The Dog Mobility Project

When a dog loses its mobility, it’s easy to see how a dog wheelchair could help…but how do you know you’re choosing the right cart? With several brands offering different features and designs, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Especially since a lot of their features sound the same. Every dog wheelchair brand promises the same thing: an easy-to-use solution that will help your dog get back on their feet. All of which is wonderful, but it makes it harder to decide between them. When it comes to dog wheelchairs, there is no one-size-fits-all choice, and sometimes you need to do a bit more digging to figure out which brand would be best for your dog.

This guide compares four popular dog wheelchair brands: K9 Carts, Walkin’ Pets, Best Friend Mobility, and Eddie’s Wheels, to help pet parents make an informed decision. Because we all know that in order to choose the right one for your dog, you need to know more than just what the wheelchair does…you need to understand the unique difference between each one.

Understanding the Dog Wheelchair Market

Before you buy, you need to understand your options for dog wheelchairs. There are two main options: adjustable wheelchairs and custom carts. A custom cart is tailored to your dog’s exact size and shape. In some cases, the manufacturer even takes your dog’s diagnosis into account, building the cart for a specific need, such as accommodating a missing limb or counterbalancing the cart. This typically means a custom dog wheelchair is the more expensive option. Whereas an adjustable dog wheelchair is a more “off-the-shelf”, affordable option. Meaning that a cart is readily available, and the size of the cart is determined by your dog’s weight, and you have a range of adjustability in height, length, and width to make the cart fit your dog once you get it in the mail.

The Leading Dog Wheelchair Brands

K9 Carts

K9 Carts is the undisputed leader in the custom dog wheelchair industry. The brand was founded by a veterinarian and has been in operation for decades.

Pros:

• Lightweight, aluminum frame for easy maneuverability.
• Custom built to fit your dog.
• Made in the USA with veterinarian-designed construction.
• Offers both rear and full-support wheelchairs.

Cons:

• Primarily designed for rear support; front-wheel options are limited.
• Can be difficult to adjust, especially on smaller breeds.
• On the more expensive side and may take longer to build.
• May not be as durable for highly active dogs.
• Custom wheelchairs can be difficult to convert into a full support wheelchair.

Walkin’ Pets

Walkin’ Pets is the most trusted brand for adjustable dog wheelchairs. Since its creation in 2001, it has supported millions of dogs worldwide in their mobility journeys.

Pros:

• Adjustable, with different frame and wheel sizes to fit various dog sizes and conditions.
• Available in rear, full-support, and front-wheel designs.
• Easy to assemble and lightweight for pet parents.
• Strong and durable, designed for active dogs.
• Widely available, fast delivery, with strong customer support.
• Can convert easily to a four wheel wheelchair.

Cons:

• While adjustable, it may not offer the same level of individual customization as hand-built wheelchairs.
• The initial wheelchair fitting can take some time to get the perfect fit for your dog.
• It is not customized to accommodate your dog’s unique condition.

Best Friend Mobility

Pros:

• Affordable compared to other brands, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Simple, lightweight design with adjustable height and length.
• Provides rear support for dogs with hind-leg weakness.

Cons:

• Not as durable as other high-end brands.
• Limited options for dogs needing full or front support.
• Assembly and fit adjustments can be more challenging.

Eddie’s Wheels

Pros:

• Fully custom-built wheelchairs designed for each individual dog.
• High-quality materials with a focus on long-term durability.
• Provides rear, front, and quad-support options.

Cons:

• Higher price point due to the custom-build process.
• Longer lead time for orders since each unit is made to fit.
• Heavier than adjustable options, which may be a factor for smaller dogs or less active pets.

Which One is Right for Your Dog?

• Best for Custom Fit & Durability: K9 Carts
• Best for Adjustability & Versatility: Walkin’ Pets
• Best Budget-Friendly Option: Best Friend Mobility
• Best Lightweight & Vet-Designed Option: K9 Carts

Choosing the right wheelchair for your dog is about more than just price; it’s about selecting the model that best supports your dog’s mobility needs. And there are a lot of factors that go into making that decision.

This list is a simple guide to help highlight some of the benefits of each cart – but there is far more to choosing the right wheelchair than this. I encourage you to do your research, each dog’s needs are unique, and the right wheelchair depends on their size, condition, and activity level. Before you buy, talk to your veterinary professional and ask for their guidance so you pick the right cart for your dog’s needs. Regardless of brand, the goal is to restore mobility and enhance quality of life, giving your pup the freedom to move again.

Have you used one of these brands? Share your experience in the comments below!