Why are your carts better than others on the market?
The K-9 Cart is the only pet wheelchair designed and tested by a Veterinary Orthopedic Specialist.
K-9 Carts has been designing, building and testing pet wheelchairs for over 40 years. With over 35,000 clients, no other company has the
expertise, knowledge, and dedication to their clients that we do. K-9 Carts are guaranteed to fit. and we have the experience to
adapt any of our carts to your pet's specific needs whatever they may be. K-9 Carts have the finest support system available.
Our mission at K-9 Carts is to restore dignity and renewed mobility to your pet bringing happiness to you and your pet through
improved quality of life. For full details on all of our carts,
please visit our Carts Page and our Cart Photo Gallery.
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Are your carts adjustable? What if my pet outgrows its cart?
K-9 Carts are adjustable in height and length but not in width. Your pet will be able to gain or lose a few pounds without a problem.
However, if you have a pet that has gained or lost substantial weight, and your cart is too tight or too wide, we do suggest that you send
us photos of your pet in its current cart so that we may evaluate it and make recommendations. It is important that your pet’s cart stay well fitted and balanced to ensure good health and mobility for your pet.
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I have a puppy/kitten. What do you recommend?
Usually a puppy or kitten will finish growing at one year of age. However, many puppies and kittens are injured at a much younger age.
We suggest waiting until 3months before considering a cart. Do exercise them until that time with a sling support to keep the back and limbs in
alignment as there is always the chance that a young pet will come back to independent walking. You can make a sling with a towel or sheet, cutting two holes in it for the legs to
go down through and then holding the ends for support. Do range of motion exercises with the legs see- Nursing care.
We provide a special mobility program for younger pets. We ask that you pay full price for the first cart. When your pet outgrows the first cart, return it to us with photos
of your pet in the cart and we will replace it at a reduced cost giving you credit for the parts we can still use or recycle. This way your pet will have the advantage of mobility
during its important growth stage without a great deal of expense on your part.
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How do I know if my pet is a candidate for a cart?
Please check out our section on Evaluating your Pet.
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Will my pet become dependent on the cart?
Absolutely not! Pets never become dependent on carts. Why would a pet become dependent on a cart if it can run on its own legs? Carts help rehabilitate
pets and teach them how to walk again. If you give pets mobility with a K-9 Cart, in almost all cases they will gain some use of the rear limbs.
Sometimes it is only reflexive action but in many cases they will regain full function of the rear limbs and come back to walking independently.
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What if I buy a cart and it does not fit my pet?
With our 40 years of experience we seldom if ever have this happen as we make every effort to ensure that the measurements given to us are correct.
If we do not believe the measurements to be in proportion for your pet we will ask you to retake them. Once we feel they are correct, we custom make a cart for your pet.
Should the cart not fit in any way at all, we ask that you call us to discuss the problem. If the problem cannot be taken care of over the phone,
we ask that you take photos of your pet in the cart and return the cart and photos to us. We will then make up a new cart and ship it back to you the next day. We only ask that you pay shipping costs both ways.
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How long does it take for a pet to adjust to using a cart?
It is important to follow the fitting directions and correctly balance your pet’s cart. If you have any questions or concerns after looking at the fitting instructions please call us.
Most pets take to carts immediately. Sometimes if a pet has been “down” for a long length of time it will take time to adjust to this new means of support.
Since they have been used to dragging around they will sometimes try to turn around to see what is "following" them.
With a tiny dog or a cat it is best to take them slowly and place them in the cart on a surface that will not allow the wheels to make a noise.
Remember that we are extremely experienced – just call us if you need help!
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Will my pet get sores from using a cart?
No! A pet will only get sores from a K-9 Cart when it is improperly fitted or balanced. If your pet does get a sore, then you need to keep it out of the cart and
send us photos or a video immediately for our evaluation. If you do send us photos and we agree that the cart is balanced you may want to take a photo of your pet in its cart for referral purposes.
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How difficult is it to put my pet in and out of a cart?
If you have a large pet and you are not able to lift up the back part of your pet by yourself then you will need help lifting it in and out of the cart.
The first few times it may seem awkward but once you and your pet know what you are doing it only takes a few minutes. Obviously the smaller dogs are easier to handle than the giant breeds.
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How long is my pet able to stay in its cart?
Length of time a pet can remain in a cart depends on the age and energy of your pet and how much time you have to spend with him/her as we do not recommend leaving a pet alone in a cart.
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Is the cart washable?
Yes! Our carts are made of tubular aluminum and will not rust. It is important to keep your cart clean and hygienic by wiping it off regularly with water or Windex®.
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What if I need to replace a part or a part breaks on the cart?
We keep complete records for at least 7 years. If you ordered your cart more than 7 years ago but have talked to us within that length of time then we will have your order on file.
If you need a part replaced call us and we will ship it out to you. We will be asking you when you ordered the cart or the last time you talked with us as we file records by year.
Normally parts do not break when a cart is properly balanced but wheels do wear out after a few thousand miles! The longest record for a pet in a cart with minimal replacement of parts is 13 years.
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Will my pet be able to rest and lie down in the cart?
Yes if you have a small pet or a pet low to the ground. We do not encourage large pets to lie down in their wheelchairs as this would put too much strain on their backs.
Small dogs and cats will often just rest on the floor, on a cushion or their bed. This will not hurt them although it may look uncomfortable to you with their front legs
down and their rear up in the air. They are then ready to jump up and run when they need to defend you!
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Is my pet able to go to the bathroom while in the cart?
Yes, pets will eliminate while running around in their K-9 Carts. Obviously a male dog cannot lift its leg or a female squat but they will urinate and defecate with no problem.
Usually urination is done immediately and defecation may take a day or two in some cases. We do have the Catch-it-all that attaches to the cart for those of you that have small pets that use the carts indoors.
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Is my pet able to use the cart indoors?
We usually recommend that pets up to 40lbs are able to use carts indoors unless you have a large home and don’t mind your pet destroying your furniture and doorways.
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Is my cat or rabbit able to use a litter box while in the cart?
No. We recommend that you either use newspaper or cardboard over plastic with or without litter. The Catch-It-All is also another option that takes
care of both urinary and fecal elimination.
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Can my pet go up and downstairs in a cart?
Pets are able to go down a few steps in the cart but not up steps as the wheels will catch on the step. I have a Dachshund in a cart and I made a simple ramp with
plywood and a 2x4 and so he zips up and down easily. There are also many companies that make ramps such as Drs. Fosters & Smith.
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Will my pet be able to use its doggy door while in its cart?
Not unless the bottom of the doggy door is level with the floor. If you have one like that then let us know the height of the door so that when we custom make your cart we shall take that into consideration.
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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. You can leave it out in the garden alone as long as you keep an eye on it.
We have had clients who live on farms let their pets run all over in the woods but then you run the risk of your pet returning home without its cart and you have to go out and find it!
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What is the Walking option provided with the cart?
The Walking option allows your pet to use its hind paws while in the cart while still giving it full support. All carts are sent with the walking option as well as leg slings to
hold your pet's legs up off of the ground if needed while still retaining full rotation.
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Do you have anything for a pet that has a problem with the front legs?
Yes, we are always open to designing a cart for a front limb problem. As each pet with this condition is different, we ask that you send us a video of what your pet is able to do
with and without the aid of a towel or sling support under the chest. We have also made many carts for pets born with no front legs at all.
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How long does it take to get one of our products?
We usually ship out cart orders within 2-3 working days of receiving a completed order. Accessories are very often shipped out the same day and shipping is your choice.
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How do K-9 carts work on different type terrain?
Carts work well on most surfaces as carts just follow along behind where your pet normally goes. For some pets they will not work on a rocky beach or in Winter on an unplowed snowy pathway.
If you walk through woods or hiking trails you will have to be prepared to rescue them if a wheel becomes caught in a hole or tree root.
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Do you make carts for pets other than dogs, cats and rabbits?
Yes, we have made carts over the years for ferrets, skunks, possums, deer, foxes and miniature horses and we have advised clients on how to make a support system for small rodents and even a monitor lizard!
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I have a question that is not listed above?
Please telephone or e-mail us at wheels@k9carts.com where one of our qualified sales representatives will have the answer for you!
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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. 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.
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What if my pet has special needs not covered on your web site?
Please Contact us, as with all our veterinary knowledge and expertise in mobility problems we can usually advise as to what would work best for your pet.
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