Denver, Colorado – January 1, 2026 – Paw Prosper, provider of professionally-recommended wellness products, has acquired the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI). CRI is a premier organization dedicated to advancing animal rehabilitation through hands-on clinical training, certification, and continuing education. This acquisition expands Paw Prosper’s mission to help pets stay healthy, recover quickly, and age gracefully by integrating professional education.

The integration of CRI enables Paw Prosper to become a resource for animal health professionals. It now offers expert-backed products focused on preventive, supportive, and rehabilitative care, alongside advanced technical training. This commitment will further support animal health professionals, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to deliver high-quality care.

"We believe that providing the best care for pets requires a dual commitment: offering superior, expert-backed wellness products and supporting the continued learning of the professionals who administer that care," stated Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. "This acquisition is about deepening our commitment to the animal professional community and ensuring they have access to the tools and knowledge to excel."

By bringing CRI’s educational expertise under its umbrella, Paw Prosper will work directly with animal health experts to advance pet recovery and long-term wellness. The goal is to provide access to essential products and technical expertise that improve outcomes.

"CRI has long been recognized as an institute dedicated to advancing the technical expertise of animal rehabilitation professionals,” says Dr. Kara Amstutz, former CEO of CRI. “This collaboration with Paw Prosper is a tremendous next step. It allows us to honor our legacy by seamlessly uniting our professional education with Paw Prosper’s trusted wellness products. By combining our strengths, we accelerate the field’s growth." Dr. Amstutz will continue her involvement with CRI as the Director of Clinical Education.

Paw Prosper remains focused on supporting the animal health industry by broadening the tools and educational resources available to the hardworking professionals who drive pet wellness.

About Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI)

CRI is a globally recognized provider of hands-on evidence-based education and certification in canine physical rehabilitation and acupuncture. CRI equips veterinary and physical therapy professionals with advanced practical training to deliver the highest level of patient care.

About Paw Prosper

Paw Prosper focuses on helping pets through efficacious solutions for injury and aging. Founded in 2022, Paw Prosper is based in Denver, Colorado.

Media Contact

Nicole Eastwood Nicole.Eastwood@pawprosper.com

August 07, 2025 – FitPaws, a leader in canine fitness and rehabilitation equipment, is proud to announce that its Made to Move Leash has been named “Hands-Free Leash of the Year” by the 2025 Pet Innovation Awards.

The Pet Innovation Awards, a program by the Independent Innovation Awards, honors the most innovative companies, products, and services across the pet care industry. With thousands of nominations submitted worldwide, the program recognizes standout solutions in categories spanning nutrition, grooming, health, training, and more.

Engineered for canine professionals and pet parents alike, the FitPaws Made to Move Leash redefines versatility and performance in pet gear. The FitPaws Made to Move Leash is engineered for canine professionals and pet parents, redefining versatility and performance in pet gear. Designed with multiple attachment points, it allows for a variety of hands-free configurations, including over the shoulder or clipped for stability, making it ideal for walks, hikes, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation settings. Its durable, quick-drying material adds extra convenience and hygiene for daily use.

“At FitPaws, we design with intention; to support safer, more effective movement for dogs and the humans who care for them,” says Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper, the parent company of FitPaws. 

To learn more about the Made to Move Leash and FitPaws’ full line of canine fitness tools, visit www.fitpaws.com.

About FitPaws®
FitPaws is dedicated to improving dogs’ health and mobility through purpose-built fitness and rehabilitation tools. Trusted by professionals and pet parents worldwide, FitPaws products help dogs build strength, balance, and body awareness, empowering them to live more active, healthy, and joy-filled lives for longer. 

About Pet Innovation Awards
The Pet Innovation Awards is an independent recognition program that highlights the most innovative companies, services, and products in the pet industry. Categories include health, training, food, grooming, and more, and winners are selected for their impact, creativity, and effectiveness.

Denver, COLORADO— Paw Prosper, a leading provider of efficacious pet health and wellness solutions, was recently recognized as a Silver Winner for the 2025 Merit Awards for Emerging Business in the business category. This recognition highlights their commitment to providing industry experts and pet parents with the products, tools, and information they need to help pets overcome larger wellness challenges.

“We are truly honored to receive this recognition,” said Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. “Earning Silver in the Emerging Business category affirms the remarkable work our team does every day, driven by innovation, commitment, and an unwavering passion for enhancing the lives of pets.”

The Merit Awards are an independent awards program that honors excellence across global industries, recognizing achievements across various categories, including leadership, innovation, corporate responsibility, and strategic execution. Winners are selected by a panel of judges, which includes industry executives, media professionals, and consultants, and submissions are evaluated based on innovation, impact, and overall contribution to business growth and excellence.

This award marks a significant milestone for Paw Prosper as they continue to expand their portfolio of trusted brands and innovative solutions, helping more pets live active, healthy lives.

About Paw Prosper

Paw Prosper is focused on helping pets stay healthy, recover quickly, and age gracefully. With a focus on efficacious solutions to the challenges of injury and aging, Paw Prosper aims to provide industry experts and pet parents with the products, tools, and information they need to help pets overcome larger wellness challenges. Paw Prosper was established in 2022 and is based in Denver, Colorado, with offices in Toronto, Canada; Branford, Connecticut; Englewood, Florida; and the Netherlands. For more information, go here.

Denver, COLORADO- Paw Prosper, a pet health and wellness platform that provides efficacious solutions to larger pet wellness challenges, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Sleepypod, the global leader in pet safety harnesses and carriers. With this thoughtful addition, Paw Prosper underscores the critical role injury prevention plays in its mission to ensure pets stay healthy, recover quickly, and age gracefully. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sleepypod to the Paw Prosper family of brands,” says Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. “Their dedication to innovation and their research-driven approach to pet safety perfectly align with our mission to deliver premium products and valuable education that support pets in living long, healthy lives.”

Founded in 2005 in Pasadena, California, Sleepypod was built on the belief that pets deserve thoughtfully designed products that enhance both comfort and safety. Renowned for their crash-tested safety harnesses and carriers, Sleepypod has set the standard for pet safety, earning recognition as a global leader in the field. Their car harnesses and carriers undergo rigorous crash testing based on child safety seat standards, ensuring they provide the highest level of protection available for pets. Although there are no universal standards for pet safety products, Sleepypod has established its own comprehensive safety standards that exceed those of competing products. Additionally, the Center for Pet Safety has developed certification standards for pet safety products, offering further assurance of their commitment to safety. 

"We are beyond excited to join the Paw Prosper family," says Michael Leung, lead product designer and co-founder of Sleepypod. "Both Sleepypod and Paw Prosper share a deep commitment to innovation, quality, and the well-being of pets. By combining our strengths, we can now reach even greater heights in delivering exceptional products that enhance the lives of pets and their families. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for us, and we look forward to growing together to make an even bigger impact in the pet care industry."

Paw Prosper is committed to ensuring uninterrupted service and support during this transition. 

About Paw Prosper

About Sleepypod
Founded in 2005 in Pasadena, California, Sleepypod is the industry leader in crash-tested safety harnesses and carriers for pets. Sleepypod is known for its innovative designs that prioritize safety and comfort for pets on the go, with a focus on high-quality materials and rigorous testing. Their commitment to excellence and research-backed approach has made them a trusted name and a global leader in pet safety. For more information, go here.

Nicole Eastwood

Marketing Manager

Nicole.Eastwood@pawprosper.com

Denver, COLORADO—Paw Prosper, a pet health and wellness portfolio that provides efficacious solutions to larger pet wellness challenges, is making a significant stride in supporting the future of veterinary medicine and the animal wellness industry with two new scholarships: the Paw Prosper Student of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship and the Paw Prosper Continuing Education Scholarship. Through this new program, Paw Prosper aims to provide financial support and encouragement for current and future professionals within the industry. 

“Through our ongoing work with amazing professionals in the animal health and welfare industry, we have developed a deep appreciation and respect for their dedication to improving the lives of animals,” said Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. “We want to support the next generation of professionals who want to improve and innovate as a way to further our mission to help animals stay healthy for longer.”

The Paw Prosper Student of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship will be open to undergraduate and graduate students in Veterinary Medicine. The Paw Prosper Continuing Education Scholarship will be open to professionals pursuing continuing education in advanced animal health and welfare studies. Both scholarships are open to residents of the United States and Canada and will require an application along with the submission of a 1000-word essay. Applications are open July 8th, 2024, and will be closed August 31st, 2024. Two recipients will be selected and notified in September and will receive $1,000 each. 

“There is so much innovation and new information within the animal wellness industry that continuing education is required to stay on top of the latest techniques and research. Professionals must complete a certain amount of continuing education per year; however, this can be financially challenging,” says Kara Amstutz, CEO of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. “This scholarship will help those dedicated to providing the best care possible for their patients by taking some of the financial burden off their plate.”

For more information on how to apply for the Paw Prosper Student of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship or the Paw Prosper Continuing Education Scholarship, please visit https://pawprosper.com/pages/scholarships.

About Paw Prosper

Denver, COLORADO– Paw Prosper, a pet health and wellness portfolio that provides efficacious solutions to larger pet wellness challenges, has announced the acquisition of K9 Mobility, a leading online marketplace for canine mobility products in the United Kingdom. This strategic acquisition will allow Paw Prosper to further its mission by deepening its presence internationally with a dedicated e-commerce platform for customers in the UK and throughout Europe.  

