks with him resting in the stroller!
• Multiple dogs: One customer has three Yorkies and found life was much easier when they were in the stroller so they couldn't run in 3 different directions! She says, "They love it! " For multiple dogs, check out the AT3 All Terrain Pet Stroller or one of the Kittywalk SUV models.
• Trips to the vet: I never thought of this, but she's right: One customer uses her pet stroller when taking her dogs to the vet. "I don't have to worry about them being on the floor with germs from other sick animals. After all, that's why most animals are at the vets."
• Snow/Winter: A northerner reported her dogs paws were taking a beating on the ice and salt, so she purchased a pet stroller to get her dog to the parks where they can play safely.
• Festivals: One couple liked to walk their dog to local festivals, but between the crowds, noise, and other aggressive animals, they found it stressful rather than relaxing. With the pet stroller, they keep their small dog safe and the puppy still enjoys getting some fresh air.
• Jogging: One athletic customer reported using the pet stroller while jogging. And recently, a new pet stroller came to the market that is perfect for jogging: Check out the AT3 Jogging Pet Stroller.
• Boaters: A boater said she loved using the stroller to get her dog onto the boat safely since her pet didn't enjoy walking on the docks.
• Traveling: One customer who took a lot of driving trips especially liked the Kittywalk model, which includes a detachable carrier and collapsible frame--this allowed her to keep her pet secure in the car and easily roll the pet into pet-friendly hotels.
• Alternative to pet carriers: Rather than using a heavy carrier, some customers find it much easier to use a pet stroller (which really is just a rolling pet carrier).
• Cats: Cats can be tough to walk on leashes--if you don't get them into harnesses at a young age, some cats will never adjust to a harness. A cat stroller is a great way for cats (or rabbits, ferrets, or other animals) to get some fresh air.
• Injuries: Animals with certain types of injuries cannot be walked for long distances but still want to get outdoors.
• Safety: We have customers living in large cities who use a stroller to get their dogs to parks--the stroller keeps them safe on congested urban streets. Another customer had a dog that could get aggressive, so walking him in the dog stroller helped to keep him calm (and other dogs safe.)
• Teacup dogs: Some small dogs cannot be walked very far, so customers find they can get all the way to the dog park and back if they use a pet stroller.
• More quality time: One customer shared that the stroller simply gave her more quality time with her pet. Using the stroller, she could take her dog more places than she could've otherwise, so she and her pet were enjoying more time together.

If you want to share how you use your pet stroller, please post here or e-mail us. Thanks!

JustPetStrollers.com sponsors "The World's Coolest Dog And Cat Show"

JustPetStrollers.com is proud to be part of "The World's Coolest Dog And Cat Show," an online photo contest offered by our friends at Catster.com and Dogster.com. A Happy Trails PLUS Pink Pet Stroller will be a prize awarded in the dog category for "Craziest Tail Category Winner."

Please check out this exciting online dog and cat show! Click here for a list of prizes including Nintendo DS game systems with Nintendogs, a year's supplies of pet food from Dad’s, a photo shoot in NY or Hollywood Dog magazine, Dogs and Cats 24/7 with custom covers withfeaturing your pet on the front and, Adobe Photo Shop Elements to name just a few. Best of all the People’s Choice winners will be crowned Dog and Cat of the Week on Dogster.com and Catster.com and have bragging rights for a year.

We're sponsoring a Celebrity Pet Blog

If you're interested in famous pets or the pets of famous people, check out our Hollywood & Celebrity Pet Blog. We hope to keep it maintained with interesting news and info about actors, stars, and celebs and their cats, dogs, and other pets.

Enjoy: http://hollywoodpets.blogspot.com/

Beware of look-alike pet strollers

We just got back from the nation's largest pet retailers show, and it appears it's official: Pet strollers are really a trend!

At the 2004 show, only one distributor was offering a pet stroller and no one walking through the exhibit hall was using a pet stroller. This year, several exhibitors showed pet strollers and we saw at least 50 pets being strolled through the tradeshow in a Kittywalk or Pet Gear Happy Trails pet stroller.

While it was exciting to see growth in this new product, we were concerned to note that cheap look-alike strollers are coming from overseas. While we at JustPetStrollers.com have nothing against low-cost pet strollers, we're concerned that consumers may purchase one thing thinking they're getting another. As with anything on the Internet, it's "Buyer Beware!"

