We couldn't be more excited to see the flurry of news activity this month, featuring our collaboration with Applied Research at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT MAKE+). The problem we set out to solve is that existing dog wheelchairs are designed with the expectation that the dog has a lot of front strength, which most seniors dogs do not.
Because of this, Ann-Marie, Founder and CEO of Dog Quality has been working with a team at BCIT to find a viable solution. After 10 months of extensive research, input from veterinarians, dog owners of dogs with mobility issues and multiple iterations of the prototype, our (patent pending) prototype is finally complete.
Ann-Marie's 14-year-old, Lily has been instrumental in taking some of the first rolls, demonstrating how the current pug-sized, highly maneuverable and lightweight senior dog wheel chair will work.
Featured news videos and stories
B.C.-based Dog Quality and BCIT researchers bring joy to canines' final years
The saddest time in a dog’s life, according to many, is its final years. Aging pooches start to slow down and can struggle with basic tasks such as walking, jumping, and eating. It’s a stage that can cause distress among owners. Dog enthusiast and project manager Ann-Marie Fleming believes in reconfiguring that mindset.
Read more on The Georgia Straight >
Canine wheelchair making it possible for senior dogs to regain mobility
A dog wheelchair is bringing senior dogs and their owners closer together.
Read more on Daily Hive News >
Innovative wheelchair keeps older dogs mobile and active
"BCIT researcher Silvia Raschke and Dog Quality CEO Ann-Marie Fleming are joined by Lily the 14-year old pug to show off the new dog wheelchair they hope will help senior dogs remain mobile."
Watch the video segment on Global News >
Doggy-Wheelchair designed for aging pups
"This doggy wheel-chair has been specifically designed with senior dogs in mind. Andrea Macpherson explains how BCIT researchers are helping to get this prototype to market."
Watch the video segment on CityNews >
BCIT-designed dog wheelchair aims to improve senior dogs' quality of life
"Just as an aging man might turn to a cane, a walker or a scooter to get around, man's best friend often needs some extra help with mobility as it gets older..."
Read more on CTV News >
Elderly pug pilots pooch wheelchair designed at BCIT in Burnaby
"Elderly canines with osteoarthritis could soon stay mobile with a dog wheelchair developed at BCIT in Burnaby...."
Read more on Burnaby News >
BCIT researchers help aging dogs regain mobility with dog wheelchair
"There are approximately 5.9 million dogs in Canada with an estimated one in five dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. Aging dogs face many of the same health issues that people face as they get older..."
Read more on BCIT News >
We're still testing and refining—we'll be developing larger sizes and one petite—to address the needs of dogs big and small. Our goals are also to make this affordable and easy to assemble.
We're looking forward to updating you as we move (roll) forward!
