Frontpage » K-9 Carts: General

Questions Concerning Our k-9 Carts Brand

• Why are your carts better than others on the market?
  The K-9 Cart is the only patented, pet wheelchair designed by a Veterinary Orthopedic Specialist. We are the original pet wheelchair manufacturer with over 45 years of experience in attending to the needs of the mobility-impaired pet. K-9 Carts are adjustable in height, length, and width. Thus, a good fit is assured. Our tubular aluminum design and foam-filled wheels provide a strong, yet lightweight cart. Unlike other pet wheelchairs, our carts are available with a detachable leg sling for easy entry into the cart or use alone as a handheld sling. K-9 Carts have the finest support system available. Entry and exit from our cart is simple; there is no cumbersome harnesses needed as seen with other competitor's design. In addition, our veterinary medical background, devoted to orthopedic surgery and teaching, and our long-term design experience in studying the needs of disabled pets is combined with a commitment to provide high quality service. Design improvements are ongoing at K-9 Carts towards a better quality of life and dignity for our pets and owners. For a recent comparison to other dog wheelchair manufacturers, please look at our K-9 Cart Blog.
• Do you make carts for pets other than dogs, cats and rabbits?
  The majority of K-9 carts are made for dogs, cats and rabbits-all of which do well in our carts in general. We have also built carts for ferrets, skunks, ducks, geese, sheep, chickens, a pig, and an opossum.
• How long does it take to get one of your products?
  Each cart is custom made for your pet. Thus, we usually ship out cart orders within 3-5 working days of receiving a completed order.

  Accessories are very often shipped out the same day. We have a variety of shipping options depending on how quickly you'd like to get your product.

• Do you have anything for a pet that has a problem with the front legs?
  

  Yes! Typically, we build a four- to six-wheeled cart where all the wheels are in the front for a pet who has a disability that is restricted to the front limbs. Many examples of these "forelimb" carts can be seen in our "Photo Gallery." To place an order, just select the Forelimb K9 cart for your pet's weight and add a comment to your online order about your pet's weakness. For pets with both forelimb and hindlimb weekness, we recommend a fully-supportive four-wheeled cart.

   

• Are you able to help a pet that has no use of either front or rear legs?
  Yes, we have made up many quadriplegic carts over the years especially for rehabilitation. The new lightweight cart was designed with just these special needs in mind. This type of cart gives total support to the pet while allowing you to work with the legs.

  Cats who suffer from cerebellum problems receive benefit from this type of cart as it stabilizes them and prevents them from falling over on their heads or side. Also some of the common neurological conditions, which are progressive resulting in both rear and front limb disability, benefit from four-wheel carts. Four-wheel carts are provided for in all sizes of our K-9 carts. However, due to the complexities of these dog wheelchairs, we require that pets larger than 40 lbs. visit our shop in Oxford, MD for a final fitting. Once inability to walk on both front and rear limb occurs, we are unable to provide help. But, we recommend that you call us to discuss options for any special needs pets.

• Do I need special wheels for outdoors or bigger carts?
  The foam-filled wheels were custom made for K-9 Carts. All but the smallest tires, have knobby tread to assist with traction outside. Wheel choice is based on the ability or strength of the pet. Large wheels are suggested for use on rough terrain. Small wheels enable the small or weaker animal to walk more easily. Occasionally we provide two different diameter wheels for optional use.
• Is there a walking and non-walking cart version of the new K-9 Cart?
  No, the new K-9 Cart has the ability to accommodate pets that still have some hind limb motion as well as pets that are entirely paralyzed in one or both limbs. All carts are shipped with sling supports that elevate the feet off the ground to protect them from abrasion. Depending on your pet, you can test whether the cart performs better by allowing them to walk or not. If there is any knuckling of the rear toes when walking on hard surfaces, it will be necessary to put your pet’s rear limbs in the leg slings. On grass and other soft surfaces, your pet’s rear limbs may be down in a walking position provided there is close monitoring for abrasion of toes.
• Will I be able to leave my pet alone in its cart when I am not home?
  No, we do not advise leaving your pet in its cart alone. Supervision is always recommended.
• What if I need to replace a part or a part breaks on the cart?
  All of our parts are replaceable. Very active pets will tend to place heavier wear on their tires; however, new tires are available at a nominal price. A structural problem is best photographed, if possible, to aid in proper replacement. The longest record for a pet in a cart with minimal replacement of parts is 13 years.
• Is the cart washable?
  Yes! Our carts are made of aluminum tubing, high impact plastic, and stainless steel screws, and, therefore, can be cleaned without fear of rusting. It is important to keep your cart clean and hygienic by wiping it off regularly.
• Will my pet become dependent on the cart?
  Animals tend to function at their full ability. Avoiding certain activities can be related to previous experiences of discomfort. We don't believe that disability in animals is ever related to mental state as a single cause. There are few “wimps” in the animal world.
• How much do the carts weigh?
  The weight of a car varies from less than 1lb. for very small animals to 12 lbs. for pets >100 lbs. Four-wheel carts are heavier, but totally supportive for all four limbs. We have put forth a major effort to design light carts that reduce the burden on an already disabled pet. The specific needs of each animal must be considered in the assembly process as we custom fit each pet.
• What if my pet outgrows its cart?
  

  While the majority of our K9 carts are for adult pets, we do see puppy and kittens that are disabled. K9 Carts are adjustable in length, width, and height so that they can accommodate some growth or loss of muscle mass due to disuse. In many cases, we can provide new parts to your existing carts to deal with a growing pet. However, for some pets that will grow a great deal, you may need to invest in a bigger cart. We try to work with owners to make such a wheelchair affordable.

   

• Are your carts adjustable?
  Good fitting begins with the accuracy of measurements you provide. (Please refer to our measuring instructions.) Adjustability in width, height, and length are provided since we understand how difficult it is to measure your disabled pet exactly. A properly adjusted cart is essential to provide balance while in your K9 Cart. When properly fitted, our carts should never lead to pressure sores. We offer custom measuring and fitting at our shop in Oxford, MD at no extra charge. Should you not be able to come to our shop, we highly recommend sending digital photos (including top, side and front) of your pet in the new dog wheelchair to evaluate your fit. Please call with questions to help us with any fitting problems.

• What are your carts made of?
  All carts are custom built using light-weight aluminum tubing to provide strength and duability. Hand machined plastic interconnects allow for ease of assembly and adjustment. Wheels are also light-weight plastic with bronze bushings or sealed bearings for long-term use. Tires are foam-filled and will never go flat. Soft custom foam cushions are provided at all contact points with your pet. Padded webbing is used for support and to contain your animal in the cart. A K-9 cart, when properly fitted, is balanced creating minimal stress to the pet. Support is provided in each cart for either rear limb walking or total support of the rear limbs.The size of the wheel is determined by the type of disability, terrain, and size of the animal. The carts are washable and essentially maintenance free.