One thing is certain: We WILL NOT offer a pet stroller in which we wouldn't trust our own pet! We've tested virtually every pet stroller on the market, and we've rejected some models as not being sturdy, safe, or living up to its promise. While it might be nice to offer a stroller for less than $50, selling an unsafe, unfunctional, or cheap pet stroller isn't the right thing for us to do for you or your pet (or for us, for that matter--we want to maintain the five-star Yahoo store rating we've received from our customers!)

We'll continue to keep our eyes open for new, exciting pet strollers, and you can count on JustPetStrollers.com to only offer products we trust, you'll find worthwhile, and your cat, dog, or other pet will love!

Update: Which pet stroller is easiest to fold and store?

Two months ago we answered the question, "Which pet stroller is easiest to fold and store?" Since then, a couple new pet stroller models have reached the market, so here's an update:

A common question we receive is which pet stroller is easiest to fold and store. Before we answer we'll ask the customer, "Which is more important--having a pet stroller that is collapsible or one that offers a detachable carrier?" The reason this is important is that pet strollers that fold the easiest do not come with detachable carriers, while the ones with detachable carriers are not the easiest to fold and store.

The easiest to fold are the Happy Trails Pet Stroller, Happy Trails PLUS Pet Stroller, and the AT3 Pet Stroller. With each of these models, you simply slide one button with your thumb (the lock), depress the large button on the handle (the release), and then immediately and easily fold to 15" to 18" high. If you'd like to see a video of the strollers being folded, click on the following links:

Happy Trails and Happy Trails PLUS Pet Stroller folding video:

• Happy Trails - WMV (372k)
• Happy Trails - MOV (463k)

AT3 All Terrain Pet Stroller folding video:

• AT3 - WMV (240k)
• AT3 - MOV (529k)

The Walk 'n Roll Pet Stroller is also easy to fold. It requires two hands, since the brackets on either side must be slipped upward to release the lock and fold the stroller to less than 10" high. The Walk 'n Roll is smaller than the Happy Trails, so the size of your pet and the amount of room your pet desires will affect which stroller you select. Here are links to movies of the Walk n' Roll being folded:

Walk n' Roll Pet Stroller Folding video:

• Walk 'n Roll WMV (248k)
• Walk 'n Roll MOV (547k)

The line of strollers from Kittywalk do not collapse for storage as easily as the other pet strollers. The stroller portion of the Kittywalk collapses flat (just like the other pet strollers), but the carrier portion can be collapsed only by removing a number of braces. While the other pet strollers collapse in seconds, the Kittywalk strollers require a couple minutes of effort to collapse and reassemble.

I would hasten to add that the Kittywalk pet strollers are still very recommendable--they are very sturdy, spacious, and functional. One of their primary benefits is that the carrier portion is detachable. Other plusses include the variety of sizes, styles, and colors available, the fact the stroller portion can be used without the carrier to roll groceries or other light loads, and the privacy area that permits your pet some solitude while in the pet stroller.

If anyone has any advice based on their own pet stroller purchase or evaluation, please post it!

Tooting our own horn

Is it really "tooting your own horn" if all you do is share what others say? It seems immodest, but we're proud of the ratings we receive from our customers and we want to share the news: In September, every single customer rating we received for our pet stroller store was "Excellent!"

It's hard to please all the people all of the time (and despite our best efforts, sometimes we may disappoint a customer here or there), but last month every customer who completed our online rating form gave us an "Excellent" rating. Here are some specific comments:

• This is how an internet business should be run! I love the stroller, the quality is unbelievable. I was hoping to get it in a week and had it in day and half. My sister said it is better built than her kids strollers. I do a lot with animal groups and will be sure to tell anyone who asks how much we love it. Cindi, La Crosse WI, September 2005
• I shop all over the internet and found the identical products, but, no one could match their service!! I would highly recommend Justpetstrollers.com to everyone (and do)! Bottom line: you get what you pay for -- and more with this company. David, Elgin IL, September 2005
• Top of the line professional company. I highly recommend them to any one. My Happy Trails Pet Stroller is of excellent quality, convenient, easy to assemble and, more importantly, my pet loves it. Barbara, Walton NY, September 2005
• Everything happened as it should...confirming emails, delivery status updates and actual delivery. The item was in pristine condition. I was completely satisfied. Margaret, New York NY, September 2005
• The delivery was faster than I expected, the stroller arrived in three days! My dog is thrilled with his new way of traveling. Sheri, Burlington WA, September 2005
• My purchase from justpetstrollers.com went extremely smoothly. An e-mail question to Customer Service was answered promptly, the order was shipped and delivered quickly. My cats and I are very happy with the quality of the pet stroller we purchased. Judy, Bakersfield CA, September 2005
• The quality of the items far exceeded my expectations. Ease of use was the best. I am truly a happy customer and will not hesitate to refer anyone to this site. The customer service could not have been nicer. Andrea, Boca Raton FL, September 2005
• I am sooo happy that I purchased my pet stroller! My dog, Billy, loves it and it! It is very easy to use - I don't know how I took him places before I had one. Kelly, Mt. Wolf PA, September 2005
• Service is very prompt and reliable. Elizabeth, Seattle WA, September 2005

