SureFit® Guarantee: we guarantee the perfect size, or we’ll pay your return shipping costs if an exchange is needed. That way there’s no doubt your pet will get the perfect fit.
We highly recommend using our SureFit® Calculator as it ensures the perfect custom fit for your pet. It requires a couple measurements, but only so we can provide your pet with the very best experience.
We recognize this takes a few minutes of your time, but those minutes are worth the happiness your pet will experience once they try out their wheelchair for the first time. Our wheelchairs have already helped more than 81,000 other pets. Let’s make that 81,001!
Other companies simply have you select a wheelchair based on weight, but that often results in a poor fit. Why? A 30 lb bulldog has a very different body type from a 30 lb corgi, but those companies will provide both with the same wheelchair.
Over the past 20 years, our pet mobility experts have handled more than 49,000 calls. No matter your question, we've got the answer. Give us a call!
ON ANY ORDER $49 OR MORE
Applied automatically at checkout
Some exclusions apply. Free shipping on orders over $49 will be automatically applied at checkout for delivery within the continental US only. International shipping rates and shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico will be calculated based on order’s size, weight, and final destination. Oversized and drop ship products such as: Pet Steps and Pet Ramps are not included.
Building your personal do-it-yourself dog wheelchair
It’s never easy to see a beloved pet grow older, facing age-related issues like arthritis, or dealing with disability issues during their younger years that affect their mobility. Fortunately, adjustable dog wheelchairs can enhance your pet’s quality of life and can also be completely customized to your pet’s height, length and width. Be sure to check with your veterinarian for any specific issues about your pet that you should take into consideration. If you are considering building a do-it-yourself dog wheelchair, the following information will give you an idea of what is involved.
The benefits of building your own pet cart
The potential savings are one of the top benefits of building your dog wheelchair yourself. Another benefit is the fact that you’ll know exactly what to buy if you ever need to replace or repair a part.
Tools you’ll need before you begin
To build your own wheelchair for your dog, you’ll need access to tools that you probably already have, including a saw (to cut aluminum and PVC pipe), fixed or adjustable wrenches, a drill, a set of clamps, and/or a vise. You may also need an assortment of sewing materials, including straight pins, a pair of scissors, a sewing machine, and needle and thread.
Necessary Parts
Dog wheelchairs need to be lightweight, which is why, except for the wheels, they’re typically made of aluminum and PVC pipe. You can buy the wheels online with one of the best places being smalltiresandwheels.com. This site carries high quality, budget-friendly wheels in a variety of sizes. You should be able to buy most of the material you need for under $50 and save even more by using recycled materials if available. You’ll need to shop around, but you may be able to find some things like straps or harnesses at thrift or various other discount stores. Another benefit of building your own do-it-yourself dog wheelchair is that you can personalize it any way you like, with fabric, paint, stickers and more.
Measurements
You’ll need to carefully measure your dog while he or she is standing up. If the dog’s rear legs are paralyzed, you’ll need to prop them up on something comfortable, or even better, have someone available to help you through the process. When measuring the rear area’s length, include the dog’s tail if it typically droops down; if not, measure the dog’s rear with their tail up. After that, stand up and look down on the dog, measuring the widest portion of the dog straight across.
By building your personal do-it-yourself dog wheelchair, you’ll be giving your pet a gift that will be life changing. Your best friend will be able to be up and around again, enjoying taking walks with you and in general, doing what dogs are supposed to do, including giving you unconditional love. It’s hard to think of a better way to show your pets the same love and respect than by helping them regain their mobility!
Our community of caretakers is the largest on the web. Thousands of members worldwide come here each day to discuss caring for elderly, disabled and injured pets. Simply log on (it’s free and easy), post your message, and get the help and advice you need from others who have similar values and a wealth of experience.
Prefer to purchase a Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair from HandicappedPets.com? Visit our Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair pages to learn about our fully adjustable cart. No complex measuring. No waiting for your dog wheelchair to be custom built.
Check out our classifieds. You can post ads for used dog wheelchairs and other pet products for special needs pets, or shop for used pet products.
