Tools for Dog and Cat Owners:
Helping You Care for Your Pet Safely and Comfortably
True confession: I’m a dog person and believe that caring for a beloved pet should be accessible to everyone—regardless of physical ability. For individuals living with injury, illness, or disability, pet care can be physically demanding, but given how much emotional reward pets provide, the job is often worth the challenge. This post is about adaptive tools and strategies available to make pet care safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re managing limited mobility, arthritis or fatigue, here are practical solutions that can help you care for your dog or cat with greater confidence.
Feeding and Watering Aids
- No-spill and elevated bowls minimize mess and reduce the need to bend down.
- Automatic feeders and water dispensers take care of scheduled meals with minimal effort—ideal for people with fatigue or memory concerns.
- Long-handled scoops and non-slip mats help with food prep and keep items stable while filling dishes.
Grooming Made Easier
- Ergonomic brushes and strap-on grooming mitts reduce hand strain while keeping your pet comfortable.
- Electric nail grinders are often easier and safer to use than clippers, especially for those with tremors or fine motor challenges.
- Consider detachable shower sprayers for bathing dogs in a seated position or while using a shower bench.
Walking and Exercise Supports
- Hands-free leashes (worn around the waist or shoulder) free up the hands and offer more stability for users with mobility aids.
- Ergonomic or padded leash handles are gentler on your hands.
- Pet ramps assist with getting dogs into cars or onto furniture, avoiding the need to lift.
- For service dog users, mobility harnesses may provide additional support while walking.
Litter Box and Waste Management
- Self-cleaning litter boxes reduce the physical task of scooping and crouching.
- Long-handled pooper scoopers and easy-to-use waste bag dispensers make outdoor cleanup easier.
- Litter mats reduce the mess and keep the cleanup area more manageable.
Helpful Household Tools
- Grabber tools or reachers allow you to pick up pet toys, bowls, or gear without bending or kneeling.
- Smart pet cameras and voice-activated treat dispensers let you interact with your pet from a distance.
- Indoor pet gates can limit your pet’s movement to safer areas of the home, reducing fall risk.
Tailored Support from an OT
An occupational therapist can assess your home setup and help you find creative, individualized solutions to make pet care more manageable. Whether it’s adapting tools, recommending environmental modifications, or working on developing a schedule for work and rest to perform pet care tasks, we’re here to help. Adaptive equipment, activity modification and expert guidance from an OT can make pet ownership doable.
Need help finding the right tools or making pet care more accessible? If you live near Evanston, IL, use the button below to contact Katherine Jackson Occupational Therapy, PLLC: Specializing in functional solutions that promote independence and meaningful engagement with your daily activities—including the joy of caring for your furry companion.
Your well-being includes the pets who make life brighter
In memory of Loki 2012-2020
My BFF, Grover
Flourish Recovery & Wellness 