Wheelchairs
Wheelchair and cart options for the disabled rabbit.

Wheelchairs and the Disabled Rabbit

Many rabbits that are disabled often long to be more mobile. A wheelchair can be a great option for some rabbits suffering from:
  • Paralysis
  • Arthritis
  • Hind end weakness
  • Front limb weakness
  • Other injuries or conditions that affect mobility

A wheelchair can give a rabbit the ability to walk again. It can encourage and facilitate exercise and help to make them stronger. It can give them back that very important sense of freedom and independence and help to lift their spirits.

If you think a wheelchair could be a great option for your rabbit, see our recommended manufacturers below.

When is the Right Time for a Wheelchair?

It is very important that you do not put a disabled rabbit in a wheelchair before they are ready. Many rabbits with disabilities become disabled through injury. When that is the case, it is critical to allow the rabbit the time they need to heal and recover. This time is usually a period of 4-6 weeks, but be sure to talk with your vet about when your rabbit will be ready for a wheelchair.

Will my Rabbit Use a Wheelchair?

It seems only natural that a rabbit who has lost his or her ability to walk would want to use a wheelchair, but some rabbits have more difficulty adjusting to a wheelchair than others. There can be a few reasons for this:
  • They may not be strong enough. Using a wheelchair typically requires that the rabbit be strong in their front legs. Older rabbits, rabbits with arthritis or rabbits that otherwise have weaker front legs may have trouble utilizing a cart.
  • The cart may not be designed correctly. Rabbits are very different in the injuries or conditions that lead to them needing a cart. Some rabbits will need a cart that holds their bottom end; others will need a cart that allows their back legs to hang. Some may just need their hips lifted; others may need more support for their abdomen or front legs. Take your rabbit's specific needs into consideration when you choose and design a cart for them.
  • They may just be scared. Being strapped to a wheelchair for the first time can be a daunting thing for a disabled rabbit. Be sure to take the process slowly. Try giving them some time to investigate the cart without being strapped in. Praise them when they go near it. The first few times you strap them in, just have them in for a few minutes. Then unstrap them and give them a treat. Just try to reassure them that being in their wheelchair is a positive experience.

Whether or not your rabbit will use a wheelchair depends on your rabbit's ability, willingness and personality. Consider those things before you decide to purchase, talk with your vet about what might be best, and be sure to take things slow.

Wheelchair Resources

Eddie's Wheels
  • Full range of rear support carts
  • First company to design front support carts
  • First company to offer quad carts
  • High quality design
  • Each cart custom-built to a specific pet's needs
  • Cart designs take an animal's weight, age, activity level and activity terrain into account
  • Able to adjust cart designs to compensate for issues that might interfere with a pet's ability to use a cart so that any pet can use one
  • Happy to customize carts for disabled rabbits- see Albert's story below!
  • Offers used carts; allow you to sell a cart back to them
  • Great customer service
  • $ $ $
Albert is an adorable 14 pound white bunny who had a spinal embolism that affected his rear legs and ability to stand. Nowadays, he's walking again with his custom cart built by Eddie's Wheels!

K9 Carts
  • Full range of rear support carts including standard, extra supportive and fully supportive options
  • Enables a cart option for pets with strong or weak front legs
  • Carts have the option of allowing the feet to touch the ground or having the legs suspended
  • Carts are fully adjustable and convertible
  • Carts are adaptable for a pet whose needs may change
  • Strong, lightweight design
  • May be able to customize a cart for a disabled rabbit
  • Veterinarian designed, built and tested
  • Offers a rental program
  • Ships worldwide
  • $ $

Doggon' Wheels
  • Have carts for rear support
  • Have carts for front support
  • Offer quad cart options
  • Light weight design
  • Veterinarian approved
  • Each cart custom-built based on a pet's measurements, weight and lifestyle
  • Carts are adaptable for a pet whose needs may change
  • Familiar with designing carts for disabled rabbits
  • 70% refund if there is a problem
  • Ships worldwide
  • Great customer service
  • $ $

K-9 Carts East_
  • Each cart is custom-made
  • Offer a variety of carts for hind end support
  • Have forelimb support cart options
  • Offer a quad cart
  • Can customize a cart for unique needs or special cases
  • Familiar designing carts for rabbits
  • Lightweight, precision-machined parts and design
  • Carts are designed to facilitate both rehabilitation and mobility
  • Over 45 years of experience
  • Company owned by a retired veterinary surgeon
  • $ $

Dogs to Go
  • Rear support carts only
  • Support suspends rear feet from the ground (appropriate for fully rear disabled rabbits)
  • Simple, lightweight design
  • Can be modified depending on lifestyle and activity terrain
  • Design tested in a clinical environment
  • Familiar with making carts for disabled rabbits
  • Lifetime warranty with free repair or replacement
  • Ships worldwide
  • $

The Dog Mobile Company
  • Rear support carts only
  • Specialize in almost or complete hind end paralysis
  • Design of the cart tucks the hind legs underneath the body to prevent dragging
  • Allows the animal to lie down and rest in the cart
  • Fold away design
  • May be able to customize a cart for a disabled rabbit
  • Based in the UK
  • $ $