Amputee August is back! Join us to celebrate the strength and spirit of three-legged pets everywhere with the Tripawds Fitness Challenge!
Whether your Tripawd zooms across the yard with the pack or soaks up sunbeams in a purrfect stretch, every movement matters for pets with one less leg.
This Amputee August, we invite you to show off your amazing amputee pet exercises to help your hero stay strong. You could win cool Tripawd prizes and inspire this community!
Be Part of the Tripawds Fitness Challenge
It’s simple to enter the 2025 Amputee August Tripawds Fitness Challenge! Just snap pics and take videos of your dog or cat’s favorite exercises. From walking to swimming, stretching to playing, show off the activity you do together each day.
Take photos and videos of your Tripawd’s favorite way to exercise
Post them in the Tripawds Support Circle, social media, or both! Tag us @tripawds on Facebook and @tripawdscommunity on Instagram. Use #amputeeaugust #tripawdsfitnesschallenge.
DEADLINE: AUGUST 19, 11:59 pm Eastern
Three winners will be chosen on August 21, during our live Tripawds Support Circle Q&A with Dr. Amber
On August 21 at 3pm Eastern / Noon Pacific we are holding our first live Amputee August Celebration in the Tripawds Support Circle.
If you’re not already a member, register to be part of our Support Circle community and be part of the fun!
Three winners will be handpicked by Dr. Amber Callaway Lewis, founder of Treasure Coast Animal Rehab & Fitness. She is looking for Tripawd fitness routines that are fun, safe, creative, and supportive of long-term health.
1st Place Wins the Tripawds e-book, “Loving Life on Three Legs” and a Tripawds Ambassador Kit, too!
2nd Place Wins a Tripawds Ambassador Kit
3rd Place Wins a Tripawds Merit Badge and Stickers
Why Fitness Is a Lifelong Journey for Tripawds
As we’ve shared in past Amputee August articles, healthy mobility is more than just movement—it’s freedom, confidence, and a pain-free life.
In our 2023 Amputee August interview, Dr. Amber emphasized that fitness starts with low-impact, consistent activity tailored to your pet’s ability. That includes everything from gentle stretching to purposeful play, with close attention to form and fatigue.
“Rehab is for every age and every stage,” Dr. Lewis said. “You don’t have to wait for a problem to start moving.”
Examples of Real-Life, Safe Tripawd Fitness Routines
Need some inspiration? During our annual Amputee August Celebrations, Tripawds have shared hundreds of safe, simple fitness ideas, like:
From Tripawd Exercise and Fitness Tips (2022)
- Walking uphill to build muscle without strain
- Nosework games to boost mental and physical agility
- Yoga mat stretching to ease stiffness
From Tripawd Cat Exercise Tips (2020)
- Interactive toys to encourage movement, like feather wands or treat puzzles
- Climbing platforms with non-slip ramps
- Laser pointer “hunts” for short, motivating micro-movement
And in our original 2020 Amputee August post, we reminded everyone that fitness can be as simple as showing up and just having fun!
Enter the challenge. Share your routine!
Your Tripawd’s fitness story matters because we all learn from each other. So whether your Tripawd is a newly amputated kitten or a senior dog rocking their golden years, their strength inspires others. We hope you’ll join us!