We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
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An injury or disability that affects your dog’s mobility is heartbreaking to watch, not to mention extremely frustrating for your canine companion who can’t run and play like he used to. By using a dog wheelchair, you’re giving your pooch back his freedom to move around. He might not be able to do everything he once did, but dogs are extremely adaptable, and he’ll soon be zooming around, running over your toes.
Understandably, the majority of people have never purchased a dog wheelchair, so selecting one for your furry friend can seem baffling. What features should you opt for? Does your dog need full support, front support, or rear support?
Our top choice is the adjustable Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair, which has received rave reviews for its comfort and durability.
Editors’ Favorite
Leg Measurement: 14” to 22” | Dog’s Size: 70 to 180 lb | Material: Aluminum | Wheel Type: Dense foam
The Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair quickly became our top pick for its unmatched sturdiness and ability to handle large dogs. It's built with a lightweight aluminum frame, which allows dogs to move freely but also keeps them feeling supported. And the dense foam wheels with rubber treads give your pet the freedom to explore various types of terrain.
Comfort is vital for dogs with limited mobility, and the makers of this wheelchair thought of everything. Its patented adjustable design ensures the perfect fit, with customizable height, length and width that can adapt as your dog’s needs change.
Many veterinarians have praised this wheelchair for its positive impact, helping dogs stay mobile and most importantly happy. It’s also easy to store and transport; you can fold it flat and load it into the car if you’re traveling. Plus, all parts are washable, so cleanup is a breeze.
Great Value
Leg Measurement: 8” to 29” | Dog’s Size: Available for small, medium and large dogs | Material: Aluminum | Wheel Type: Polyurethane wheels
If you’re looking for a reliable dog wheelchair that won’t break the bank, the Best Friend Mobility Dog Wheelchair is an ideal choice. It delivers the same sturdiness and quality that many competitors charge nearly double the price for.
Best of all, this wheelchair is known for its easy assembly. It arrives partially assembled, with minimal parts and clear step-by-step instructions. Assembly videos are also available online, so you can quickly set up your wheelchair and get your pet moving right away.
The cart is fully adjustable in height, length and width, requiring only a hex wrench to secure the perfect fit. It also comes with a convenient clip-on front harness system.
Best for Its Adjustability
Leg Measurement: 6” to 8” | Dog’s Size: 15 to 25 lb | Material: Extruded aluminum | Wheel Type: Dense foam
Little dogs with little legs require extra care, and the Walkin’ Wheels Small Dog Wheelchair delivers just that. Designed for pets 15 to 25 pounds with a 6-to-8-inch leg height, it helps take the pressure off their back legs so your pup can focus on walking, running and playing comfortably again.
It’s patented adjustable design means you can fine-tune the height, length and width depending on your dog’s needs. Made from durable, lightweight extruded aluminum, this wheelchair is chew-proof, with wheels that can be used on any terrains. It’s also foldable, easy to store and transport.
This cart was designed with help from veterinarians and rehab specialists to ensure it never collapses on your dog’s legs or spine, keeping them safe and supported while they play. Customers who reviewed this product consistently mentioned how well-built and sturdy the cart felt, which gave them peace of mind that their pets are truly secure.
We know how important it is to find the right dog wheelchair to help your furry companion live their best life. So we analyzed some of the best dog wheelchairs on the market, conducting extensive research in areas such as sturdiness, design, adjustability, durable wheels and overall comfort. While we didn’t personally test these dog wheelchairs, we read through hundreds of customer reviews to understand real-world performance. We also considered who was involved in designing each wheelchair, prioritizing models developed in partnership with veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists.
The key thing to determine before you start shopping for dog wheelchairs is what type of support your dog needs.
The majority of people in the market for canine wheelchairs are buying for dogs with injured or amputated rear legs. If this is your situation, what you need is a rear-support dog wheelchair. These consist of two wheels at the back with a harness to attach the wheelchair to your dog. They’re suitable for dogs with strong front legs but no or limited use of their hind legs.
If your canine companion is the other way around and has strong rear legs but weak or amputated front legs, she’ll need a front-support wheelchair. These models are harder to find, as injuries, ailments, and amputations of both front legs are rarer than those of both hind legs.
Full-support canine wheelchairs are designed for dogs who have limited use of all four legs. They’ll still need to have some use of their front legs to move themselves around, but these models can be set to take varying amounts of weight off the front legs (in addition to completely supporting the rear legs), making it much easier for injured or infirm dogs to move around.
Dog wheelchairs aren’t available in just one size – you can find them in a wide range of sizes to support the tiniest to the hugest pooches. The bulk of dog wheelchairs on the market list a weight range, but you should also check if the height is adjustable, especially if your dog is taller or shorter than average for his weight.
You need to consider a couple of factors regarding the wheels of a dog wheelchair. First off is the size. Smaller wheels have a slight upper hand when it comes to maneuverability, especially in tight spaces. However, larger wheels are better for navigating rough terrain, so they’ll make life easier if you want to hike with your pooch.
The other factor to consider is the material the wheels are made from. Although air-filled wheels provide more natural suspension, those made from solid rubber or foam rubber can’t be punctured.
Consider the overall weight of your chosen dog wheelchair and be sure it’s not too heavy for your canine companion to lug around. Canine wheelchairs tend to be made from lightweight aluminum, though some add stainless steel into the mix for increased strength. While you don’t want a dog wheelchair that’s so lightweight it’s flimsy, you also don’t want one that’s prohibitively heavy.
If you choose the correct size, your dog wheelchair should be roughly the right fit for your furry friend straight out of the box. But you should also be able to fine-tune the size so that it fits perfectly. Ideally, not only the height should be adjustable but also the length and the width to accommodate dogs with all kinds of body types, from long, slender Dachshunds to tall, stocky Mastiffs.
Dog wheelchairs range quite widely in price, but as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.
Budget dog wheelchairs start at around $60 to $100, but these aren’t of the highest quality. They’re fine for temporary use, but you should increase your budget if your dog needs a wheelchair permanently.
Mid-range canine wheelchairs generally fall between $100 and $250. They might not have all the bells and whistles of the most expensive models, but they’ll help your dog move from point A to point B.
High-end dog wheelchairs cost between $250 and $600. These wheelchairs tend to be highly durable, easy to maneuver, and suited for all-terrain use.
Consider the durability of your chosen dog wheelchair. Durability isn’t as important if your dog will only need the wheelchair for a few months while getting over an injury, but if your dog will be using it daily for the rest of her life, pick a model that will last.
Think about how your dog will relieve himself. A well-designed dog wheelchair should allow your dog to freely eliminate without dirtying the chair.
Choose a wheelchair that’s easy to clean. The frame and wheels of a canine wheelchair can obviously be wiped clean, but harnesses can be trickier. Any fabric parts should be removable and machine-washable.
A. Although you can buy a dog wheelchair based on your canine companion’s weight, it’s more accurate to take measurements. The exact points you need to measure will vary depending on the model you choose, but you’ll usually only need to measure your pooch from the floor to the top of the shoulders or hindquarters.
A. While dog wheelchairs are great for when your furry friend wants to go on a walk, play in the yard, or simply potter around the house for a while, they’re not suitable for all-day use, as your dog can’t lie down while using one. You should unhitch your dog from the wheelchair and settling her down in her favorite spot when she’s finished her chosen activity.
A. That really depends on the dog in question – some instantly take to their canine wheelchairs, whereas others are nervous at first. Consider consulting your vet or an expert in the field before you start using your dog wheelchair to find out the best way to introduce it to your canine companion.
