What are the safe methods for using the brake and fixing device of a pet stroller?

With the continuous heating up of the pet economy, pet strollers have become an important equipment for pet owners to carry small to medium-sized pets for travel, and their safety performance directly affects the safety and physical and mental comfort of pets' travel. The braking system and fixing device, as the core safety components of pet strollers, respectively play a key role in fixing the body of the vehicle, preventing accidental sliding and restraining pets, and avoiding pet falls. The standardized use of both is a dual line of defense for safeguarding pet travel safety. Unlike baby strollers, pet strollers need to be adapted to the active and restless characteristics of pets. The use of brakes and fixing devices should pay more attention to standardization and professionalism. Improper use or careless operation can easily cause safety hazards such as slipping, pet falls, and pet injuries. Currently, according to the relevant standards of "Durability Testing of Pet Carts" (GB/T 29775) and "Safety Technical Requirements for Companion Animal (Pet) Supplies" (GB/T 43839-2024), the design and testing of brake and fixing devices for pet carts have formed clear specifications, clarifying their safe use methods. This can not only help pet owners avoid use risks, but also promote industry enterprises to strengthen product control and guide the industry to develop towards standardization and safety.
From the current situation of the industry, the demand for pet strollers continues to rise, but some pet owners lack correct understanding of the use of brakes and fixing devices. At the same time, some products have problems with non-standard design and substandard component quality, leading to frequent safety hazards. According to industry related data, accidents such as pet injuries and cart slipping caused by improper brake operation and non-standard use of fixing devices during the use of pet strollers account for 42%, mainly manifested as incomplete brake locking, loose fixing devices, and failure to adapt fixing methods according to pet weight. Therefore, it is of great industry value and practical significance to clarify the safe use methods of brake and fixing devices for pet strollers, popularize scientific knowledge of usage, ensure pet safety, regulate market order, and promote high-quality development of the industry.
1、 The safe use of the braking system to build a solid defense line for the vehicle body
The braking system of pet strollers is mainly divided into two mainstream types: foot brake and handbrake. Some mid to high end products adopt a dual braking design of "foot brake+handbrake", which is suitable for different parking scenarios. The core principle of its use is "brake first, release pet later, release pet first, release pet later". It needs to be operated in accordance with the road conditions and parking scenarios to ensure reliable braking and avoid hidden dangers of rolling. The specific usage method should focus on the following four points.
1. Preoperative examination: Confirm that the brake performance is intact
Before using a pet stroller, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the brake system to confirm that its performance is intact and there are no issues such as looseness, jamming, or failure. This is a prerequisite for safe use. The inspection points include: stepping on the foot brake pedal, confirming that the pedal travel is smooth, the vehicle body does not shake after locking, and the pedal can quickly rebound without any jamming when released; Pull the handbrake (if any), check that the handbrake pull rope is not broken or detached, locked firmly and reliably, without looseness or rebound; Observe the fit between the brake caliper and the wheel to ensure a tight fit without excessive clearance or uneven fit, and check the distance between the brake pads and the wheel teeth to ensure it is within the range of 10-12mm. If the distance is too large, it needs to be adjusted in a timely manner. In addition, it is necessary to regularly inspect the wear and rust of brake components. If severe wear, rust, or corrosion is found, timely repair or replacement is necessary to avoid brake failure.
2. Standardized operation: precise braking according to the scene
The operation method of the braking system needs to be different in different usage scenarios, with the core being to ensure comprehensive braking and reliable locking. When parking on a flat road, it is necessary to stop the cart and press the foot brake pedal firmly until it is fully locked, or pull the handbrake until it is locked. At the same time, observe the brake lock signs (such as color markings and sound prompts) to confirm that the brakes are in place and avoid slipping due to incomplete locking; When parking on slippery terrain such as slopes, smooth roads, etc., dual braking (foot brake+handbrake) should be used. At the same time, the cart should be parked towards the top of the slope to further improve parking stability. After parking, gently push the body of the car to confirm that there is no sliding before placing the pet.
During the implementation process, it is necessary to flexibly use the brakes. In case of emergencies, turns, or temporary stops, step on the foot brake or pull the hand brake in a timely manner to avoid sudden braking that may cause pets to be injured in the cabin due to inertial collisions; After the implementation is completed, the brake should be locked first, and then the cabin door should be opened to place or remove pets. It is strictly prohibited to place or remove pets without braking to prevent accidents caused by the sliding of the cart. In addition, before folding the cart, the brake needs to be unlocked first. After folding, the brake can be locked again to prevent the cart from sliding in the folded state.
