Sources and Funding for Pet Wheelchairs

by admin · June 13, 2022

Sources and Funding for Pet Wheelchairs. This article is about wheelchairs for dogs and cats and even small animals. We discuss where to buy them, financial help and what to look for and consider.

by Robert Hudson

If your pet has mobility issues, a wheelchair might be a good fit. Here we have a list of suppliers/makers of wheelchairs for pets.

Walkin Pets/Handicappedpets.com offers a variety of wheelchairs and other products for senior and handicapped pets. Dogs and cats of all sizes.

Dog Wheelchairs

Rear Support Dog WheelchairFrom $435.00
Front Support Dog WheelchairFrom $490.00
Full Support Dog WheelchairFrom $745.00

What to consider when choosing a wheelchair for pets

What type of terrain will it be used on: carpet, hard surface, grass, trails?
Is it custom made for a sure fit for your animal?
What happens if your pet rejects it?
What is the warranty and return policy?
How much does it weigh?
Does it have padding to prevent chaffing?

Know the limitations

Pets cannot lie down in their carts, which means they can’t tell you when they are tired.
Wheelchair pets must be closely supervised so if they get tangled up on something they can be rescued.
Pets must still be taken out with a harness or other support to urinate and defecate, because they cannot do this in a wheelchair/cart.
Wheelchair pets cannot be around open stairs or in rooms that have a sunken living room.
Dogs must be lifted in and out of their carts, so they must have a human capable of this.
Wheelchair pets still require time out of their cart so having a “scootable” living area is essential

K9 Carts wheelchairs are custom built in the USA using Aircraft Grade Aluminum for the lightest ride in the country. Dogs and cats.

Gunnar’s wheels– non -profit that provides used, rebuilt wheelchairs for pets at no cost to those in need. Dogs, cats…and who knows what else- ask Jason!

Custom-built, tailored and engineered to match your pet’s disability and body shape.
Welded, padded saddle gives your pet solid support on its pelvic floor, eliminating chafing to delicate soft tissue.
Lightweight solid aluminum construction with wheels to match your pet’s terrain.
Adjustable for height and length.
Dogs and cats

Dog Wheelchairs Center adjustable wheelchairs

wheelchairs for dogs and cats — Quad by Eddie’s Wheels

Types of Wheelchairs for pets

Front leg support
Back leg support
All leg support
Variable axel (changes as a dog loses function over time)
Quad cart. (for 4 legs).
Training wheels (animals that are relearning walking skills)

Best Friend Mobility

Guinea pig wheelchair ETSY and other small animals

HAUTE WHEELS DOG WHEELCHAIR

Sources and Funding for Pet Wheelchairs- Custom vs. Off the Shelf

Sometimes we find that “off the shelf” carts work fine. The challenge is when it doesn’t . A cart too short or too long puts additional pressure on an already compromised spine. A cart that is too wide allows too much swing, compromising the spine and shoulders of your dog. Carts that don’t properly support the bulk of the dog (too flimsy) create bounce in the front limbs putting additional pressure on elbows and shoulders. And dogs that have degenerative myelopathy or arthritis in both the forelimbs and the hind limbs need a cart that can change its center of gravity as the dog becomes weaker.

Ruck9 is a non profit who offers wheelchairs made by Walkkin Pets paid for by donations. Wheelchairs for dogs and cats.

Reasons for a Wheelchair

Paralysis
Missing rear limb(s)
Missing forelimb(s)
Elbow arthritis with hindlimb weakness
Degenerative myelopathy
Vestibular disease
Pug myelopathy
Paresis
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Injury recovery/rehab
Senior pets
special needs

More financial support- Sources and Funding for Pet Wheelchairs

Rescued Rollers
www.RescuedRollers.com
Rescued Rollers is a registered 501(c)3 with a simple mission: To give free or low-cost pet wheelchairs to animal rescue organizations, shelters, and individuals who otherwise cannot afford them (inspired by their experiences with Ranger, their own handicapped Border Collie). For about $70, they can clean, sanitize, refurbish/repair, and ship a donated wheelchair to those in need. They also offer educational programs to the public to teach them how to care for their special needs and senior dogs. Contact them through their website.

Sources and Funding for Pet Wheelchairs-Wheelchair benefits for a cat

Improved mental health
Helps cats rebuild their strength
Rehabilitative support post injury or surgery
Prevents muscle atrophy
More exercise means improved bodily function

Sources and Funding for Pet Wheelchairs The Guinness Dunn Foundation
https://www.theguinnessdunnfoundation.com/
Take a look at the Guinness Dunn Foundation that was established in 2020 with the goal of improving the health and safety of needy animals. They also strive to help with veterinary bills and assist in providing supplies and equipment such as pet food and mobility carts in order to keep pets and their families together during the most difficult times.

Sources and Funding for Pet Wheelchairs-The Wishbone Foundation

https://thewishbonefoundation.com/
Created in 2021. They provide temporary financial support and equipment for those who may be struggling to care for their special needs pets. Contact: admin@thewishbonefoundation.com.

Hailey’s Wheels for Life

https://www.facebook.com/Haileyswheelsforlife/
This not for profit entity in South Australia provides subsidized wheelchairs to rescue groups and those owners in need of financial assistance. The purpose is to encourage an alternative to euthanasia and to prolong the life of an otherwise healthy dog.