We very much appreciate the ratings we receive from our customers--thanks for taking the time to share such positive feedback! We're a small family-run company, but we'll keep working to earn your business at JustPetStrollers.com and your positive ratings!

Message from a Happy Pet Stroller Owner

Just got a great note from a customer who shared how much her cat loves her stroller:

I received my Happy Trails stroller last Friday. The ordering process/shipping was quick & efficient. I just had to write and let you know how much my cat loves her new ride. After only a couple of walks, she figured out what "stroller" means. As soon as we tell her to get in her stroller, she hops right in and waits for me to zip her up. On our walks, she sits up in the stroller and watches the world go by with total fascination. We are all extremely happy with our purchase, even my husband who originally thought the stroller idea was a dud. I am attaching a picture of our little Emma in her new ride. Thanks so much!

And a big thanks to Emma and her human companions for sharing!

AT3 Pet Stroller: Details and information

We recently put together our first AT3 Pet Stroller to give it a test run, and we were positively impressed. The AT3 is the largest of the pet strollers, accommodating pets up to 60 pounds. It is marketed as a combination jogging pet stroller and off-road pet stroller, and it is certainly the most rugged model available, so if you want to move fast or go over rougher terrain, the AT3 may be your best choice.

Here are some pluses and minuses of the new AT3 pet stroller:

AT3 Pet Stroller Benefits:

• Big 11" wheels--great for jogging or dealing with rough sidewalks and trails.
• Foldable--easy one-button folding for storage and transport.
• Enormous capacity--can handle a 60-pound pet, the largest pet stroller available.
• Front wheel lockable and removable--the front wheel can be removed for storage and transport, and when in use you can either lock the wheel straight ahead (great for speed) or allow it to swivel (great for maneuverability).
• Rain and wind cover--protect your pet from the elements with a rain and wind cover that completely surrounds the stroller while still providing windows so your pet can see.
• Storage--the AT3 pet stroller's parent tray on the handles and large mesh basket underneath provides plenty of carrying ability.
• Brakes--Very solid brake mechanism that locks the rear wheels in place.
• Other AT3 benefits include shock absorbers on the rear tires, water-repellant nylon, and three-wheel design for stability while jogging or heading over turf or light trails.

AT3 Pet Stroller Drawback:

One has to look hard for a minus, but if I had to mention one it might be that the AT3 takes 30 to 45 minutes to put together the first time you use it. Once it is constructed, the AT3 is terrific--sturdy, safe, and foldable--but putting it together requires a screwdriver and some time. Well worth it, if you're looking for a pet stroller this large or this rugged!

You can find more details and images about the AT3 all-terrain pet stroller on our site:

http://justpetstrollers.com/AT3_all_terrain_pet_stroller.html

Let us know if you have any questions.

Pet Stroller Sizes: Which is right for me?

When selecting a pet stroller, you'll often see a weight limit listed for each stroller, but you should not merely go by weight alone! Be sure to check the size of stroller (the compartment) and compare this to your pet to make sure your dog, cat, or other pet will be comfortable in the stroller.

Our return rate is very low for the pet strollers we sell, but we have seen a couple Walk 'n Roll strollers returned by customers who found it was a bit tight for their pets. This is not a criticism of the Walk 'N Roll--it's a fine stroller for the right pet--but you need to check out the measurements and not just the weight to make sure the Walk 'n Roll (or any other stroller) is the right model for you and your pet.

