Loading 3D model…
Scroll for the full story
How it works

From measurement to mobility,
in six steps.

A fit built on real measurements, the same ones a vet would take. Whether you're a clinic fitting a patient or an owner caring for your dog, the process is the same: measure carefully, customize, and order a chair made for that specific dog.

  1. 01

    Measure your dog

    Five simple measurements with a regular tape measure. Our guide walks you through each one.

  2. 02

    Customize the model

    The 3D model adapts to your measurements in real time. Pick wheels, harness, and a preview color.

  3. 03

    Buy the files: $14

    One flat price. You receive STL files, an assembly PDF, and the bill of materials for the hardware.

  4. 04

    Print the parts

    Load the STLs into your slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu). Recommended print profile included.

  5. 05

    Assemble

    Bolt the printed parts together with the hardware kit. Around an hour with basic tools.

  6. 06

    Fit & enjoy

    Adjust the straps, let your dog ease into it, and watch them run again. Adjustments? Reprint a part.

What's in the package

Everything you need
to print and assemble.

A single $14 download. No subscriptions. Re-download anytime from your purchase link.

  • 12 STL files: frame, axles, wheel hubs, harness mounts, brackets.
  • Assembly guide PDF: step-by-step with photos.
  • Bill of materials: screws, nuts, foam, straps and where to buy them.
  • Print profile: recommended settings for Cura, PrusaSlicer and Bambu Studio.
  • Fit & adjust guide: a checklist for the first walk with your dog.
petwheels_custom.zip 12.4 MB
  • STL01_frame_main.stl82 g · 4h12
  • STL02_axle_left.stl18 g · 0h54
  • STL03_axle_right.stl18 g · 0h54
  • STL04_wheel_hub_L.stl22 g · 1h08
  • STL05_wheel_hub_R.stl22 g · 1h08
  • STL06_harness_yoke.stl34 g · 1h44
  • STL07_strap_clip_x2.stl12 g · 0h36
  • STL08_bracket_top.stl26 g · 1h22
  • STL09_bracket_bot.stl26 g · 1h22
  • STL10_wheel_tire_L.stl14 g · 0h41
  • STL11_wheel_tire_R.stl14 g · 0h41
  • STL12_endcaps_kit.stl8 g · 0h22
  • PDFassembly_guide.pdf3.1 MB
  • PDFbill_of_materials.pdf412 KB
What you'll need

A printer, some hardware,
and about an afternoon.

A 3D printer

Any FDM printer with a 200 × 200 mm bed handles every part. No multi-material needed.

No printer? Use a local print service. Search "3D print near me".

Filament

~280 g of PETG recommended for medium-sized dogs. PLA works for small dogs under 10 kg.

Filament is sold in 1 kg spools (~$22). One spool fits two builds.

Hardware kit

M4 bolts, nuts, washers, foam padding, two nylon straps. Full shopping list included.

Total ≈ $6–9 at any hardware store.

Around 1 hour

Assembly is bolt-together. No glue, no welding. Print times vary by dog size and printer.

Most builds: ~14h of printing + 1h of assembly.

"Rex hadn't walked in six months. We printed Petwheels on a Friday and he was chasing the ball by Sunday. I'm still in tears."

Marina, Rex's mom

"A vet quoted us R$3,500 for a wheelchair. Petwheels cost R$80 in filament plus the files. Same dog, same joy."

André, Luna's owner

"Our shelter has printed eleven of these so far. The parametric model means we never have to compromise on fit."

Patas Felizes ONG
FAQ

The honest answers.

Do I need to measure my dog myself?

You can, using our guide and a regular tape measure. But an accurate fit matters. If your dog is recovering from injury or surgery, or you're unsure of a measurement, have your veterinarian take them. Vets and clinics can also order on a patient's behalf and keep each dog's measurements on file.

What if my dog doesn't fit any of the body types?

Pick the closest silhouette. The measurements you enter are what actually shape the model. If you're unsure, email us a side-profile photo and we'll suggest the best match.

What if I don't have a 3D printer?

Most cities have 3D printing services that will print parts for $10–25 in total. Search "3D printing service near me" or use platforms like Treatstock and Craftcloud.

What materials should I use?

PETG for everything is our recommendation: strong, weather-resistant, food-safe. PLA works for dogs under 10 kg. Avoid ABS for outdoor use unless you know what you're doing.

Refund policy?

Because the files are delivered instantly, we don't offer refunds after download. But if anything is wrong with the files or doesn't fit your dog, email us. We will make it right.

Can I resell printed wheelchairs?

The license is for personal use. Non-profits and rescue organizations can reach out for a free commercial license. We want these on as many dogs as possible.

Is this safe for my dog?

Petwheels is a mobility aid, not a medical device. Consult your vet before use, especially for dogs recovering from surgery. Always supervise the first sessions.

Since 2021 UFSC · Product Design
About Petwheels

Born as an undergrad project.
Grown into a community.

Petwheels started as a final-year Product Design project at UFSC (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil) in 2021. The idea: use digital fabrication and parametric design to make wheelchairs for dogs with motor disabilities: affordable, custom-fit, and repairable.

A traditional dog wheelchair costs hundreds of dollars and rarely fits perfectly. A printed Petwheels costs the price of a coffee in filament, and adapts to every dog. That's the whole pitch.

200+dogs walking
14countries
6partner shelters
Stuck on something?

We're a real person on the other end.

Measurement questions, printer settings, finding hardware. Whatever it is, write us. We typically reply within a few hours.