Custom Pet Prosthetics in Southern California
When your pet loses a limb — whether from trauma, cancer, or a congenital condition — the diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You want answers, options, and most importantly, hope that your companion can return to an active, comfortable life.
At SoCal Pet Brace, our custom pet prosthetics are designed and fabricated by a Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) with over a decade of clinical experience, including work at the VA creating prosthetics for human patients. We bring that same level of expertise, precision, and compassion to every pet we serve.
Why Consider a Prosthetic for Your Pet?
Many pet owners are told that three-legged dogs "do just fine." While it's true that pets are remarkably adaptable, research shows that limb loss creates long-term biomechanical challenges that can significantly impact your pet's quality of life over time.
The reality of three-legged compensation:
A properly fitted prosthetic redistributes weight across all four limbs, restoring natural movement patterns and protecting your pet's remaining joints from premature wear.
Your veterinarian is the best resource to help you understand whether a prosthetic is appropriate for your pet's specific situation. We work closely with veterinary teams throughout Southern California to ensure prosthetics are part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Makes Our Prosthetics Different
CPO Expertise You Won't Find Elsewhere
Our prosthetics are designed by a board-certified Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO) — the same credential required to create prosthetic limbs for humans. Most pet prosthetic providers do not have certified prosthetist-orthotists on staff. We bring human prosthetics expertise to veterinary care.
What CPO certification means for your pet:
Custom Fabrication, Not One-Size-Fits-All
Every prosthetic we create is custom-molded to your pet's unique anatomy. We don't use generic sizing charts or off-the-shelf components modified to fit. Instead, we:
- Take precise impressions or digital scans of your pet's residual limb
- Design the socket specifically for your pet's anatomy and activity level
- Select components based on your pet's weight, lifestyle, and mobility goals
- Fabricate each device by hand in our facility
- Fine-tune the fit through in-person adjustments
In-Person Service Throughout Southern California
Mail-order prosthetics require you to take impressions at home, ship them across the country, and troubleshoot fit issues over email or video. Many pets benefit from hands-on evaluation and fitting by a trained professional.
Our local advantage:
Veterinary Collaboration
We believe the best outcomes happen when prosthetic care is integrated with your pet's overall veterinary treatment plan. We work directly with your veterinarian and rehabilitation team to ensure everyone is aligned on goals, expectations, and follow-up care. Your veterinarian remains the expert on your pet's health — we provide the prosthetic expertise to support their recommendations.
Types of Prosthetics We Offer
Partial Limb Prosthetics
Designed for pets who have lost a portion of their leg but retain the joint above the amputation site. These are the most common type of prosthetic we fabricate.
Front leg (below elbow)
Replaces the missing paw and lower leg while the elbow provides natural movement and control.
Rear leg (below hock)
Restores ground contact and weight-bearing on the affected side.
Candidacy requirements:
- Minimum 2–3 inches of residual limb below the elbow (front) or hock (rear)
- Functional joint above the amputation site
- Healthy skin on the residual limb
- Ability to bear weight on the affected limb
- Adequate muscle control to operate the prosthetic
Full Limb Prosthetics
Designed for pets with amputations at or above the major joints. These devices are more complex and require additional support structures for proper fit and function.
Front leg (above elbow)
The prosthetic gains purchase from the shoulder and torso with a custom harness system for suspension and control.
Rear leg (above hock)
May require suspension from the spine and contralateral limb to provide adequate support.
Candidacy requirements:
- At least 40–50% of the radius/ulna (front) or tibia/fibula (rear) remaining
- Functional joint above the amputation (elbow or stifle/hip)
- Ability to wear a harness or suspension system
- Motivation to use the device (some pets adapt better than others)
Not every pet is a candidate for a prosthetic. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your pet's specific anatomy, medical history, and lifestyle to determine whether a prosthetic is the right solution.
Our Process
Free Consultation
Every prosthetic journey begins with a conversation. We'll discuss your pet's medical history, evaluate their residual limb, and talk through your goals and expectations. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and learn what's realistic for your pet's situation. We recommend bringing any veterinary records, radiographs, or imaging that might help us understand your pet's condition.
