If you are searching for a reputable braces or prosthetics maker for your Tripawd, we hope this list helps you find a trusted manufacturer to contact.
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 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.
ExoPets
Led by Danielle Robins, MSOP, LCPO, a board-certified and licensed prosthetist-orthotist and the founder and former sole clinician of OrthoPaws. The clinician-led model many veterinarians came to trust through OrthoPaws now continues as an independent entity through ExoPets. Danielle maintains a longstanding professional relationship with Dr. Martin Kaufmann, whose OrthoPets legacy designs form the foundation of many modern veterinary orthotic and prosthetic devices.
Go Hero
Tripawds community friend Ben Blecha,MSOP, LCPO, 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 develops high-tech custom prosthetics and orthotics for a variety of mobility issues, with clients from 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
OrthoPaws specializes in custom veterinary orthotics and prosthetics designed to restore mobility and improve quality of life for animals facing injury, limb loss, or neuromuscular conditions. Former OrthoPets clients will find their Resource Page for OrthoPets devices very useful.
Houston PALS
Bill Bickley, a licensed Orthotist and Prosthetist with over 20 years of experience in the human world, co-founded Pet Artificial Limbs and Supports (PALS) with his wife, Christina, a physical therapist, orthotist, and motion analysis expert. Houston PALS offers both in-person service as well as mail order through your veterinarian.
If you have personally worked with a company that isn’t listed, drop us a line so we can add them into this resource.
I am excited to see these companies. I have a tripped PWD. He had his right rear leg amputated. When he was 3 months old. He is now 6.
Is there a good solution for. The back side amputees. I connected with 😀 pets and was told no.
Rob
Rob, the industry is always changing. I do know that Boris had a rear-leg prosthetic developed by OrthoPets, which is no longer around. I’m sure that other companies are researching it so I would contact some to find out if your dog is a candidate.
If the dog has the minimum required for the old orthopets design, I can help with that anything less than that is likely not a prosthetic candidate unfortunately
Dani that is wonderful thank you for offering your expertise! I’ve heard so many great things about your work. Thanks for all you do.