Do you cover mobility devices?

Yes! Trupanion offers coverage for orthotics, prosthetics, and carts for dogs and cats alike. These assistive devices help pets with long-lasting injuries or other mobility impairments live a happy, normal life.

We include this coverage in our one simple plan at no extra cost. This is because we know pet parents are always looking for ways to provide the best quality of care and life for their pet, and for many dogs and cats facing mobility issues, prosthetics and other devices can be an excellent option. The cost of these items are often outside a family’s budget, but Trupanion members have the opportunity to move forward with this treatment option.

What are pet mobility devices?

Mobility devices are designed to aid in the wellbeing of the pet by correcting or accommodating one or more of the pet’s legs, including stabilizing a neurologically deficient limb, providing support for a weak joint, or preventing the shortening of muscles.

Dogs and cats can become disabled due to trauma, illness, or even just complications related to old age. Mobility devices can sometimes replace a more traumatic treatment, such as amputation, so it’s important to have all the options available to make the best decision for your dog or cat.

What kinds of mobility devices are covered by Trupanion?

Mobility devices are not "one size fits all,"" and every pet’s situation is different. For this reason, Trupanion covers a wide range of devices that can help pets:

Orthotics: These devices are external support structures for a pet’s leg that help reduce pain and maintain comfort. They can be used long-term or for support during the healing process.
Prosthetics: These devices are used to replace a missing leg or portion of a leg that has been amputated due to a traumatic accident or illness. The device allows the dog or cat to maintain the same level of activity as a pet with all four legs.
Carts: Often called ‘pet wheelchairs’, these devices are frames in which a pet is placed that replace back-end mobility. Carts are designed to provide support and easy maneuverability for an immobile pet. Typically, a dog or cat must have normal front leg strength in order to power the cart.

What health conditions can be treated with mobility devices?

Mobility devices are used to aid in a variety of different health conditions, including but not limited to:

Neurologically deficient limbs
Paralysis
Weak joints
Shortening of muscles
Amputation of limbs
Recovery from surgery
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondrosis
Arthritis

Do you cover cosmetic prosthetics?

No, we do not cover cosmetic prosthetics, such as neuticles or eye prosthetics. We only provide coverage for medically necessary devices used for treatment of a covered accident or illness.

Is there an additional cost for this coverage?

No, coverage for mobility devices falls under our core coverage. This means there is no additional cost or rider to purchase in order to receive this benefit.

Do I have to buy mobility devices from my veterinarian?

While we generally require pet owners to purchase products though their veterinarian, in this case, many veterinarians don’t normally stock these devices so may refer clients elsewhere to purchase them. Thus, while the device doesn't have to be purchased from your veterinarian, it must be medically advised by your veterinarian as part of a treatment plan for an injury or illness that is covered.