3D Printing

Pawsthetics Starts Indiegogo to Further Develop 3D Printed Pet Prosthetics

One of the few organizations dedicating their use of 3D printing technology exclusively toward manufacturing assistive devices for disabled or injured pets, is Pawsthetics. The organization started after Ashley Looper and her boyfriend Ray adopted Turbo, a young puppy who was born without his front legs. Inspired and assisted by Denver-based The 3D Printing Store, the couple was able to eventually design and create a customizable wheelchair that was even more comfortable, adaptable, and affordable then anything else on the market for their pup.

Turbo and his 3D printed assistive device
Turbo and his 3D printed assistive device

The couple has started an Indiegogo project page in order to further their ability to help animals in need, asking for a total of $50,000 in order to fund prosthetic project design and manufacturing. On the crowdfunding page, the Pawsthetics team has already listed planned devices including a 3-legged dog cart, assistive devices for smaller pets such as genie pigs, bunnies, and lizards, leg braces, and wound cover,s too. They will also utilize the money they raise to set-up a fund to ensure that pet owners will be able provide their pets with a better quality and longer life. “With the help of 3D printing, we hope to be able to offer life-changing prosthetics to give these animals a second chance,” Looper and her boyfriend state on their Indiegogo page.

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The Pawsthetics team lists some tremendous work 3D printing has already contributed to for animals outside of Turbo the puppy. The 3D Printing Store repaired the jaw of Boris the Tortoise, Cleopatra the Turtle received a 3D printed shell, and a paralyzed puppy was even given the ability to walk again. With a month-and-a-half left in their campaign, Pawsthetics and The 3D Printing Store is hoping to find animal lovers who are also enthused by the idea of using 3D printing technology to help their pets lead a better life!

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