6 Pet Products for Owners with Mobility Issues

If you have a fur baby, they likely hold an important place in your heart and home. But what happens if you have a surgery coming up? Or lose some mobility? For anyone facing a change like this, it's easy to worry about your ability to care for your pets and keep them with you.

Plenty of research tells us that pets come with some incredible health benefits. They can help fight stress, banish loneliness and can even boost brain health. So, the last thing you need after an injury, surgery or change in mobility is to lose that source of affection and well-being.

Marta Owens faced this situation in 2024 when she had back surgery. She returned home to begin eight long weeks of recovery — alongside her 10-month-old shih tzu puppy. "I had issues walking and cleaning his paws in the earliest days since I was not able to twist or lift him," says Owens, who agrees she would have loved anything to make this time easier on her and her pup. 

"When mobility is limited, specific daily tasks like feeding, walking or cleaning up after pets can become physically challenging," says James Lyons, M.D., a physician with expertise in family and emergency medicine. "Fortunately, many products are specifically designed to make pet care more manageable."

Below, you'll get all the details on our top six picks for products that can help you care for your pets no matter your mobility.

Cats don't weigh a lot, but their litter sure does. If you have to bend or crouch to sift your kitty's litter or clean out their box, all that bending, twisting and lifting may not work for achy hips or a healing injury. LoftyLoo, a small business, developed a creative solution: an elevated litter box. Compatible with stairs and ramps for older cats, LoftyLoo's raised litter box furniture has options for anyone living with chronic pain, or recovering from surgery. It's also fully wheelchair-accessible.

Customer review: Karl says, "Our cat is using the raised litter box, and I no longer have to get down on my knees to clean it. Great product!"

Most dogs love their daily walk and need the exercise for their own optimal health. But when you use a walker, wheelchair or have pain in your upper body, using a traditional leash can prove challenging. "If walking a pet is difficult, hands-free leashes or harnesses can make the experience more manageable, especially for those who use mobility aids like canes or walkers," Lyons says. 

One option is the Hands Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch, which clips around your waist, has a reflective safety strip for visibility and includes two shock absorbers to prevent tugging. The only caveat? Only use this product if your pet cannot physically pull you down and cause injury.

Customer Review: Linda says, "Absolutely fantastic for me as I only have one functioning hand. My dog Josh walks better and doesn't pull. Also he can work with me in the garden and not run off."

No matter your mobility status, your dog will inevitably leave fecal surprises in your yard. But bending over to remove them daily can strain an injury and slow recovery. "Long-handled waste scoopers can make cleanup tasks far more manageable," Lyons says.

The ShinyDew pooper scooper has an extra-long arm (32 inches), so you don't have to bend to pick up your pet's waste. You can use it with one hand, and also attach waste bags to the scooper for even easier disposal.

Customer Review: G. Mumphrey says, "This product saved my husband's back. It works flawlessly. I very highly recommend."

Just like you, your pet needs to eat a few times a day. Unlike you, they can't get their food themselves, and lifting heavy food bags or bending to fill bowls can strain an injury and spike discomfort. "I commonly recommend an automatic pet feeder, which keeps pets well-fed and hydrated without having one stoop or bend much," says Dharam Khalsa, a certified senior adviser.

The Petlibro Air Automatic Feeder has a locking food tank to prevent between-meal snacking, and can hold up to 16 portions. It runs on batteries that last 180 days, so you can put it anywhere you want. You'll have to refill it now and then, depending on the size of your pet, but this product means a lot less bending and lifting.

Customer review: DD says, "It offers a hassle-free setup and a customizable feeding schedule, perfect for busy pet owners."

Sometimes you can't take your dog on a walk, no matter how many gadgets you try. To give them plenty of exercise, you can offer them a pet treadmill to walk off their zoomies. The PETSITE Dog Treadmill has 12 preset programs and three incline options. 

The large running belt measures 39 inches long by 14.5 inches wide with a slip resistant running surface and safety fences along the sides. It also comes with a remote to adjust speed and automatically turns off after 30 minutes.

Customer review: A verified buyer says, "I injured my foot several months back and haven't been able to walk Ruger. We normally go on 2+ mile walks daily ... [With] the remote, I can sit in my easy chair and adjust speed without getting up!"

Another great way to give your pup some exercise is with an automated ball launcher. "When walking isn't an option, interactive toys — such as automated ball launchers or treat-dispensing puzzles — can keep pets entertained and active without requiring physical strain from their owners," Lyons says.

The Joyhound Electronic Ball Launcher comes with three tennis balls, which it can lob 10 to 40 feet. One setting even lets your dog choose their play pace by waiting for them to drop in a ball. Rest on your patio or in your yard while your dog gets a challenging and entertaining workout.

Customer Review: Aschroeder0630 says, "Our black lab loves this ball launcher. It makes it easy for my older mom to play with the dog without straining her shoulder or back. We would definitely recommend this if you have a dog that loves to play fetch."

If you're facing a change in mobility, you can still take excellent care of your beloved pets. "These products aren't just about convenience — they're about making pet care sustainable and enjoyable, even when physical limitations exist," Lyons says. You can use these products to create a well-organized and accessible setup for their pet care, Khalsa adds.

Abby McCoy is an RN of 16 years who has worked with adults and pediatric patients encompassing trauma, orthopedics, home care, transplant, and case management. She has practiced nursing all over the world, from San Fransisco, CA, to Tharaka, Kenya. Read More