How to Measure Your Dog for a Wheelchair

You only need one measurement: your dog's rear leg height, from the top of the hip straight down to the toe pad. It takes about a minute, and the fit finder below turns it into the right size. Below that: the full dog wheelchair size chart, how the sizes work, and how to tell the chair fits once it arrives.

Where to measure a dog's rear leg height, from the top of the hip to the toe pad, with the dog lying down

How to measure your dog for a wheelchair

1

Lay your dog on their side

A soft, flat surface is easiest, and your dog doesn't need to stand.

2

Let the back leg rest at its natural bend

Don't pull it straight. A straightened leg measures long, and you end up a size too big.

3

Measure from the top of the hip to the toe pad

Straight down, in inches. That number is your dog's rear leg height.

Tips for an accurate measurement

Measure when your dog is calm, after a walk or a nap. A second person to steady them makes it much easier. Use a soft tape measure, and measure twice: if the two numbers differ, measure once more and go with the two that agree.

Find their size in about a minute

Enter the rear leg height. Weight and build are optional: some frames overlap in height, and they help pick between them.

Fit finderRear leg height, then weight and build if you know them.
Which breed is closest to your dog's build?
Shop the wheelchair

How to size a dog wheelchair

Dog wheelchair sizes, explained

There are five sizes, Mini to XL, covering rear leg heights from 3 to 31 inches. Small, Medium, Large and XL each come in two height ranges, because the frame has to match the length of your dog's leg closely. You choose the size, then the height range, and we ship the frame that matches. All five sizes are on the wheelchair page.

Why rear leg height decides the size

The frame is set so the back legs hang free or lightly brush the ground, so its height has to match the leg. That makes rear leg height the one measurement that decides the size. Weight and build only matter where two frames overlap: a heavier or stockier dog goes on the wider frame, a slimmer one on the narrower.

Dog wheelchair size chart

Find your dog's rear leg height in the second column. Typical weights and breeds are examples to sanity-check your number, not a rule: always go by the measurement.

Size Rear leg height Typical weight Typical breeds
Mini 3" to 6" 2 to 7 lb Teacup and toy breeds
Small 6" to 9" 7 to 14 lb Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian
9" to 12" 18 to 29 lb Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Maltese; French Bulldog, Pug, Corgi
Medium 12" to 16" 31 to 45 lb Beagle, Cocker Spaniel
16" to 19" 33 to 44 lb Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Pit Bull
Large 19" to 22" 44 to 55 lb Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
22" to 24" 55 to 66 lb Doberman, Bernese Mountain Dog, Weimaraner, Standard Poodle
XL 24" to 27" 67 to 99 lb Rottweiler, Mastiff, Great Dane
27" to 31" 77 to 132 lb Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhound, large Great Danes

How to tell the wheelchair fits

Once it arrives, set it up and check four things.

1

The back legs hang free or lightly brush the ground

That's the height the frame is designed to sit at.

2

Weight sits on the hips and chest

The padded harness should carry your dog through the hips and chest, never the spine.

3

Straps are snug without rubbing

Every strap adjusts. A damp harness is what causes rubbing, so let it dry fully after washing.

4

Your dog can go to the bathroom in it

The harness holds the back end up without closing anything off, so your dog can squat.

Something looks off? Email a photo to help@oldpalpets.com and we'll help you adjust it.

Measuring in tricky situations

Most dogs who need a wheelchair aren't easy to measure. Here's how to handle the usual problems.

Your dog can't stand or walk

That's fine, and it's why we measure lying down. Your dog never needs to stand: lay them on their side, let the back leg rest at its natural bend, and measure from the top of the hip to the toe pad.

Your dog won't stay still

Measure in short tries rather than one long one. Wait until they're sleepy, have a second person steady them and offer a treat, and take the number across two or three attempts. You only need one clean reading.

Your dog has lost muscle in the back legs

Measure the leg as it rests today and don't try to correct for it. The frame adjusts in height within its range, so small changes after it arrives can be dialled in.

Your dog has a thick or long coat

Press the tape gently through the coat so it sits on the body at the top of the hip, not on the fur. Fluff can add an inch or more, which is enough to change the size.

What other pet parents say

Senior beagle in an OldPal rear support wheelchair looking up on a sidewalk walk

★★★★★

The OldPal wheelchair gave our boy a second chance. He's happier, more active, and back to doing what he loves.

Jessica R.

Verified Customer

Chihuahua in an OldPal rear support wheelchair on a park path

★★★★★

Amazing quality and such a kind, helpful team. The sizing was spot on the first time and it arrived quickly.

Mark T.

Verified Customer

Senior cocker spaniel in an OldPal rear support wheelchair on a city sidewalk

★★★★★

Our girl is back to doing what she loves, exploring the outdoors. She uses it every single day.

Samantha L.

Verified Customer

Dog wheelchair sizing questions

What if my dog is between two sizes?

Some frames overlap in height, so a dog near the edge of one range often fits two. Add their weight and build to the fit finder and it chooses between them.

Still unsure? Email a photo and the measurement to help@oldpalpets.com and we'll tell you which to order.
Which dog wheelchair size does my breed need?

The size chart lists typical breeds for each height range, but breed is only a starting point. Dogs of the same breed vary a lot, so always go by your own dog's rear leg height.
Do I need to measure weight or width?

Only rear leg height is required. Weight and build are optional and only help choose between overlapping frames. You never need to measure width.
Can the wheelchair be adjusted after it arrives?

Yes. Each frame adjusts in height within its range, and every harness strap adjusts, so the chair can be set to your dog's shape.
What if the wheelchair doesn't fit?

Every OldPal wheelchair is covered by the Fit Guarantee. If the size you ordered doesn't fit, send it back and we'll replace it with the size that does. Return shipping is the only cost to you.

Message us before you post it and we'll confirm the size to swap to, so the replacement is right the second time.
My dog is under 3 or over 31 inches

Our chairs fit rear leg heights from 3 to 31 inches. Outside that range, email help@oldpalpets.com and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.
Should I measure my dog standing or lying down?

Lying down. Lay your dog on their side and let the back leg rest at its natural bend. It's easier for dogs who struggle to stand, and a straightened leg would measure long.
My dog is still growing. Which size should I order?

Order for the rear leg height your dog has now. Each frame adjusts in height within its range. If you expect a lot of growth, email help@oldpalpets.com with the measurement and your dog's age, and we'll help you choose.
How long does a wheelchair take to arrive?

Most OldPal dog wheelchairs arrive within 2 to 3 weeks from the day you order. We ship to the continental US only.

More sizing guides

Adult Shih Tzu with a short haircut standing on backyard grass in afternoon sunlight Choosing a Dog Wheelchair for Back Legs: A Shih Tzu Owner's Guide A dog wheelchair for back legs Shih Tzu owners can trust starts with a vet visit and one measurement. Here is how...
See all sizing guides →
Old Pal Pets Fit Guarantee badge

The right fit, guaranteed

Measure once, check the chart, and order with the Fit Guarantee behind you.

Shop the wheelchair