3. Avoiding Misconceptions: Eliminate Improper Operations
When using the brake system, it is necessary to prevent various improper operations and avoid safety hazards. It is strictly prohibited to rely solely on a single braking method for parking on slopes and smooth roads, in order to avoid skidding due to insufficient braking; It is strictly prohibited to apply excessive force when stepping on the brake to avoid damaging the brake components and affecting the braking performance; It is strictly prohibited for pets to touch the brake pedal or handbrake handle, in order to avoid pets accidentally touching and unlocking the brake; It is strictly prohibited to use the trolley in the event of brake system failure or jamming. It should be immediately stopped and the manufacturer should be contacted for repair or replacement. At the same time, avoid using the brake for a long time on muddy or waterlogged roads, and clean the brake components in a timely manner after use to prevent rusting and sticking of the components caused by mud and water accumulation.
4. Daily maintenance: Ensure long-term and reliable braking
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring the long-term stable operation of the brake system, and maintenance work should be carried out in conjunction with the frequency of use. Check the connection of brake pedals, handbrake cables, calipers and other components every week. If there is any looseness, tighten it in a timely manner and add anti loosening gaskets; Clean the brake components every 3 months, remove mud and dust from the gaps, and perform anti-corrosion treatment on the metal components to avoid rusting; Adjust the tension of the brake cable or the clearance between the calipers in a timely manner according to the wear and tear during use to ensure braking sensitivity; After more than 10000 steps or pulls, a comprehensive inspection of the brake system is required to replace severely worn components and ensure that the braking performance does not deteriorate.
2、 Safe use of fixed devices to safeguard pet restraint safety
The fixing devices of a pet stroller mainly include pet seat belts, cabin guardrails, door locks, etc. The core function is to restrain the pet's body and prevent them from falling or jumping out during the stroller's driving or parking process. Its use needs to be flexibly adjusted according to the pet's weight and body shape to ensure that the restraint is firm and does not affect the pet's comfort. The specific usage method should focus on the following four points.
1. Selection and adaptation: Choose the appropriate fixation method based on the pet's weight
The selection of fixed devices should be adapted to the weight and body shape of the pet to avoid restraint failure or pet injury caused by improper fixing methods. The rated load capacity of pet strollers is usually 10-30kg, and some high-end products can reach over 40kg. It is necessary to choose a suitable stroller and fixing device according to the actual weight of the pet. For small pets (weight ≤ 5kg), simple seat belts can be used in conjunction with cabin guardrails to ensure firm restraint; Medium sized pets (weighing 5-15kg) should use high-strength seat belts, with priority given to five point or three-point fixed designs. At the same time, ensure that the height of the cabin guardrail is not less than 15cm, which can effectively prevent pets from escaping; Large pets need to use specialized reinforced fixing devices, paired with anti slip cabin cushions, to prevent pets from slipping due to restlessness in the stroller. In addition, the material of the fixed device must comply with the requirements of GB/T 43839-2024 standard, be free of toxic and harmful ingredients, and avoid irritating pet skin.
2. Standardized wearing: Ensure firm and comfortable restraint
After placing the pet in the stroller, it is necessary to immediately wear the fixing device, and the wearing process should be standardized, taking into account both firmness and comfort. When wearing a seat belt, it is necessary to thread it through the pet's chest and abdomen, adjust the tightness, and ensure that 1-2 fingers can be inserted. This not only avoids the pet from jumping out due to excessive looseness, but also avoids compressing the pet's chest and abdomen due to excessive tightness, which affects the pet's breathing and activity; The buckle of the seat belt needs to be fastened and gently pulled after fastening to confirm that there is no looseness or detachment. Some buckles need to adopt a double locking design to further improve the reliability of restraint.
If the pet is restless, you can first calm their emotions and wait for them to calm down before wearing the fixing device. It is strictly prohibited to forcefully wear it; The cockpit guardrail should be completely closed and the door lock should be fastened to prevent pets from hitting the guardrail and causing it to loosen or unlock; If the stroller is equipped with a rear door ramp, it is necessary to ensure that the ramp is completely in contact with the ground and firmly fixed during use. When pets enter and exit, the brake should be locked to prevent the stroller from sliding. After entering and exiting, the rear door should be closed and locked in a timely manner.
