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Best Dog Wheelchairs

Updated August 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Best Friend Mobility Small Dog Wheelchair
Best Friend Mobility
Small Dog Wheelchair
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Simple yet Solid
Bottom Line

Simple, lightweight design in 1 of the least expensive dog wheelchairs around.

Pros

Uses a mix of lightweight aluminum and stainless steel hardware in the frame to provide durability. Can select from multiple sizes to find the right fit for small dogs. Frame is adjustable in terms of height, length, and width to provide a better fit. Very easy to use.

Cons

Build quality is questionable. Adjustment knobs and screws will likely loosen over time.

Best Bang for the Buck
HobeyHove Adjustable Dog Cart/Wheelchair
HobeyHove
Adjustable Dog Cart/Wheelchair
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

An affordable dog wheelchair that's lightweight and sturdy and comes in a choice of 5 size options.

Pros

Although affordable, this model has features similar to pricier options, including a durable aluminum build and easy-to-adjust components. Wheels are foldable. Available in a choice of 5 sizes.

Cons

Somewhat bulky, especially for very small dogs.

Walkin' Wheels Large Dog Wheelchair
Walkin' Wheels
Large Dog Wheelchair
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Best for Large Dogs
Bottom Line

High-quality wheelchair for extra-large dogs, with multiple sizes available, but it's pricey.

Pros

Will fit dogs weighing between 70 and 180 pounds, so it can accommodate large dogs. To obtain the right fit, 5 sizes are available, depending on the rear leg length. Offered in 3 colors. Harnesses are adjustable for best fit.

Cons

Extremely expensive. Contains more plastic in the frame than is desirable.

Walkin' Wheels Small Dog Wheelchair
Walkin' Wheels
Small Dog Wheelchair
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Precise fit based on the weight and leg length of your small dog, which helps with mobility.

Pros

Multiple size options ensure that you can find just the right fit for your small dog. Available in 3 colors. Aluminum frame doesn't weigh much, so it won't weigh your dog down, but it's extremely durable. Uses rubber-treaded foam wheels, so they won't go flat.

Cons

Only designed for dogs weighing 11 to 25 pounds. Instructions could be better.

Qingyi Dog Wheelchair
Qingyi
Dog Wheelchair
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Back Leg Assistance
Bottom Line

These exercise wheels provide plenty of support for your dog’s back legs.

Pros

There are multiple points of adjustment across the entire wheelchair to ensure that your dog has the most comfortable experience, and one that won’t hinder their movement any further.

Cons

It’s expensive. The size can be off by an inch or so.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

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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Buying guide for best dog wheelchairs

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? 

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The term “dog wheelchair” is a misnomer. These products aren’t chair-like in any way but are rather a set of wheels with a harness to support your dog’s rear and/or front legs.

Key considerations

The key thing to determine before you start shopping for dog wheelchairs is what type of support your dog needs.

Rear support

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.

Front support

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

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.

Features

Frame size

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.

Wheels

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.

Weight

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.

Adjustability

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.

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For your safety
If your dog is suffering from an injury that requires the use of a wheelchair, always consult your vet first.
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Price

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.

Tips

  • 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.

  • Know whether your dog requires spine support. Some dog wheelchairs have special straps that go under the belly to support the user’s spine.
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Dog wheelchairs can be used for rehabilitation purposes while your dog is covering from an injury – they’re not necessarily permanent.

FAQ

Q. How do I find the right fit for a dog wheelchair?
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.

Q. Should my dog remain in the wheelchair all day?
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.

Q. How long will it take my dog to get used to the dog wheelchair?
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.