FAQ

Why is a cast of the dog's leg so important in obtaining a brace that is comfortable and stays in place?

Braces that are made strictly from measurements do not fit as well as a custom brace made from a cast of the dog's leg. The fact is that there are hundreds of different breeds of dogs, all with dissimilar anatomies, shapes, weights, and activity levels. An ill-fitting brace is often attributable to casting or measurements taken by someone who is not trained in anatomy. At My Pet's Brace, we rely on a cast of the dog's leg as our model because the model or cast is very important in providing a well-fitting brace. See our Training Videos for more information on taking a cast of a dog's leg.

Does My Pet's Brace require a veterinarian's referral or prescription for custom-made orthotic and prosthetic devices?

Yes. We believe that the best care for a patient starts with a veterinarian's examination and diagnosis, and the referral assures a veterinary professional's involvement in the process. At times, dogs can mask what part of the body is injured or affected and a diagnosis from a vet ensures that the correct brace is made for that ailment.

What is the process for getting an orthotic or prosthetic device made?

The steps include: 1) obtaining a cast of the leg, 2) fabricating the device, 3) fitting the device and, 4) making modifications and adjustments, if necessary (Steps 3 and 4 are usually accomplished at the same time). See the process for more information.

How long will a custom brace or prosthesis last?

The plastic superstructure (body) and hinges should last the life of your dog under typical wear and use conditions. Straps, buckles, and tread can start to wear after six months and should be examined frequently. We record all measurements on straps and pads for each brace and can easily mail replacements when appropriate.

Do you have a warranty for your products?

Yes, we have one of the best warranties in the industry. Our warranty covers defects due to workmanship and materials and provides free repair or replacement of straps, liners, and similar items for 120 days and superstructure and hinges for one year. Our warranty also provides free adjustments or modifications for 120 days from the date of purchase. Visit our Warranty & Shipping page for more information.

What is your shipping policy?

We offer free UPS ground shipping on orders for new leg braces within the USA. Visit our Warranty & Shipping page for more information.

How long does it take to fabricate a brace?

Leg braces are fabricated in 5 business days or less.

We offer an expedited fabrication service for an additional $150 per brace which reduces the turnaround time to 2 business days or less.

  • If you are physically visiting the Morgantown, PA facility, the casting appointment would be the morning of the first day and the fitting appointment is the afternoon of the second day.
  • If you are NOT physically visiting the Morgantown, PA facility, the fabrication of the brace is reduced to two business days.
What if the device doesn't fit properly?

All of our braces are custom-made and based on a cast of your dog's leg. During the fitting process, adjustments are often needed to obtain the most exact fit. Sometimes these do not become obvious until the device has been worn for several weeks. My Pet's Brace will work with you and the veterinarian to ensure the brace fits properly. If modifications are needed, you can make an appointment directly at our facility or the brace can be mailed to us for adjustments at no additional cost.

Are there special cleaning instructions?

Regular washing with mild soap and warm water is the only cleaning needed with normal use. You can use a hard wire brush to brush out any dirt or hair from the hard hook on the Velcro.

Does the pet's hair have to be shaved?

No shaving or trimming is required. Hair provides good padding between the brace and your dog’s leg.

What hotels or restaurants are near the Morgantown, PA facility?

The Holiday Inn in Morgantown is just a few minutes from our main office. For their contact information and nearby restaurants, check our list of local attractions.

Can I perform the casting process myself?

It is highly recommended to go to a My Pet’s Brace casting facility or work with a professional veterinarian or pet rehabilitation specialist for the casting process. If your cast is not performed properly, it may be rejected as the resulting brace would not fit your pet right. Please contact us if you need help finding a professional to take your pet’s cast.

Can a dog recover from a torn ACL/CCL without surgery?

Every dog is different and the range of severity of the torn ligament will affect whether they can recover without surgery. In general, a partial tear may take six months to a year to build mature scar tissue and stabilize. A custom dog knee brace will help to keep the tibia in place preventing further tearing to the ACL/CCL and allowing the cranial cruciate ligament to heal. A brace will not heal a full tear but will help slow joint deterioration and the progression of arthritis. A custom brace is an excellent option for pets who are not good candidates for surgery.

Do you offer pet braces and prosthetics for animals other than dogs?

Our specialty niche focuses on dogs and their leg injuries and conditions. However, in special cases, we have worked with other animals to increase their mobility and give them a better quality of life. Read our blog article on Loretta the llama.

Can the brace be worn in the water?

Yes! Our braces can be worn as support when taking a bath, swimming, or during other water activities. After using a brace in the water, simply rinse it off with fresh water and towel dry or air dry it. Before the next use, powder it with baby powder or cornstarch.