3. Full process monitoring: to avoid fixed device failure
During the implementation process, it is necessary to pay full attention to the status of the fixed device to avoid loosening or failure of the fixed device due to factors such as pet restlessness and bumpy roads. Regularly check the tightness of the seat belt and the firmness of the buckle. If any looseness is found, adjust and tighten it in a timely manner; Observe the pet's condition. If the pet struggles or bites the seat belt, it should be comforted in a timely manner to avoid the seat belt from being damaged or broken; When passing through bumpy roads, slow down the pushing speed to reduce body shaking and prevent the fixing device from loosening due to vibration. In addition, it is strictly prohibited to loosen the fixing device during the operation of the trolley. If adjustment is required, the brake must be locked and the trolley must be stopped before operation.
4. Regular inspection: replace damaged parts in a timely manner
The components of the fixed device need to be inspected regularly, and damaged or aged parts should be replaced in a timely manner to ensure stable restraint performance. Check the wear and tear of the seat belt every week, and replace it immediately if there are problems such as broken wires, damage, aging, etc; Check the connection of the cabin guardrail and door lock. If there is any looseness or deformation, tighten and repair them in a timely manner. If they cannot be repaired, they need to be replaced; Check the connecting parts of the fixed device to ensure that there is no looseness or detachment, and that the bolt specifications meet the standard requirements. If necessary, add anti loosening gaskets. At the same time, the fixed device needs to pass a static tensile test, with a bearing capacity greater than 150N and no damage. If it does not meet the requirements, it needs to be replaced immediately.
3、 Industry control and usage guidelines
In order to standardize the design, production, and use of brake and fixing devices for pet strollers, the industry has established a multidimensional control system: firstly, standard control. GB/T 29775, GB/T 43839-2024 and other standards further refine the design requirements and testing indicators for brake and fixing devices, clarify specific specifications for materials, processes, and performance, require the brake system to pass special tests such as brake sensitivity, locking reliability, fatigue durability, etc., and the fixing devices to pass tensile strength and durability tests, eliminating products with unreasonable design and substandard performance; The second is production control. Regular enterprises strictly screen component suppliers, conduct on-site inspections of raw materials, strengthen quality inspections of key links such as connections and welding, and promote automated production equipment to improve process accuracy; The third is market supervision. Market supervision departments regularly conduct random inspections of pet strollers, focusing on checking the braking performance of the braking system, the reliability of the fixed device constraints, and other indicators. Unqualified products are recalled and rectified, and "three no products" are severely cracked down on; The fourth is industry self-discipline. Mainstream enterprises actively enhance product safety standards, improve safety guidelines in user manuals, and promote the industry's transformation towards standardization and safety.
For pet owners, when using a pet stroller, it is necessary to strictly follow the safe use methods of brakes and fixing devices, and follow the following guidelines: firstly, prioritize selecting products with compliance testing reports that comply with GB/T 29775 and GB/T 43839-2024 standards, check the product nameplate, confirm the rated load, relevant parameters of brakes and fixing devices, and avoid purchasing "three no products"; The second is to thoroughly inspect the brakes and fixing devices before use, and only place pets after confirming their performance is intact; Thirdly, according to the weight and body shape of the pet, the fixed device should be worn in a standardized manner, and the usage status should be monitored throughout the process; The fourth is to eliminate improper operations, conduct regular maintenance inspections, and promptly repair or replace parts if problems are found; The fifth is to carefully read the product manual, master the correct operating methods, and avoid safety hazards caused by improper operation.
The safe use of brakes and fixing devices for pet strollers is the core link in safeguarding the safety of pet travel. The usage method should take into account standardization, professionalism, and adaptability, and comply with national and industry standards. Industry enterprises need to adhere to the safety bottom line, strengthen product design and production control, and improve safety guidelines; Pet owners need to establish a scientific usage awareness, proficiently master the safe use methods of brakes and fixing devices, standardize operations, and regularly maintain them in order to effectively avoid safety hazards, make pet strollers a safe partner for pet travel, and promote the healthy, orderly, and high-quality development of the pet supplies industry.