Can your pet ride your stairlift? Pet stairlift safety guide

For animal lovers, it is important that their home is a safe environment, and when it comes to adding anything to the home, the well-being of pets is often one of the biggest concerns.

Stairlifts can be an essential aid for people with limited mobility, as they allow them to navigate their stairs safely, remain independent and access all areas of their homes.

Like anything new, it will undoubtedly intrigue and attract some pets as they look for new things to explore and play with around the home. A common question that gets asked is whether it is safe to take a pet or a dog on a stairlift with you.

This guide shares some safety tips when using a stairlift in a home with pets, helping them keep safe from harm.

Stairlift safety tips for dogs and pets

• What are the risks?
• Safety tips for pets
  • Train your pets
  • Create a safe space
  • Keep an eye out
  • Regular maintenance checks
• How stairlifts can help pets
• Do we offer stairlifts for dogs or pets?

What are the risks?

After you have bought a stairlift, it is vital that you understand the potential risks that are present to pets. Pets are naturally curious, and they won’t understand how a stairlift works.

As a result, pets are at risk of injury from getting caught as the stairlift moves up the rail and as the seat changes position. This is also the case if somebody is using a stairlift with a dog or if their pet is riding on it at the same time.

However, there are simple steps you can take to help protect your pet's wellbeing.

Safety tips for pets

Train your pets

Training can play an important role in pet safety and one recommended way to do this is to let them explore the stairlift safely.

By letting them see it in action (from a controlled, safe distance) they can learn how and where it moves. This will lessen the chance of them getting caught in the stairlift when it is moving.

If you are aiming to take your canine or pet on a stairlift, repeated and regular training including taking them on it, will help them learn and get used to the experience. It might take them a few goes, but your pet will eventually get used to it.

Create a safe space

If you don’t want to take your pet or dog on your stairlift, and you don’t really want them to go near it, you can create safe spaces for them away from the stairlift. This will help encourage them to stay away and keep them safe.

The Dogs Trust talk about why creating a safe space for your dog is a great idea: “All dogs need a safe space of their own where they can go and relax, knowing they won’t be disturbed.

“If a dog hears a noise that frightens them, they can retreat to their space to feel safe.”

Below are a few ideas to help you create a safe space at home for your dog or pet:

• Make it a cosy area: you can add extra blankets.
• Offer your dog games and treats: Build positive associations with the space by offering your dog things they enjoy.
• Tell visitors to your home about your pet's safe space: Ask people to leave your pet alone if they are in their safe space.

Keep an eye out

It is essential to keep an eye out for your pet while using your stairlift to ensure they are not touching or climbing on the rail.

There are built-in sensors on the stairlifts we sell, which will stop the stairlift should there be an obstruction or pet on the rail. You can ask one of the stairlift engineers about this feature if you would like more information.

Regular maintenance checks

It is vital that your stairlift gets checked every year to ensure that all the parts are working correctly and to replace anything that is worn out.

It is even more important to get your stairlift checked when you have a pet, as fur can get onto the rail.

When one of our stairlift engineers comes to check your stairlift, they can help clean it, but more importantly, they will help to minimise breakdowns and faults. Your stairlift endures daily use, bearing weight and moving frequently, which can lead to general wear over time. A well-maintained stairlift will last longer, operate more smoothly, and reduce the need for costly repairs.

Regular stairlift service and support by a qualified stairlift engineer will ensure your stairlift remains safe and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

ALSO READ: Does your stairlift need maintenance or an MOT?

How stairlifts can help pets

Should your dog or pet struggle with arthritis or another mobility issue climbing the stairs can worsen their issue. A great way to alleviate this is by carrying your pet up and down the stairs, but if you have limited mobility and need assistance going up and down the stairs, you can take your pet with you on your stairlift.

Do we offer stairlifts for dogs or pets?

Unfortunately, we don’t make stairlifts for dogs or pets; however, that doesn’t mean that you can’t carry your pet on the stairlifts we do supply.

Simply put your pet on your lap and hold them securely, ensuring they are stable, and then enjoy the ride as you ascend your stairs on one of our stairlift models.

A stairlift that suits you and your pet

As we’ve shown, stairlifts are highly adaptable, and this allows them to be tailored to your individual functionality, comfort, and aesthetic needs, as well as help your pet ascend and descend your stairs.

Explore the range of Age Co stairlifts today and make an enquiry to ask any questions you may have.

This article is brought to you by Handicare, in partnership with Age Co, offering a wide range of home mobility products, including stairlifts, homelifts, and bathing solutions. For more information on how they can help improve accessibility in your home, please get in touch today.