Below is a chart with some weight limits and measurements for different pet strollers. Also, note the picture below, which feature Te-Shi, a 15-pound Shiba Inu, in three different strollers. You can see how the Walk 'n Roll is not the best fit for this fifteen-pound dog, while the Happy Trails Pet Stroller and AT3 Pet Stroller provide a more comfortable ride for Te-Shi.

AT3 Pet Stroller: 28" L x 14.5" W x 22.5" H
Kittywalk SUV*: 31" L x 16" W x 20" H
Kittywalk Normal*: 26" L x 14" W x 17" H
Happy Trails & Happy Trails PLUS: 24" L x 12" W x 21" H
Walk 'n Roll Pet Stroller: 19.5" L x 10" W x 12" H

* Kittywalk dimensions include both the netted portion and the privacy tent.

Another happy pet stroller customer

Wanted to share some positive feedback and pictures we received from a customer:

The stoller arrived today and my english bulldog puppy( Miss Cookie) Loves it! Thanks a million for the fast delivery and caring customer support! All the best. From a proud Army wifey

Thanks for sharing the pictures and the comments. Glad your puppy and you are enjoying the pet stroller!

Use Caution on Auction Sites

Late last week we got word from one of our pet stroller suppliers that some sellers on auction sites had stolen images of a stroller off the supplier's site, altered the color, and were auctioning cheap stroller rip-offs as being of equal quality. Our supplier found out about this when it started to receive complaints that strollers didn't match the pictures and about poor quality.

I'm sure it always goes without saying for any product--not just pet strollers--but be cautious about purchasing on auction sites. Always make sure you know the seller, check out the return policy, and look for ratings that help you know you can trust the seller. Of course, the same is true of any e-commerce Web site you find--always be sure you're dealing with a site that's trustworthy!

On our pet stroller site, we post actual customer comments and have posted clearly defined return policies. We've sold over 1,000 pet strollers, and out of 170 ratings we've been given by actual purchasers, 88% have rated us "Excellent" and 11% have rates us "Good!" (Don't mean to brag, but we're proud of our ratings!)

Help Pets Hurt by Hurricane Katrina

Help hurricane Katrina victims with a donation

There are times we all have to be thankful for what we have and open our hearts and wallets for those in need. The true scope of hurricane Katrina's damage won't be known for days, but it is clear there is and will be much suffering for many people and pets in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. We've donated money to the Red Cross (whose site is clearly being overwhelmed by people wanting to make a donation) and Humane Society and we'd ask you to consider your own donation.

If you're interested, here are some trustworthy sites through which you may make a donation:

• Red Cross
• Network for Good
• US Humane Society Diaster Relief Fund
• Salvation Army
• Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Many of these Web sites are operating slowly today because of traffic from others who wish to donate, so please stay patient.

There is also a unique site that has been launched to try to match those in need of shelter with those who have it to offer. Not sure how much it can help in the short-run since the Katrina victims don't have electricity or access to the Internet, but it can't hurt to share the site: http://www.shelterforkatrina.org/.

New Pet Stroller Models Available!

When our small store started carrying pet strollers two years ago, there was one brand on the market and only two styles. Today, pet strollers are becoming more popular and more common, and we carry four brands and a dozen sizes and styles. Just this week we added a new brand and three new models to our selection! Here's what's new:

Happy Trails PLUS Pink Pet Stroller: Identical to the blue Happy Trails stroller (about which our customers consistently rave), except for the color and two additional inclusions: A wind and rain cover (in pink to match, of course) and an interior fleece pad.

AT3 All Terrain Pink Stroller: We get asked all the time about a jogging pet stroller, and now there is one available. The AT3 is the largest pet stroller on the market, holding pets up to 60 pounds. It also has the largest wheels of any pet stroller (11 inches) and its three-wheel base is very stable.

We're excited to be carrying these new pet stroller models. Please let us know if you have any questions and please visit our site or call us to learn more.

Taking your cat for a stroll when you walk your dog

Another purpose for a pet stroller: Taking your cat for a stroll when you walk your dog. Maybe your cat is feeling left out when you leave with your pooch to enjoy the great outdoors? A pet stroller would take care of that problem. Angela from Ohio sent us this:

Our cat loves going on walks with it. We also have a dog and now we can take both animals with us when we go out.

Thanks for sharing, Angela!

Another pet stroller purpose--multiple dogs!

