One possible idea is to remove all the fabric from an old twin baby buggy, except for the canopy (hood). Leave that in place for rain protection. I'm now examining the stripped-down chassis to see what can be done. I'm considering attaching a 'hammock' of very strong material such as canvas (like those hammocks that one attaches across the back seat of a car to protect it from dog fur and/or wet paws), from the handle of the chassis to the metal bar at the footrest.
The canvas can be punched through with several strong metal grommets along the top, bottom, and sides. Then strong nylon rope can be fed through the eyes and the hammock can be securely attached with hooks to all four sides of the metal framework of the chassis, obviously in areas where the hooks don't slide down the metal tubing of the framework. The hammock shouldn't be too taut because it should 'belly' down enough to support a sturdy dog-carrier. Nylon rope with hooks attached can be threaded through the grommets and then attach a dog-carrier to sit securely on the hammock. I have started this process. I've stripped my twin baby buggy down to the chassis and hood, now I'm at the stage of trying to select one of my large pet carriers.
Safety is paramount with a home-made pet buggy. Depending on the shape of the chassis (if the metal frame has one or two horizontal crossbars in the right positions to support the weight of a pet-carrier), a possible option would be to "securely" and "safely" attach a strong, commercial pet-carrier directly to the stripped down chassis. I don't think the shape of the metal frame of the chassis I'm using lends itself to attaching a pet-carrier directly to the framework, so I'm probably going to have buy a piece of strong canvas that fits, but overlaps the framework. I will then glue down all the edges to get a tidy look, and buy one of those gadgets that can punch holes through canvas while simultaneously inserting metal grommets into the holes. Then I'm going to attach the canvas to the chassis and the carrier to the canvas.
In theory, this should work, and I should end up with a pet-carrier attached to a strong canvas on the very strong framework of a used baby buggy. It's worth a try because any pet buggy that has a chassis as strong as a baby's buggy would cost a fortune.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have been looking at the new pet strollers. They are all so expensive. I think I may try to convert a baby stroller. All I have to do is figure out how to enclose it so my cat doesn't get out. I can buy a baby stroller used at the childrens' consignment shop for about $25.00. I have spent hours searching the internet and I cannot believe that I can't find any information on this.
Try one of the umbrella-style children's strollers (I bought one a couple of years ago at a yard sale for $5...and KMart sells them new for $12 or so) and combine it with one of the soft pet carriers that have recently been showing up at discount stores (saw some the other day at Big Lots, for approx $12-$14). Remove the fabric seat from the stroller and somehow affix the pet carrier to the stoller frame. Plastic cable ties would probably work, if there are some type of attachment points already affixed to the sides of the pet carrier. Good luck. Training your cat to walk on a leash might also be a viable alternative.
I just made a dog stroller yesterday! I got a Graco stroller for $20 from Craigslist and it came with the car seat. I laid the stroller down as flat as it would go, then wrapped some inch thick styrofoam with the fabric I took from the car seat. I just duct taped it on the backside to hold it in place and put it in the stroller bed to make the bottom level. Then I added a thin dog bed, just to make it more comfortable for my geriatric Boston. This particular stroller had a piece folded down on the seat area, that when I popped it up, provided a front for the stroller, effectively blocking the child foot area. I looped an old halter around the snack tray and attached a tether so my dog won't jump out, and I bought a yard of "sport mesh" fabric which I velcro'd to the hood of the stroller.
By Sharon from Lima, OH
A used umbrella type child's stroller would be ideal for your little boy. You should be able to get one cheap at a yard or garage sale. Good luck
The umbrella stroller is a good idea. You can strap him in using a dog harness through the baby straps. I am 60 and find that a wagon, with the pulling motion, hurts my shoulder, but a stroller is easy to push. And, if you can't find a used one, most stores sell them for under $20.00.
I have two Poms also, and if I were you I would look at yard sales, consignment shops, used baby clothing/furniture stores, Good Will, etc... though I myself had no luck finding one anywhere I looked!
When I could not find a used stroller or anything else suitable (After a few weeks of hard searching), I finally ended up buying one from Drs Foster and Smith about 5 years ago, before they caught on and became expensive. I only paid around 35.00 for mine and now they are 100 or more.
www.drsfostersmith.com/
And yes, People laughed at me, but I will tell you it was ONE of the BEST investments I have made for my dogs, and considering that against the cost, it soon became a "Thrifty" purchase!!
1) I was able to easily and quickly transport them from my car to the hotel room when I had to evacuate during a hurricane.
2) I am able to go on walks and enjoy myself without worrying about the health of my senior dog, who was turning my walks into "Drags", literally! lol
3) I was able to go on vacation two years ago to a 5-star hotel, and not make a spectacle of myself herding them through the lobby on tangled leashes.
4) I have saved my back a multitude of troubles!
