Pet Mobility Aids Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Pet Type (Dogs, Cats), By Product (Wheelchairs, Splints & Braces), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Pet Mobility Aids Market Size & Trends

The global pet mobility aids market size was estimated at USD 1.79 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.55% from 2024 to 2030. Increasing pet population, growing adoption of pet insurance policies, initiatives by key market players, and increasing demand for customized mobility aids are some of the key drivers of this market. In addition, increasing demand for personalized and adjustable wheelchairs and carts for pets with varying disabilities and growing adoption of advanced technologies such as 3D printing and carbon fiber materials in manufacturing pet mobility aids contribute to market growth. For instance, in October 2023, Sleepypod launched a harness for walking and anxiety relief. This harness is designed for car use and provides a safe and secure way to transport pets having mobility issues.

Key market players such as Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Chewy, Inc.; Walkin' Pets; Doggon' Wheels; LLC, My Pet's Bracec; and K-9 Cart are investing significantly in the research and development of pet mobility care products. These companies are working to make pet mobility solutions more accessible for developing countries. In October 2022, PAWAii.com. Launched a pet harness with a QR ID tag. This harness is designed to provide additional security and identification, allowing owners to track their pets using a QR code easily.

Ongoing advancements in veterinary medicine contribute to better diagnosis and treatment options for various pet health conditions, including those affecting mobility. This is encouraging the development and adoption of specialized pet mobility aids. In addition, increasing demand for customized solutions for pets, including tailored mobility aids that cater to specific conditions, contributes to market growth.

The availability of pet insurance plans that cover mobility aids, including pet wheelchairs, encourages pet owners to consider these solutions without the financial burden. For instance, in 2022, Trupanion, a Canada-based pet insurance company, announced an increase of over 30% in pet enrollment for insurance over the previous year. This increase in pet insurance enrollment is expected to contribute to the increasing demand for the veterinary hospitals & clinics sector, as it offers financial convenience to pet owners.

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to market growth, as people spending more time at home have been able to provide better care and attention to their pets, leading to a higher recognition of mobility issues in pets and driving the demand for pet wheelchairs and carts.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is medium, and pace of the market growth is accelerating. The market is characterized by a high degree of innovation due to rapid technological advancements driven by prosthetics advancements, customized solutions availability, and increasing pet spending.

The market is also characterized by several merger and acquisition (M&A) activities by the key market players. This is due to several factors, including a desire to gain access to advanced technologies and talent, the need to consolidate in a rapidly growing market, and growing demand for customized mobility-supporting products.

There are a smaller number of direct product substitutes for pet mobility aids. However, several technologies can be used to achieve cost-effective solutions using patent-specific data. Pet owners may manually assist their pets by providing support, lifting them, or using slings to help them move around. This can serve as an immediate substitute for certain types of mobility aids.

The concentration of distribution channels can significantly affect market accessibility, competitiveness, and overall industry dynamics. Companies offering unique and innovative solutions may have a competitive edge, affecting market concentration. Compliance with regulations may act as a barrier to entry and influence the concentration of companies within the market.

Distribution Channel Insights

Veterinary hospitals & clinics distribution channel segment led the market in 2023. This is attributable to the rising pet adoption rates, increasing awareness about animal healthcare, and rising pet insurance. This increase in pet insurance enrollment is expected to contribute to the increasing demand for the veterinary hospitals & clinics segment, as it offers financial convenience to pet owners. Veterinary hospitals & clinics act as crucial distribution channels and recommendation places. These hospitals & clinics are essential for pet healthcare and often suggest or prescribe mobility aids for pets with mobility challenges. Veterinary professionals provide expert guidance, aiding pet owners in selecting suitable aids based on individual needs. Serving as points of purchase, these clinics enhance market accessibility and promote awareness about the benefits of pet mobility aids.

The e-commerce sector is projected to witness the highest growth rate over the forecast period. The e-commerce segment provides a convenient and extensive platform, offering a diverse range of pet mobility aids. This platform enables pet owners to make informed decisions through product comparisons, reviews, and detailed descriptions. The global reach of e-commerce allows access to various brands and products, promoting competition. The convenience of doorstep delivery makes e-commerce a preferred choice, particularly for those with limited access to physical stores. Hence, many players have their own e-commerce platforms and are present on several other e-commerce platforms. For instance, companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Etsy offer numerous pet mobility aid products of several brands on their e-commerce platforms.

Pet Type Insights

The dogs segment held the largest revenue share of 41.8% in 2023. This high percentage can be attributed to the increasing adoption of dogs as pets, humanization of pets, technological advancements, and rising disposable incomes. This growth is further fueled by an aging dog population, increasing awareness of pet mobility aids, a diverse product range, expanding veterinary expertise, and a focus on preventive care. Furthermore, dogs are known to be common animals adopted for companionship and comfort. In 2022, according to the American Pet Products Association, 64 million U.S. households adopted dogs as pets. Hence, medical issues like arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease, canine hip dysplasia, and cruciate and knee injuries, accidents, and medical procedures are expected to rise.

