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The past eighteen months have been economically challenging, and veterinary clinics have noticed the impact: cancelled appointments, postponed surgeries, and hesitancy around elective care. Unfortunately, one of the first areas affected in tighter economic times is pet health — including mobility support for pets with neurological or orthopedic limitations.
As veterinary professionals, we are often asked by clients about mobility aids, particularly wheelchairs, and the allure of low-cost options is understandable. However, when it comes to mobility and safety, a lower price point can come with significant compromises.
In my clinical experience, Walkin’ Pets wheelchairs consistently provide the highest standard of non-custom mobility support.
Key advantages include:
Walkin’ Pets wheelchairs are neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option on the market, but their durability, adaptability, and clinical outcomes justify the investment.
I provide direct support to veterinary clinics and their clients, drawing on over 30 years of experience in Veterinary Nursing. I can assist your patients individually or work with your clinic to ensure the most appropriate mobility solution is selected, fitted, and optimised. My goal is to make the process as seamless as possible for both staff and owners, providing expert guidance, sizing, and training where required.
I am currently evaluating some lower-cost alternatives for potential inclusion on our website. However, any budget-friendly option would need to meet strict safety, functional, and usability standards before I would recommend it to clients. Affordability is important, but a lower price is never worth compromising a pet’s comfort, mobility, or wellbeing.
As a veterinary professional, you should be aware of the common limitations in many inexpensive wheelchairs:
Additional concerns include low-quality wheels, abrasive or poorly fitted harnesses, poor weight distribution, lack of local support, and a shorter functional lifespan — all factors that can compromise the outcomes for your patients.
High-quality wheelchairs are more than a convenience; they prevent secondary injuries, maintain proper posture, and support quality of life for pets with mobility challenges.
When advising clients, it’s critical to balance cost considerations with clinical effectiveness and safety.
Devices that are adjustable, robust, and convertible offer long-term value and are more likely to be used consistently and correctly.
In challenging economic times, your clients may look for lower-cost alternatives, but you can play a key role in ensuring these choices do not compromise safety or welfare. Selecting a reliable, adjustable, and well-supported device is an investment in the pet’s mobility and overall health.
I’m also always available to provide hands-on support, guidance, and client education to help make the selection and implementation of wheelchairs and mobility aids simple and safe for your clients and their pets.
Over a 35-year veterinary nursing career, Gillian Shippen developed a special interest in animal behaviour enrichment and in 2006 began her business Pets Need A Life Too, dedicated to behaviour enrichment. In 2012 after recognising a growing need in the pet industry, she incorporated mobility aids and in 2020, established HandicappedPets Australia. She believes that pets are family and whether disabled, injured and/or elderly, they deserve to live a happy and healthy life. HandicappedPets Australia offers the largest online selection of products to improve animal mobility. Gillian works with veterinary teams and pet owners to help keep pets mobile, safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy life! Be Happy. Be Together. Be Amazed. Be Moving. Be the Next Miracle.
Connect with Gillian:
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