Veterinary Collaboration
With your permission, we'll coordinate with your veterinarian to review imaging, discuss treatment goals, and ensure the prosthetic plan aligns with your pet's overall care. If rehabilitation therapy is recommended, we can also connect you with veterinary rehabilitation specialists in your area.
Custom Casting or Scanning
We take a precise impression of your pet's residual limb using traditional casting materials or digital scanning technology, depending on your pet's anatomy and the type of device being created. Accurate impressions are critical to achieving a comfortable, functional fit — this is one of the key advantages of in-person service.
Design and Fabrication
Using the impression data, we design a custom socket that matches your pet's residual limb exactly. We select appropriate components based on your pet's weight, activity level, and lifestyle. Fabrication typically takes 2–3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the device. We'll keep you updated throughout the process.
Fitting and Adjustment
When your pet's prosthetic is ready, you'll return for a fitting appointment. During this visit, we'll:
- Ensure proper socket fit and suspension
- Check alignment and weight distribution
- Make any necessary adjustments on-site
- Teach you how to apply and remove the device
- Discuss the break-in protocol and what to expect
Follow-Up Care
We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your pet's progress, address any fit issues, and make adjustments as needed. Because we're local, you won't have to ship the device back and forth or troubleshoot problems over video calls. As your pet's needs change — whether due to growth, weight changes, or normal wear — we're here to provide ongoing support.
What's Included
Contact us for pricing. Every custom prosthetic includes:
We provide detailed pricing during your consultation once we've evaluated your pet's specific needs. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Areas We Serve
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, Santa Monica, and surrounding communities
Orange County
Irvine, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and surrounding communities
Inland Empire
Riverside, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and surrounding communities
Located within approximately 50 miles of Long Beach? Contact us to discuss your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do custom pet prosthetics cost?
Every pet's situation is different, and pricing depends on the type of prosthetic (partial vs. full limb), your pet's size, and the complexity of the design. Contact us for a free consultation and we'll provide a detailed quote based on your pet's specific needs.
Can any dog use a prosthetic leg?
Not every dog is a candidate for a prosthetic. Candidacy depends on factors including the amount of remaining limb, the condition of surrounding joints, your pet's overall health, and their motivation to use the device. We evaluate each pet individually during a consultation.
How long does it take to get a custom pet prosthetic?
From initial consultation to device delivery, the typical timeline is 3–4 weeks. This includes evaluation, casting, fabrication (2–3 weeks), and fitting. We can sometimes accommodate expedited timelines for urgent cases.
Do I need a veterinary referral?
A referral is not required, but we strongly encourage involvement from your veterinarian. We work collaboratively with your vet to ensure the prosthetic plan aligns with your pet's overall treatment goals.
What's the difference between custom and off-the-shelf prosthetics?
Custom prosthetics are molded to your pet's exact anatomy, ensuring optimal fit, comfort, and function. Off-the-shelf options use generic sizing that may not accommodate your pet's unique shape, often resulting in poor fit, discomfort, and reduced function.
How long will my pet take to adapt to a prosthetic?
Most pets adapt to a prosthetic within 2–6 weeks with consistent, gradual training. We provide detailed guidance on the break-in protocol and are available for follow-up support throughout the adjustment period.
Does my pet need to wear the prosthetic all day?
No. Prosthetics should be removed during rest periods to allow the limb to breathe and recover. We provide specific guidance on wear schedules based on your pet's needs and progress.
What if the prosthetic doesn't fit correctly?
Because we provide in-person fitting and local follow-up care, we can address fit issues quickly without the delays of shipping. Adjustments during the initial adaptation period are included in your prosthetic cost.
Ready to Help Your Pet Walk Again?
If your pet is missing a limb and you're exploring options to restore their mobility, we're here to help. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your pet's situation, evaluate candidacy, and learn what's possible.
Serving pet owners throughout Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, San Diego, and all of Southern California.