The cats segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Growing humanization of cats, the aging cat population, technological advancements in feline mobility devices, increased awareness, veterinary expertise, focus on preventive care, and strong emotional attachment drive the demand for pet mobility aids for cats. Moreover, cats are prone to injuries such as broken bones, sprains, muscle strains, arthritis, obesity, and neurological disorders such as degenerative myelopathy, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), and cerebellar hypoplasia require mobility aids and thus contributing to the market.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 41.6% in 2023. The growth is attributed to rising pet ownership rates, increased awareness among pet owners, advanced veterinary care facilities, a rising incidence of pet health issues, the presence of leading pet mobility aids manufacturers, and rising awareness of pet health insurance. Moreover, the humanization of pets trend, where pets are treated as family members, contributes to a growing willingness among pet owners to invest in products that improve the well-being of their pets, including mobility aids. Furthermore, the strong presence of companies offering various pet mobility aid products in the U.S. is contributing to the region's market. Some key players include Bionic Pets LLC, Animal Ortho Care, Walkin' Pets, Petsthetics, and Best Friend Mobility. These companies are actively involved in numerous business initiatives that help companies strengthen their position and thereby contribute to the growth of the market in the North America region.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth in the market. The rising trend of pet ownership, increasing disposable income, and changing lifestyles in countries like China, Japan, and India contribute to a growing demand for pet products and services. In addition, the evolving awareness about pet health and a shift towards providing better care to pets are driving the adoption of pet mobility aids in the region. Moreover, there is a rising interest in enhancing the quality of life for pets, including addressing mobility challenges. Furthermore, the increasing number of startups and companies in India catering the pet mobility issues is expected to contribute to the region’s market growth. The expanding pet care industry, along with a surge in veterinary services and product availability, contributes to the rapid growth of the Asia Pacific region in the market.

Product Insights

Wheelchairs segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. The growth of the wheelchairs segment in the market can be attributed to several factors. Wheelchairs, specifically designed for pets, address various mobility issues, providing support and assistance to animals with hind limb weakness, paralysis, or other mobility challenges. These devices offer a practical and effective solution to enhance a pet's mobility and overall quality of life. The versatility and adaptability of pet wheelchairs, catering to various sizes and breeds, contribute to their widespread adoption. Furthermore, presence of pets with several medical issues, such as degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, amputation, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), amputation, and post-surgical recovery require assistance with mobility. These are some of the conditions that cause extreme pain for dogs while walking. Hence, companies are taking numerous business initiatives to reduce pain and help pets regain mobility. For instance, in July 2023, Walkin' Pets helped a 12-year-old completely paralyzed dog regain its mobility using a wheelchair.

Splints & Braces segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The demand for leg braces is growing because of pain or discomfort in walking, loss of agility or coordination, limping or an altered gait, and ease of use and availability of splints and braces in the market. Leg braces and splints reduce pain during physical activity by offering additional comfort and support for the legs.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

• Key players operating in the market include Chewy, Inc., Walkin' Pets, and Doggon' Wheels, LLC, Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.

• Walkin' Pets is located in New Hampshire in the U.S. The company manufactures products for pets needing healing from an injury, congenital conditions, or indoor mobility. It provides mobility devices, splints, harnesses, and braces. The products help to ease mobility issues and give pets the support they need during recovery and rehabilitation.

• Doggon' Wheels is an animal wheelchair company led by Dr. Jenny Moe, an animal physical therapist. She has over 13 years of experience treating animals. The company serves veterinary professionals, teaching hospitals, and animal physical therapists.

• My Pet's Brace, K-9 Cart, and Bionic Pets LLC are some emerging market participants in the pet mobility aids market.

• K-9 Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc. manufactures and designs orthotics and prosthetics products. These products can be custom molded and manufactured per the dog's requirement. The company helps veterinarians deliver highly useful alternatives when surgery isn't possible or requires postoperative recovery.

• Bionic Pets LLC, headquartered in Virginia, U.S., offers prosthetic devices and animal orthotics, specifically for dogs. They help animals regain mobility and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, they create customized devices for all animals.

Recent Developments

• In October 2023, Sleepypod, a pet products company, launched a harness for walking and anxiety relief.

• In June 2023, LOVEPLUSPET, a company specializing in pet accessories, launched its advanced leg braces. These leg braces help dogs with arthritis in the back and front legs.

• In June 2022, Walkin' Pets launched custom leg braces. These leg braces are available in four categories: elbow brace, stifle brace, hock (tarsal) brace for hind leg support, and carpal brace to support the pet’s front leg.

Pet Mobility Aids Market Report Scope

Global Pet Mobility Aids Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global pet mobility aids market report based on pet type, product, distribution channel, and region:

• Pet Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Dogs

  • Cats

  • Others

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Wheelchairs

  • Splints & Braces

  • Slings

  • Ramps & Steps

  • Prosthetics

  • Others (e.g., boots, socks)

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Retail Stores

  • E-commerce

  • Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait