Pet Stair Lifts...

[BryanM]

I have a dog that needs to be carried up and down our stairs to get to the second story of our house. I know there are other people like me that have older dogs that can no longer climb stairs on their own. I know the people stair lifts are extremely expensive. Has anyone come up with something suitable for pets at a smaller cost? I would consider paying $500 to $600 USD if there was something like it.

I guess that's another good question... What would everyone else be willing to pay for something like this?

Thanks!

Bryan

[CarolC]

Hi Bryan,

I can't answer how much people would be willing to pay, but there have been a number of people wanting this type of product over the years. There have been a few discussions of it, I think there is one video of a working model in Germany, and I think a schematic for another one was posted once. If you want links to those messages, I can probably find them for you. The way I feel about it, there are a variety of situations that need to be addressed, including dogs of different sizes, and stairways that have landings and turns. ***BUT*** even if someone could just come up with a working apparatus to get a 20-lb dog up a straight flight of stairs, that would help a LOT of people. I hope that someone will be you!

[Christine]

Hi Bryan,

Here is the thread with the most conversation, research and links. I have contacted the people who created the Henry stairlift several times asking if we could get the plans with little success. Perhaps you would have some luck or even see something to ignite some ideas of your own.

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=11063&hilit=stairlift

Welcome to our group and good luck with your dog. Pictures are a requirement around here What is his/her name?

[Simonsmom]

Hi,

I'm so glad to have discovered this forum! I didn't have any resources at all on handicapped pets.....until now. Thank you all!

I have a 12 y.o. 50 lb. mixed breed dog name Simon who has severe arthritis and cannot do stairs at all. I live in a split level home which means we have have to carry Simon up and down 14 stairs to get him in and out of the house. It's not easy on the back or lungs (!) although of course he's worth it.

Does anyone know of a stair lift or an alternative that can be used outside to get a 50 lb. dog up and down the stairs? We normally use our outside deck stairs to transport him.

Thank you so much!

Elissa

[critters]

How about a ramp?

[Simonsmom]

Hello and thanks for the quick response.

I looked into a ramp but unfortunately it's not feasible in my situation. There are 14 stairs - about 1.5 stories - and a straight ramp would have to be VERY long to accomodate the gradual slope that Simon needs. My yard isn't large enough to support it. I received estimates in the $2,500 - $4,000 range for a winding ramp but I can't afford that right now!

[Christine]

I am not an engineer or carpenter, but maybe you know someone who is. Is a rope and hand pulley system for a closed crate feasible?