Someone posted below about the reason they purchased their pet stroller, and I thought it was worthwhile to share this as an additional purpose for the product. She said:

I have 3 Yorkies and it makes life much easier when they can't run in 3 different directions! They love it! Also, when taking them to the vet I don't have to worry about them being on the floor with germs from other sick animals. After all, that's why most animals are at the vets.

Thanks for posting, and if anyone else has any ideas or feedback on strollers for cats, dogs, and other animals, please let us know!

Like having a brand new dog

We've been collecting a list of uses for pet strollers, and the list is getting longer. We just got a call from a customer who thanked us profusely because the stroller gave his dog a new lease on life. His pooch was older and couldn't make the walk to the park like he used to. When he finally got to the park, all he could do was lay down, rest, and watch the other dogs play.

Now with the pet stroller, he gets rolled to the park and is rested and ready for play. His human companion reports he "explodes" from the stroller ready for action and that since he got the stroller it was "like having a brand new dog."

So, add renergizing older dogs to the growing list of purposes for a pet stroller! And if you have more to add, please post here or let us know.

Squirt says hi from his pet stroller

Squirt is a customer at our bricks-and-mortar store in Milwaukee. His human companion purchased a Happy Trails pet stroller some months ago. His first trip in the stroller he seemed a little nervous, but within a few days he adjusted and now absolutely loves it. We're told he runs right for the stroller whenever he's asked if he wants to take a walk.

Squirt can run into some agressive dogs during his walk, and being a little guy he sometimes could be intimidated. Now, he stays in the stroller for certain portions of his walk, and then hops out at the park or as he walks down streets on which he feels more comfortable.

This picture was taken in our store. He has his pillow and blanket along for the ride in his pet stroller.

If you have any pet stroller pictures you wish to share, please visit http://justpetstrollers.com/contact.html for our contact info.

"Massive Thanks" for a pet stroller

We love to hear from our customers (and to share their feedback with you). Just got this from a customer who purchased a Happy Trails pet stroller:

I would just like to say a massive thanks to you for the stroller. It managed some very rough terrain and is still intact. It also survived a bad rain shower and kept it's waterproofness.

But most of all my pup loved it to bits. She even crawled in one day to go to sleep as it's her little safe house now. She is growing quickly so i am getting as much use out of it as possible. Lots of people loved it who stopped to look at her in it and believe me EVERYONE stopped.

I have printed out a picture of her in it and it is on my vets notice board, i took the liberty of adding your website on there in case anyone wants to order one.

Once again a massive, huge thanks for all your help in making sure I received it in time. We walked miles and couldn't have done all our usual mileage without it.

Best regards

Hazel

Thanks Hazel!

Call to voice your displeasure over unfunny animal abuse game

While I often hate to give any additional visibility to things that are better off ignored, I was appalled by an unfunny online game that involves the abuse of dead pets. The site (deadpetsgame.com) supports a book that "explores and explains the universe of the Dead Pet. From dead pets in public life... to a selection of the cruellest (sic) deaths meted out to pets in the movies... from a comparison of attitudes and doctrines of pet afterlife across religions to Ancient Roman recipes for dormice and songbirds."

I won't fault the publisher of the book (Canongate) for the book itself--I love that we live in a world and country where people are free to purchase or read virtually anything. But that doesn't mean that a "game" in such poor taste needs to be used to market a book. Animal abuse isn't funny, and offering a free game where any kid (or adult) can beat a dead animal with a baseball bat is, in my opinion, completely unacceptable.

I try to keep my sense of humor about things, but I let the publisher know I did not approve and requested they take down the Web site. If you agree (or if you disagree and feel the publisher's site is appropriate), you can e-mail the publisher at customerservices@canongate.co.uk.

Uses for Pet Strollers

We keep getting e-mail and customer comments about purposes for pet strollers. This all started with one person asking "Why would anyone need a pet stroller?" So, here is the complete list built by our customers:

• Snow/Winter: A northerner reported her dogs paws were taking a beating on the ice and salt, so she purchased a pet stroller to get her dog to the parks where they can play safely. She loved the stroller and shared a picture (at right.)
• Festivals: One couple liked to take their dog to local festivals, but between the crowds, noise, and other agressive animals, they found it stressful rather than relaxing. With the pet stroller, they keep their small dog safe and the puppy still enjoys getting some fresh air.
• Jogging: One athletic customer reported using the pet stroller while jogging. She reported that the pet stroller wheels could get wobbly at higher jogging speeds. (We expect to add a true jogging stroller to the line of pet strollers at http://www.justpetstrollers.com/ within the next month or two.)
• Boaters: A boater said she loved using the stroller to get her dog onto the boat safely since her pet didn't enjoy walking on the docks.
• Traveling: The right pet stroller can make it much easier to travel with a pet. One customer who took a lot of driving trips especially liked the Kittywalk model, which includes a detachable carrier and collapsible frame--this allowed her to keep her pet secure in the car and easily roll the pet into buildings.
• Alternative to pet carriers: Some pets can be walked into their vet's office, but some pets need to carried. Rather than using a heavy carrier, some customers find it much easier to use a pet stroller (which really is just a rolling pet carrier).
• Cats: Cats can be tough to walk on leashes--if you don't get them into harnesses at a young age, some cats will never adjust to a harness. A cat stroller is a great way for cats (or rabbits, ferrets, or other animals) to get some fresh air.
• Injuries: Animals with certain types of injuries cannot be walked for long distances but still want to get outdoors.
• Safety: We have had city customers use a stroller to get their dogs to parks--the stroller keeps them safe on congested urban streets. Another customer had a dog that could get aggressive, so walking him in the dog stroller helped to keep him calm (and other dogs safe.)
• Teacup dogs: Some small dogs cannot be walked very far, so customers find they can get all the way to the park and back if they use a pet stroller.
• More quality time: One customer shared that the stroller simply gave her more quality time with her pet. Using the stroller, she could take her dog more places than she could've otherwise, so she and her pet were enjoying more time together.

Any other purposes for a pet stroller? If so, let us know, please!

Another picture of a pet in a stroller

One of our friends reports his Shiba Inu loves riding in the pet stroller, and he shared a picture (which we're sharing with you).

Will my pet enjoy being strolled?

A month ago we posted the question "Will my pet enjoy being strolled?" Most pets will take to the stroller right away, but you'll find some tips to help your pet adjust in that older post.

I thought I'd share the following e-mail we just received from Zeda in California, which may help answer the question about if pets enjoy being strolled:

I received my Happy Trails stroller the other day and finally got off my duff today and assembled it. It is great! The "assembly" just consisted of putting the wheels and drink tray on so even I could do it.

I put my miniature pinscher (Terminator) into it and he immediately loved it. He is young (about 2 years old) and I figured he would want out on the ground to walk and sniff --- that wasn't the case. He was playing "King of the Hill" in the stroller.

I was also more than pleased with the quality of the stroller, it is made better than some that I see that people use for their children!!!

I have already emailed a couple of people to tell them about you --- hopefully this will bring you more business. If you wish, feel free to put this into your "Customer Raves" section.

Thanks for the comments, Zeda. We really appreciate when our customers share their questions, praise, and concerns!

ABC Television Looking for Families Who Love Their Pets

This isn't related to pet strollers but may be of interest to those of you who own or want a pet stroller:

A Casting Producer with ABC Television has contacted us and asked us to pass the word to our customers that they're looking for families who truly love to pamper their pets! ABC is seeking unique, outgoing, over-the-top dog fanatic families for their upcoming season of 'Wife Swap!'

Please don't be confused by the title - "Wife Swap" is a family show on ABC primetime. The premise is simple: two moms from two very different families get the opportunity to swap lives (but not bedrooms!) for a week to experience what it's like to live a different lifestyle - and to see what they can teach each other about their own! All featured families will be given a financial honorarium of $20,000!

ABC is looking for two parent families with children (ages 5 and older) that are up for an adventure. If you're interested, please e-mail your contact info to petlover@metropawlis.com and we will, in turn, forward it on to the contact at ABC.

Will my pet chew through the netting?

We received a question today from a customer: "Will my cat chew through the netting?" We've never had a report of this (and we've sold hundreds and hundreds of pet strollers.)

First of all, customers report that their pets are too fascinated with their surroundings and views from the stroller to chew on the stroller netting. (Remember one of the pet stroller hints: Only put the pet in the pet stroller when you are taking them outside. You want them to look forward to their rides in the pet stroller and not think of it as confining. For other hints, visit http://petstroller.blogspot.com/2005/07/will-my-pet-enjoy-being-strolled.html.)

