| How do I know if my pet is a good candidate for a cart? |
| There are a number of factors to consider before deciding whether or not your pet is a good candidate for a cart. As well as considering your pets overall health and any medical conditions they may have, you will also want to look at its forelimb strength. Forelimb strength is very important. Please see Evaluating Your Pet and Medical Conditions for more details. |
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| How do I know which cart is appropriate for my pet? |
| If your pet has strong forelimb strength, a Standard Two-Wheel Cart is recommended. If your pet has moderate forelimb strength, the Front Extension Cart is recommended. And, if your pet has minimal or no forelimb strength, a Four-Wheel Cart (Fully Supportive) is recommended. Often, when weakness starts in the front legs, it signals a progressively worsening condition and your pet may be a better candidate for a Four-Wheel Cart (Fully Supportive), rather than a Front-Extension Cart. Please see Evaluating Your Pet. |
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| Once I order a product, how long does it take to arrive? |
Pet wheelchairs, with completed orders (owner information, pet information, payment, etc.), normally take 2-3 working days plus UPS transit time. Transit time varies with the shipping method chosen. Many of our cart orders are shipped within 1-2 working days.
Accessory orders will normally ship the same day. |
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| Will a pet wheelchair help rehabilitate my pet? |
| Yes. All pets improve with use of our pet wheelchairs. Much depends on the medical condition of your pet. Some pets gain only reflexive action, some return to ataxic walking, and many will return to full function. Please see Nursing Care – Rehabilitation. for more details. |
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| How long does it take for my pet to adjust to a pet wheelchair? |
| Most pets take to carts immediately. We suggest you leash walk your pet in its cart, slowly at first, until it becomes adjusted to the feel of the cart. If you have a pet that has been down for some time it may take longer as your pet has become used to dragging itself around and now, suddenly, it can run again. If you have a nervous pet, a tiny dog, or a cat, start it out indoors, on a carpet, where the wheels will not make a noise. Call if you have any questions, we’ll be glad to help. |
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| How difficult is it to lift my pet in and out of its cart? |
Small pets take only moments to lift in and out of carts. You will need to lift the rear of your pet and slip its legs down through the leg ring supports, then fasten a strap over the shoulders. With larger pets, in a Standard Two-Wheel Cart, it may be a bit harder depending on the weight of your pet, your strength, and how much your pet is inclined to wiggle around. Your pet will soon realize the benefits of the cart and will cooperate with you as it begins to look forward to running around in its new set of wheels!
Our large Four-Wheel (Fully Supportive) pet wheelchairs, for pets over 41 pounds, have removable leg rings that make it easier to lift larger dogs in and out of their carts. Please see Customer Support-Placing Your Pet in Its Cart for more details. |
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| What if I buy a cart and it does not fit my pet? |
Our carts are extremely adjustable and our pet wheelchairs are guaranteed to fit. If the wheelchair does not fit, please contact us immediately. We will request photos of your pet in its cart so that we can identify and correct the problem.
We also offer a 15-day trial period for our Standard Two-Wheel Carts and Amputee Carts. This will give you ample time to see how your pet adjusts to its cart. |
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| Is my pet able to use the cart indoors? |
| Small pets, yes. We do not recommend large pets use their cart indoors as there is not usually enough room for a large dog to move around in its cart. |
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| Can my pet lie down in its cart? |
| Small pets, yes, with their chests resting on the ground or a cushion. This position will not injure your pet. Large pets, no. Lying down in their cart could be an indication of forelimb weakness. Please call us for advice. |
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| Can my pet urinate and defecate while using the cart? |
Yes. Pets quickly get used to urinating while in their cart. Although, sometimes it may take a day or two for a pet to become accustomed to defecating in a standing position.
You might also find that expressing your pet’s bladder is easier when your pet is in its cart. |
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| Will my pet become dependent on its cart? |
| Absolutely not! Pets do not become dependent on their carts. If a pet regains mobility its natural inclination is to walk on its own two legs. |
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| Will my pet get sores from using a K9 Carts pet wheelchair? |
| No, our carts are well padded and balanced. If your pet does get a sore, the cart is not fitted properly. Please send us photos of your pet in its cart for our evaluation and keep your pet out of its cart until we call you with advice. |
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| I have a puppy/kitten. What do you recommend? |
To keep the spine and limbs in alignment, and for possible return to mobility, we suggest placing a young animal in a cart as soon as it has problems. Very often deformities can occur in growing animals.
We charge full price for the first cart, then give discounts for subsequent carts until the pet reaches maturity. |
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| Will my pet be able to go up and downstairs in its cart? |
| Downstairs, yes. They are able to go down two or three shallow steps. Upstairs, no. The wheels will catch if your pet attempts to go upstairs. There are many excellent ramps on the market to assist your pet. |
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| Will I be able to leave my pet alone in its cart when I am not home? |
| No. A pet should be kept in sight when in its cart. |
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| Will my cat/rabbit be able to use its litter box when in the cart? |
| No. It will not be able to climb into a litter box but it can litter on paper on the floor. |
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| Do pet wheelchairs work well on different types of terrain? |
| Yes! We have excellent wheels on our carts and dogs plough through all types of terrain. Our wheels allow them to go where they want to go! |
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| What if my pet has special needs not mentioned in your website? |
| Please contact us. We have the knowledge and experience in pet mobility to support you. So we can usually advise you as to what will work best for your pet. |
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