01 Intro

Kayla demonstrating her wheelchair

Do you have a dog who has suffered some kind of disabling event, whether disease, accident or abuse? Does your dog have limited mobility? You may have searched online for dog wheelchairs or carts. There are some excellent models out there, some custom made, some fully adjustable. Unfortunately, all are expensive.

If you're like me, you'll go to the ends of the earth to find a way to make life rewarding and as stimulating as possible for your canine family member. Our three-legged dog, Kayla, had a tough start to life, losing a rear leg in very traumatic circumstances. Since then, she has developed Spondylitis in her lower spine due to the constant hopping impact when walking. She also has some ligament issues in her remaining back leg.

I did a lot of research, and after reviewing all the different cart designs out there, I thought I could come up with something that would work, and so decided to attempt to build one myself. My goal was to make a functional rear-end support, using basic materials and at minimum cost. I have little formal training in this kind of fabrication, though I can turn my hand to most things. I did however once work for a software company that produces industry-leading CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D modeling software, so I was able to experiment with a couple of ideas along the way.

All the materials for this project were purchased at local hardware stores. I'd like to plug Ace Hardware and their excellent range of fixings and fasteners, but I also made good use of Home Depot.

I can accept no responsibility for the results if you choose to use the information presented here. It's offered simply in the hope that it encourages someone to build a cart that helps their own canine best friend. This site is presented for non-commercial purposes; please do not copy for personal gain. (c) Peter Heald 2009 - 2019.

9 comments:

Wheelchairs accessories said...

You have done a great job for Kayla. I too wanted one same wheelchair accessory for my lil pug. His name is Scotch. He is suffering from severe orthopedic fault. He probably need it.

Unknown said...

This is so great. My dog also needs something like this. Have you heard of any place that you can do wheelchair rentals in New York City?

wheelchairs for doggies said...

You did a very great job because you are helping dog which is disabled.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking the time to do this blog. You are a very generous and cool dude. I hope Kayla is still with you and happy.

Unknown said...

WOW!!!! Nice looking cart. My dog just suffered from a spinal injury to her rear leg.....
Your cart design looks like the one I need to build for her.

sarah mash said...

I got to make one for my 56kilo GSD who has arthritis and needs rear support. She is 12 and vet wanted to pts. I need to do something for her fast. Thankyou for your post

Anonymous said...

My landlords horse stomped my 5 month old pit bull while i was at work. she weighs about 8lbs and now her back legs r crushed I thought she was gonna die but thank god she lived I've been trying to buy a wheelchair for her but now I think I'll make her one thanks to your inspiration

little dumpling said...

It was delightful to read your post about building a dog wheelchair - we're in the same boat with one of our dogs. Thank you so much on behalf of many others in this situation. Personally, i'd give you some well deserved wings, earthly one's I hasten to add.
Thank you from Ellie and us.

Manish Batra said...

I would like to say that this blog really convinced me, you give me best information! Thanks, very good post.
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