Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog relieve itself in a cart?

Yes, dogs do not need to squat in order to go – like a horse, they can relieve themselves in a standing position.  The cart is designed so that nothing lands on the cart, but if it does, the whole cart is easily cleaned with household cleanser, such as “Dawn” dish soap or “Fantastik.”

How long can my dog be in its cart?

It depends on the size of your dog, and its activity level.  Generally, carts are for exercise, so if your dog wants to rest, take him out of the cart.  Short-legged breeds like dachshunds, corgis and bassets can lie prone in their carts for short periods of rest.  Dogs should not be confined to carts for long periods of time.

Why does it take 2 weeks to build a cart?

Unlike other carts, our carts are not simple assemblies. All our carts are custom built to your dog’s dimensions, so we start with designing the saddle, forming the frame and sending it out to be welded.  The padding is molded to the frame and requires several days of drying and annealing to adhere to the aluminum frame.  After this initial period of fabrication and gluing, we assemble each cart to order. Delivery times range from 2 to 6 days domestically.

How can I tell if my pet will adapt to a cart?

Place a sling in front of the rear legs and try walking him with your support. If your pet is able and willing to walk with his front legs while his back legs are supported, this is a clear indication that your pet will use a cart.
 

Will I have to put the cart together when it arrives?

No, all our carts are shipped fully assembled.  Only large carts require that the customer screw the wheels on to the cart.  Each cart comes with instructions and a toolkit to make simple adjustments.  Very large carts can be fabricated as “ship kits” to defray shipping surcharges. 

How exact do the measurements have to be?

The more precise, the better the fit. Have a friend hold your pet in a normal standing position when you measure. Use a ruler and follow the lines on the diagram exactly. If your measurements do not make sense to us (according to the proportions we've observed for different breeds over the years), we will ask you to remeasure.

How adjustable is the cart?

The cart can be adjusted for height and length, but the width and the size of the saddle is part of the welded frame and is not adjustable.  We recommend that the cart be used to restore the pet to a healthy, normal stance.  We specifically warn owners not to raise the back end of the cart up to take neurologically impaired feet off the ground – doing so compresses the spine and throws more weight on the forelimbs.  Stirrups or booties can be used to protect pet’s toes.