PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1678742
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1678742
The global pet wheelchair market size is expected to reach USD 760.38 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.59% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is primarily driven by increasing pet ownership, rising awareness of animal mobility solutions, and advancements in wheelchair design for comfort and durability. Growing cases of pet injuries, paralysis, and age-related mobility issues further boost demand, alongside expanding pet insurance coverage for mobility aids.
Insurance coverage plays a crucial role in accessibility, with some companies, such as Trupanion, offering wheelchair coverage when prescribed by a veterinarian. In contrast, Pets Best and Embrace Pet Insurance exclude mobility aids from their policies. For example, Walkin' Pets, a leading provider, highlights that wheelchairs may be covered if a pet is insured before becoming disabled. Animal Ortho Care also suggests that certain orthotic and prosthetic devices are covered under select policies. The growing need for assistive mobility solutions, combined with varying insurance policies, is driving pet owners to explore customizable insurance plans and innovative wheelchair options to enhance their pets' quality of life.
The increasing prevalence of tick paralysis in pets, particularly in eastern Australia, is driving demand for pet wheelchairs. Tick paralysis, caused by the Ixodes holocyclus tick, leads to progressive limb weakness and mobility loss in affected animals. Studies show that during peak tick paralysis seasons, up to 12% of veterinary consultations in regions like the Northern Beaches of Sydney involve tick paralysis cases. Despite the use of isoxazoline-based preventatives, thousands of pets still suffer paralysis annually. As more pets experience long-term mobility issues post-recovery, wheelchairs provide essential support, enhancing their quality of life. For instance, veterinary clinics report an increasing number of pet owners investing in wheelchairs to aid dogs recovering from tick paralysis-induced hind limb weakness.
Furthermore, the market is expanding as obesity and poor nutrition contribute to rising orthopedic issues in pets. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's (APOP) 2023 survey, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were overweight or obese in the U.S. in 2022. In the U.S., Canada, and Europe, an estimated 63% of pet cats and 59% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. Similarly, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, in 2022, around 51% of horses had a Body Condition Score (BCS) greater than 6, which is considered overweight, and around 19% of the 50% had a BCS of 8 to 9, which is considered obese. Companies like Walkin' Pets and K9 Carts offer adjustable wheelchairs for dogs, cats, and even horses, addressing conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia.