A few weeks ago over in the Tripawds Support Circle, we learned the heartbreaking news that one of the veterinary industry’s most trusted animal prosthetics makers, Orthopets, closed without warning.
If you are now searching for a reputable braces or prosthetics maker for your Tripawd, we hope this list helps you find a trusted manufacturer to contact.
Orthopets Closes Without Warning, Leaving Tripawds and Other Animals Without Devices or Refunds
The veterinary community was rocked in November, when the new(ish) owners of the world-renowned Orthopets closed without warning. We learned about it in the Tripawds Support Circle, thanks to Hugo’s mum, Breffni:
What we Learned about the Orthopets Closure
As you can see in our older blog posts about Orthopets, they were the first, and until recently in our opinion, the best resource for animal prosthetics. Veterinarians and teaching hospitals all over the world worked with them.
We didn’t know that two years ago, the original owner of Orthopets, Martin Kaufmann, sold the company to a European business. We can’t begin to guess why the new owners shut down operations.
The worst part is, dozens of pet parents have been left without recourse, despite paying for their pets’ prosthetics. A few received their partially complete pet’s prosthetic back in the mail, but with no explanation, and no refund. Others, like Hugo’s mum, still haven’t received anything!
To treat pet parents with mobility-challenged pets this way is beyond reprehensible!
Unfortunately there isn’t anything that we as a community can do about the situation. The company has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which means it’s being liquidated.
The best way that we as Tripawds can help, is to share current pet prosthetic manufacturers with anyone considering a pet prosthetic for their three-legged dog or cat. But before we do …
Always Consult with an Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Before Buying a Pet Prosthetic
We can’t stress it enough: if you are not currently working with a professional rehabilitation / physio therapist who is experienced with animal prosthetics fitting and usage, please don’t buy a pet prosthetic until you do. Manufacturers do not give refunds. A good fit and introduction is critical for a pet’s quality of life.
A poorly-fitting pet prosthetic will do more harm than good
In our Tripawd Talk Podcast Episode #112 with Dr. Mandi Blackwell, a veterinary rehabilitation therapist, she explains that:
“just because the dog uses it doesn’t mean it’s good for body mechanics. So think about like for example, if if it is not equal in terms of angularity and height to the other side. Sure, we might have less, we might have better weight bearing and maybe a little better balance, but we still have all the weight on the other side. It’s like wearing a high heel shoe on one side. You would be wonkish.” — Dr. Mandi Blackwell, All About Prosthetics Tripawd Talk Radio #122
Don’t let your dog be wonkish. Take advantage of the Tripawds Foundation Rehabilitation Therapy Reimbursement Program so that your pet can be assessed for a well-fitted prosthetic, if they even need one at all..
The 2025 Pet Braces and Prosthetics Resource Directory to Reputable Manufacturers
Remember: just because your cousin has a 3D printer, that doesn’t make them an expert in animal biomechanics. Always consult a professional.
Below are some of those professionals crafting pet prosthetics and braces.
The companies we have direct experience with, or knowing a veterinarian who works with them, include:
3D Pets
This East Coast company has led the way in custom 3D printed prosthetics for animals. We really like that 3D Pets has a large team, including an on-staff veterinarian who specializes in working with physically challenged animals.
Go Hero
Tripawds community friend Ben Blecha is founder of Go Hero. He’s a certified prosthetician in human medicine, and he is an amputee himself. He has an unparalleled understanding of the importance of a good prothetics and orthotics fit. Ben is located in Nebraska.
Thera-Paw
Our friend Ilaria Borghese is the founder of TheraPaw, a maker of dog mobility braces and supports. She is also the founder of Vital Vet, an amazing educational resource for all special needs pets. We are longtime fans who have worked with her on a custom brace for Tripawds Spokesdog Nellie.
VPO Lab
Located in North Carolina, this is where Orthopets’ original founder, Martin Kaufmann, practices. The highly experienced team have worked with veterinary providers from around the globe for decades.
Wimba Pet Orthotics and Prosthetics
Wimba’s veterinary expert is none other than one of our favorite Tripawd Talk Podcat guests, Dr. Emily Hall. Team Wimba develops high-tech custom prosthetics and orthotics for a variety of mobility issues. Wimba works directly with veterinarians located around the world.
More Pet Prosthetics Providers
Here are some companies we don’t have direct experience working with, but have been referred to by veterinary rehabilitation therapists and customers:
Outside the US
K-9 Orthotics and Prosthetics
This Nova Scotia-based Canadian fabricator of prosthetics and wheelchairs will only work directly with veterinarians, which is awesome.
Pawthesis
A German company worth pursuing if you are located in Europe.
Pawthotics
Are you in New Zealand or Australia? This company is led by Stephen Breetzke, a human medical prosthetics maker with over 20 years of experience.
Inside the US
Bionic Pets
You may have seen founder Derrick Campana on the TV show, Wizard of Paws. He has at least 20 years experience making hand-crafted and 3D printed custom prosthetics for a long list of different animal species. Located in Virginia.
Infinitely Able Pets
Also located in Virginia, they are long-established human prosthetics manufacturers just now getting into pet prosthetics.
My Pet’s Brace
Located in three cities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We’ve heard good things from veterinary rehab therapists about them, but don’t know anyone who has used their services.
Orthopaws
A Florida-based company that was founded by Danielle Robins, a Licensed Certified Prosthetist Orthotist with a Master’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics. She trained with Martin from Orthopets.
If you have personally worked with a company that isn’t listed, drop us a line so we can add them into this resource.