Measuring Tips, Tricks, and Info

The majority of unsuccessful dog wheelchair fittings are the results of poor measurements. If possible, ask a friend to assist you when measuring your pet. Ideally the measurements are taken with the animal standing rather than laying on his/her side. At least one person should assist when taking measurements for a small animal or two people for a larger animal.

Watch a short video to see how easy it is to measure your pet:

 

Recommended Measuring Materials:

1. Cloth measuring tape (commonly found in fabric stores) or other flexible measuring tape
2. 2 yardsticks or other similar rigid sticks

Front Height – Measurement "1"

• Person 1 – rest yardstick level on shoulders
• Person 2 – stretch measuring tape from level yardstick to ground
• Enter front height as “ 1” on form

Rear Height – Measurement "2"

• Person 1 – rest yardstick level over pelvis/hips
• Person 2 - Stretch measuring tape from level stick to ground
• Enter rear height as “2” on form

Length – Measurement "3"

• Stretch measuring tape between collar and tail attachment
• Enter length as “3” on form

Girth or Chest circumference -
Measurement "4"

• Wrap measuring tape entirely around chest behind elbows
• Enter chest girth as “4” on form

Girth Height– Measurement "5"

• Person 1 – hold animal in standing position
• Person 2 – stretch tape from bottom of chest just behind front legs to floor
• Enter as "5" on form

Front Width – Measurement "6"

• Person 1 – place each yardstick vertically resting on floor and pressing against outside of each shoulder
• Person 2 – tension measuring tape between vertical yardsticks and measure distance between yardsticks
• Enter front width as “F” on form

Rear Width – Measurement "7" (similar to “6” except use pelvis/hips)

• Person 1 – place yardstick vertically resting on floor and pressing against each side of pelvis/hips
• Person 2 – tension measuring tape and measure distance between vertical yardsticks
• Enter rear width as “7” on form

Groin height – Measurement "8"

• Important - Establishes height at which animal will be supported

• Press one end of tape in groin area and tension tape to floor
• Enter groin height as “8” on form

Thigh circumference -
Measurement "9"

• Wrap measuring tape entirely around top of thigh
• Enter chest girth as “9” on form

IMPORTANT:
If measuring animal on its side use bottom of footpads with leg in a standing position as floor distance. Do NOT stretch leg straight.