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!
Walkin’ vertebraVe
At Walkin’ Pets, we strive to deliver the highest quality products for your pets. We understand that having an elderly, disabled or handicapped pet comes with many unknowns. We want to help make things as easy as possible. We accept returns and exchanges for all our products within 30 days of receiving them in like new condition with all parts and pieces included.
If you discover a problem after you've accepted delivery of an item, contact us. We may be able to resolve the problem without requiring you to return the item.
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.
$109.95 – $149.95 $159.95 – $199.95
FAQs
The Walkin’ vertebraVe® is THE back support system for pets. Combining support and comfort in a brace designed specifically for those pets suffering from arthritis or back injuries. Give your pet the back support they need with the patented two-tier support layer that optimizes stabilization needed for the spine and surrounding muscles. Allowing for all-day comfortable wear for pets of all sizes and shapes makes the vertebraVe the best harness for dogs with IVDD.
Ideal for pets with the following conditions: Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Back Pain, Arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and rehabilitation
Features:
Designed in the USA by Renee Mills, VT, CCRP
Issue Date: 03/17/2020
BACK SUPPORT WHERE YOUR PET NEEDS IT
Durable and lightweight, the vertebraVe® supports your dogs injured back with strategically placed dual support layers, exactly where they need it – across the spine and the muscles lining the spine.
KEEPS PETS MOBILE & COMFORTABLE
Alleviate your pet’s back pain while supporting their back as it heals. The back brace’s memory foam interior conforms to the spine for a custom fit, and stretchy mesh sides are breathable for a comfortable all-day wear.
GREAT FOR POST-OP RECOVERY
The vertebraVe®‘s three metal support spines provide maximum support and can be removed to increase range of motion & to adjust the level of support as pets heal.
To determine the best size vertebraVe® for your pet, please measure your dog in a natural standing position and measure their Topline measurement. The Topline measures the length of your pet’s back from the Point of Shoulders to the Top of Pelvis. To determine the best size vertebraVe® for your pet, please measure your dog in a natural standing position and measure their Topline measurement. The Topline measures the length of your pet’s back from the Point of Shoulders to the Top of Pelvis.
Once you’ve measured, reference our chart below. Find the measurement and weight range that best matches your pet. Remember your pet’s exact measurement may not be an exact match to the chart.
| Size | Topline Measurement | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| XSmall | 6-9″ | 10 – 15 lbs. |
| Small | 9″-11″ | 15 – 25 lbs |
| Medium | 11″-13″ | 25 – 50 lbs. |
| Large | 13″-15″ | 50 – 80 lbs. |
| XLarge | 15″ or greater | 80 lbs. and greater |
* Dachshunds Topline 9″-13″ fit size Small
* Corgis Topline 11″-16″ fit size Medium
Please contact us at 1-888-253-0777 if you need help to determine the right size.
The Walkin’ vertebraVe® Helps Pets of All Sizes
The vertebraVe® helps dogs of all sizes, from dachshunds with IVDD, corgis with a bad back, to larger dogs like Great Pyrenees dealing with spinal arthritis. This dog back support is designed to decrease back pain and promote mobility while keeping your pet comfortable and active. The vertebraVe® will not help pets that are unable to stand on their own or bear any weight on their hind legs. These dogs may need the additional support of a dog wheelchair. Dog back braces are not intended to cure spinal injuries, IVDD, or other disc diseases. But they can help provide comfort by relieving dog back pain and protect the spine while your dog is in IVDD recovery. The vertebraVe® is not intended to replace crate rest as prescribed by your Veterinarian. We encourage you to talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s health and work together to determine the best treatment plan for your pet.
To learn more about IVDD, read “IVDD in Dogs: Causes to Prevention.”
What to Expect:
It’s important to remember that it may take some time for your dog to adjust to wearing their new back brace. A dog may not know how to move when they first wear the brace and it’s very normal for a dog to sit still until they get used to it. To help them adjust, we recommend giving them time to get used to it. Start with wearing the brace for 30 minutes, followed by 20 minutes off. Make wearing the back brace a positive experience by rewarding them with treats and a lot of praise. Increase the amount of time in the brace with each session, until your pet is completely comfortable.
To learn more about canine Back Braces, read “Back Braces for Dogs.”
For Best Results:
To promote healing and see visible changes in your dog’s movement, wearing the vertebraVe® is only one piece of your dog’s treatment plan. If your pet is suffering from any conditions affecting the spine which cause pain or change in mobility, working with your Veterinarian on a multi-step treatment plan will always have the best outcome. Your Veterinarian may recommend joint supplements, pain management plan, structured exercise or even seeing a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. Using a dog back support harness promotes continued comfortable mobility when combined with the items listed above will give your pet the best outcome. Discuss what plan works best for your pet with your Veterinary Professional today.
How to Put the vertebraVe® on Your Pet
The vertebraVe® support system consists of three parts. The chest harness, main back support, and the lumbar support piece. The back support system comes with the chest harness already attached to the main support piece.
Remember, the first time you place the vertebraVe® on your pet there will be a fitting process to make sure it fits properly, once adjusted it’s an easy on and off application.
* For male pets, make sure the lumbar support piece is tucked underneath the penis to allow them to go potty freely.
* Once all adjustments have been made, and the brace is correctly fitted for your pet, excess webbing straps may be trimmed, and edges sealed using a lighter if necessary.
To remove the brace:
Care Instructions
Spot clean vertebraVe® with clean cloth or sponge. Lay flat to let air dry. Machine washing is not recommended and may affect the stability of the product. To remove hair from touch fasteners on mesh side panels, we recommend using a lint roller.
The vertebraVe® was invented and developed by Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner Renee Mills. Noticing a lack of customization in the support as a pet heals from a back injury or surgery, and seeing none of the back braces on the market were truly built for larger dogs as well as small dogs the vertebraVe® was born.
The Walkin’ vertebraVe® patented design relies on 3 removable metal spine supports that run on either side of the spine and down the middle as well. This allows you and your veterinarian to create the perfect level of support you are looking for. All three are removable, but you can use all of them, just one or two or none based on the rigidity of support your veterinarian recommends.
Our 3 layers of memory foam heat around the shoulders, middle of the back as well as around the sides of your dog’s body to help create a custom made and comfortable fit without having to get a custom made product.
Designed to work for dogs 10 lbs to dogs 80 lbs. and greater- while many other back braces are designed for smaller dogs our large selections of sizes can help dogs on both sides of the size spectrum, both big and small can find a great fit in our vertebraVe®.
The vertebraVe®‘s patented three-piece support system is designed to support the spine and surrounding epitaxial muscles to alleviate pressure on the back injury, while still allowing your pet to run, sit and go to the bathroom. The dual-layered, patented design offers support and conforms to your pet’s back for the best possible support system. Preventing your pet from over flexing or extending their back when the support is on. Protecting areas which are affected by injury or disease. You can adjust the straps on all pieces to get a snug fit. The optional Lumbar Support piece may be used to get a snugger fit and offer more support to the lower back.
To learn more about canine Back Braces, read “Back Braces for Dogs.”
Every pet is different. Some pets may benefit from wearing it all day or some pets may just need it for walks and activities. The breathable medical grade materials allow for extended wear, although we recommend taking it off while your pet sleeps.
Hand wash vertebraVe® with clean cloth or sponge. Lay flat to let air dry. Machine washing not recommended and may affect the stability of the product. To remove hair from touch fasteners on side panel, we recommend using a lint roller.
Absolutely! Each vertebraVe® features a D-Ring on top of the back brace for you to clip a leash to. So when going for your daily walk the brace acts as a harness. Just attach the leash to the ring and enjoy a safe supported walk.
Yes. The vertebraVe® is designed so that your pet can still pee and poop while wearing the support system. It should not interfere with your pet’s ability to do their business at all! For male pets wearing the lumbar support, make sure it is tucked under the penis to allow him to go potty freely.
The lumbar support is optional and does not have to be worn. The lumbar support should be worn by pets diagnosed with lower back injuries. Along with supporting a pet’s lumbar, the support also helps secure the back of the brace tighter.
Yes, the metal support spines can be removed! However, before you remove them we recommend speaking with your pet care professional first. The metal rods are designed to limit hyperflexion and hyperextension of the spine, as your pet heals, and you don’t want to remove them too soon. By removing the supports you can increase a dog’s range of motion as they heal or when lighter support is needed.
Yes. The vertebraVe® was specifically designed to fill the gap in the market for larger dogs. The vertebraVe® is the only back brace available to fit every size dog.
It’s important to remember that it may take some time for your dog to adjust to wearing their new back brace. A dog may not know how to move when they first wear the brace and it’s very normal for a dog to sit still until they get used to it. To help them adjust, we recommend giving them time to get used to it. Start with wearing the brace for 30 minutes, followed by 20 minutes off. Make wearing the back brace a positive experience by rewarding them with treats and a lot of praise. Increase the amount of time in the brace with each session, until your pet is completely comfortable.
As the vertebraVe® is internally constructed with a 3-tier system of memory foam we do not recommend submerging it as it may affect the stability of the memory foam.
Each vertebraVe® features a D-Ring on top of the back brace for you to clip a leash to. So when going for your daily walk the brace acts as a harness. Just attach the leash to the ring and enjoy a safe supported walk.
Walkin’ vertebraVe® pet photos, sent in by happy customers!
Watch these videos of pets enjoying their Walkin’ vertebraVe®!