Secondly, most of the pet strollers have such a fine netting that it really wouldn't be possible for a cat or dog to chew through it. And the pet strollers that have wider netting (such as the Kittywalk line) are constructed from durable nylon netting, so it's tough to imagine a pet biting through.

While this doesn't have anything to do with the question of netting, we did receive a great e-mail from a pet stroller customer today, and I wanted to share it:

I received my Happy Trails stroller the other day and assembled it. It is great! The "assembly" just consisted of putting the wheels and drink tray on so even I could do it.

I put my miniature pinscher into it and he immediately loved it. He is young (about 2 years old) and I figured he would want out on the ground to walk and sniff --- that wasn't the case. He was playing "King of the Hill" in the stroller.

I was also more than pleased with the quality of the stroller, it is made better than some that I see that people use for their children!!!

From Zeda, Union City, CA

Thanks Zeda, and if any other readers have ideas or recommendations to share, please send them to petlover@metropawlis.com or visit http://www.justpetstrollers.com/contact.html.

Two more pet stroller ideas

A week or two ago, we listed some of the purposes for which people purchased pet strollers (http://petstroller.blogspot.com/2005/07/why-would-anyone-need-pet-stroller.html). We've heard from a couple more customers and have two additional purposes to add to the list:

• Festivals: One couple liked to take their dog to local festivals, but between the crowds, noise, and other agressive animals, they found it stressful rather than relaxing. With the pet stroller, they keep their small dog safe and the puppy still enjoys getting some fresh air.
• Jogging: One athletic customer reported using the pet stroller while jogging. She reported that the pet stroller wheels could get wobbly at higher jogging speeds. (We expect to add a true jogging stroller to the line of pet strollers at http://www.JustPetStrollers.com within the next month or two.)

If you have other ideas or experiences, please share them!

Dog on Wheels

Anyone familiar with the Belle & Sebastian song "Dog on Wheels"? Some of the lyrics are:

To my dog on wheels I'll tell my pleasures and woes

To my dog on wheels I'll tell my secrets and more

That's apropos of nothing, except that we received a question about wheels on the pet stroller.

Before you select a stroller, think about the types of surfaces on which you'll walk your cat or dog. If you roll over smoother sidewalks and street (and if your pet is smaller) then the smaller wheels on the original Kittywalk Pet Stroller or the Walk 'n Roll Pet Stroller might work well.

On the other hand, if you think you'll head over rougher surfaces (grass, snow, gravel, etc.), then one of the Kittywalk SUV models or the Happy Trails Pet Stroller might be preferable--both have 8-inch wheels, and the Happy Trails features a simple shock absorber system to even out the ride for your pet.

Hope that helps, and if you have any comments or questions, feel free to post!

Which pet stroller is easiest to fold and store?

A common question we receive is which pet stroller is easiest to fold and store. Before we answer, we'll often ask the customer, "Which is more important--having a pet stroller that is collapsible or one that offers a detachable carrier?" The reason this is important is that pet strollers that fold the easiest do not come with detachable carriers, while the ones with detachable carriers are not the easiest to fold and store.

The easiest to fold is the Happy Trails Pet Stroller. You simple slide one button with your thumb, depress the large button on the handle, and it folds to less than 15" high. If you'd like to see a video of the Happy Trails being folded (372k, WMV), click here.

The Walk 'n Roll Pet Stroller is also easy to fold. It requires two hands, since the brackets on either side must be slipped upward to release the lock and fold the stroller to less than 10" high. The Walk 'n Roll is smaller than the Happy Trails, so the size of your pet and the amount of room your pet desires will affect which stroller you select.

The line of strollers from Kittywalk do not collapse for storage as easily as the other pet strollers. The stroller portion of the Kittywalk collapses flat (just like the other pet strollers), but the carrier portion can be collapsed only by removing a number of braces. While the other pet strollers collapse in seconds, the Kittywalk strollers require a couple minutes of effort to collapse and reassemble.

I would hasten to add that the Kittywalk pet strollers are still very recommendable--they are very sturdy, spacious, and functional. One of their primary benefits is that the carrier portion is detachable. Other plusses include the variety of sizes, styles, and colors available, the fact the stroller portion can be used without the carrier to roll groceries or other light loads, and the privacy area that permits your pet some solitude while in the pet stroller.

If anyone has any advice based on their own pet stroller purchase or evaluation, please post it!

"Why would anyone need a pet stroller?"

Well, it only took a week after launching the blog to get my first message from someone accusing us of having a less than firm grasp of reality. "Why would anyone need a pet stroller?" he asked.

The first week seems like a good time to address the question many people ask: "Why a pet stroller?" I hope some pet stroller users will post their own ideas and experiences because the uses and needs for a pet stroller are as limitless as the number of pets and pet companions. Here is a brief list of pet stroller uses and situations we've been told by our customers:

• Boaters: I already mentioned one message we received from a boater who loved using the stroller to get her dog onto the boat safely.
• Traveling: The right pet stroller can make it much easier to travel with a pet.
• Alternative to pet carriers: Some pets can be walked into their vet's office, but some pets need to carried. Rather than using a heavy carrier, some customers find it much easier to use a pet stroller (which really is just a rolling pet carrier).
• Cats: Cats can be tough to walk on leashes--if you don't get them into harnesses at a young age, some cats will never adjust to a harness. A cat stroller is a great way for cats (or rabbits, ferrets, or other animals) to get some fresh air.
• Injuries: Animals with certain types of injuries cannot be walked for long distances but still want to get outdoors.
• Safety: We have had city customers use a stroller to get their dogs to parks--the stroller keeps them safe on congested urban streets. Another customer had a dog that could get aggressive, so walking him in the dog stroller helped to keep him calm (and other dogs safe.)
• Teacup dogs: Some small dogs cannot be walked very far, so customers find they can get all the way to the park and back if they use a pet stroller.

Those are some of the most common purposes we've heard from our pet stroller customers. If you have any additional ideas or experiences, please post them here or contact us via our site to share your own experiences.

Will my pet enjoy being strolled?

Sammy Jo posted the following:

I am considering purchasing a pet stroller to walk my cat. It is obvious he is interested in the outdoors, but I wonder if he will enjoy being strolled? I am interested in hearing anyone's stories or advice. My only concern is overstressing him. (He is a 2 year old, indoor cat.) Let me know what you think.

We've gotten many questions like this at our store and have received great feedback and advice from customers. First of all, I'd mention that very few pet strollers are returned, so the vast majority of pet companions find that their pets adjust very well. (And wherever you purchase your pet stroller, we'd urge you to review the store's return policy since some can be quite restrictive.)

Many pet companions indicate their dogs or cats take to the pet stroller right away, but others report an adjustment period. Some ideas to help your pet get the most from their pet stroller include:

• Only put the pet in the pet stroller when you are taking them outside. Your pet should associate the pet stroller with the enjoyment of being out of doors rather than with being confined indoors.
• Try leaving the pet stroller open and available to your pet with some treats inside the stroller. Let him or her explore the pet stroller and get to the treats inside. Be sure to lock the wheels so it doesn't move as your cat or dog explores it (and only consider pet strollers with lockable wheels for safety's sake).
• Reward your pet with a treat the first couple of times you use the pet stroller.
• Plan your first couple of trips to nearby destinations that are quieter and at times that are less busy. Let your pet get used to the new stroller experience without too much hustle and bustle.
• As with any change to a pet's habits, be sure to give it a couple of times for him or her to adjust. We had one customer report that their dachshund was nervous the first two times they used the pet stroller, but by the second week he was waiting at the stroller when they got home from work. Even funnier is that he "acted like royalty" being pushed around in the pet stroller with his head held high.

Hope that helps. If any pet stroller users have advice based on their own pets' adjustments to the stroller, please post!

Pet Strollers and Winter Weather

One of our customers shared this photo of her pet enjoying the stroller in the winter weather. Buddy was tired of walking after having on the boots and polar fleece snow suit, so the stroller helped keep Buddy warm and dry--until it was time to let him out to play.

Pet Strollers for Boaters

One of our customers from Florida shared some advice on a specific use for Pet Strollers: Getting your dog or cat out to a boat. Our customers had a dog that enjoyed boating but didn't like walking out on the floating docks. With their pet stroller, they were able to avoid carrying or pulling their dog out to the boat!

If you have any ideas for how to use a dog stroller, please share them!

Welcome to the Pet Stroller Blog

Our small store is selling more and more pet strollers online (at JustPetStrollers.com), and our customers often have question or share advice about how their dogs, cats, or other pets enjoy and use their pet strollers. If you have questions or advice about Pet Strollers, please post them here or e-mail us at petlover@metropawlis.com. We'll do our best to provide helpful information to pet lovers about this new product.