K9 Mobility first entered the European market in 2009 under the name of OrthoPets Europe, the international arm of Colorado-based OrthoPets. As their offering of mobility solutions expanded, founders Alison and Rod Hunt rebranded the UK company in 2011 as K9 Mobility to more accurately communicate their mission and the breadth of their product catalog. Today, K9 Mobility offers a multitude of efficacious solutions to pet mobility challenges, many of which are already products from within the Paw Prosper portfolio. 

Through acquiring this well-established brand, Paw Prosper will be able to build from an already strong foundation within Europe and offer UK pet owners and professionals a centralized source for veterinarian-recommended rehabilitative and supportive pet products. Paw Prosper’s decision underscores their commitment to the European market by establishing a dedicated presence that simplifies the shopping and purchasing process for their customers and removes critical friction points, including the inconvenience of multiple suppliers and the burden of additional import duties.  

“We are extremely excited to have a dedicated presence in the UK,” says Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. “This will not only ensure that our portfolio of preventative, supportive, and rehabilitative products are more readily available to those who need them, but it will also allow us to build stronger, long-lasting relationships with caregivers and improve the service we provide to our customers.”

“We believe Paw Prosper’s dedication to pet mobility runs deep, and we know they will continue to build from the important work we have done over the last 15 years,” says Alison and Rod Hunt, Founders of K9 Mobility. “We look forward to seeing their continued momentum and the good that will come of it for all mobility-challenged animals.” 

Paw Prospers’ full portfolio of efficacious products will be available for purchase across the UK at the end of December 2024 through their professional platform, www.pawprosper.com.

About K9 Mobility 

Founded in 2009 as the European arm of OrthoPets, K9 Mobility is an online marketplace dedicated to supporting elderly, rehabilitating, and special needs dogs in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Through the curation of efficacious mobility products, the company’s mission is to keep dogs on their paws and enjoying life. For more information, click here.

About Paw Prosper

Paw Prosper aims to provide industry experts and pet parents with the products, tools, and information they need to help pets overcome larger wellness challenges by focusing on truly efficacious solutions to injury and aging. Paw Prosper was established in 2022 and is based in Denver, Colorado, with offices in Toronto, Canada, Branford, Connecticut, Englewood, Florida, and The Netherlands. For more information, click here. 

Denver, COLORADO—In a significant milestone, Help ‘Em Up, a trusted name in the pet industry for nearly 20 years, has embarked on a transformative journey culminating in the introduction of a new brand identity, logo, and website crafted to more accurately reflect its mission to address the everyday mobility challenges caused by injury, surgery, or old age. 

The Help ‘Em Up harness was created in 2005 by Cary and Lindsey Zimmerman out of necessity when their beloved dog, Blue, underwent surgery, which impacted her mobility. Almost two decades later, Help ‘Em Up still offers the #1 full-body lifting harness recommended and relied on by veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists worldwide. 

In 2022, Help ‘Em Up was acquired by Paw Prosper, a pet health and wellness portfolio. The family of brands is a one-stop shop for efficacious solutions to more significant pet wellness issues. As Paw Prosper's first acquisition, Help ‘Em Up set the company’s standard for bringing together only the industry's most influential, well-respected preventative and rehabilitative brands. 

The updated brand identity, introduced with the launch of the new website, better represents Help ‘Em Up’s thoughtful engineering, premium quality, and extraordinary customer care. The updated logo design, with its badge shape and vintage typography, reflects the dependability, precision, and care Help ‘Em Up is known for. Designed to support the vision and mission of Help ‘Em Up, this new identity paves the way for the brand to help more dogs than ever before.

“The brand identity truly embodies the spirit of Help ‘Em Up, allowing us to envision the myriad of ways the brand can continue to provide the safety, comfort, and support needed to improve the lives of mobility-challenged dogs and their families,” says Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. 

The rebrand was led and designed by OffLeash Communications, a Charlotte-based agency known for building, rebranding, and stewarding many popular brand identities within the pet industry.

About Help ‘Em Up 

Used by veterinarians, neurologists, nurses, and pet parents, the Help ‘Em Up harness is a unique, safe, and patented full-body lifting device that helps injured and aging pets remain active. Help ‘Em Up was acquired by Paw Prosper in 2022 and is based in Denver, Colorado. For more information, click here. 

About Paw Prosper

New addition makes Paw Prosper the largest provider of pet mobility products worldwide. 

Denver, COLORADO - Paw Prosper, a pet health and wellness platform aimed at providing efficacious solutions to larger pet wellness challenges, is excited to announce that Walkin’ Pets, longtime provider of pet wheelchairs and mobility support products, is now part of the Paw Prosper family of brands. Through this strategic addition, Paw Prosper continues to invest in its commitment to help pets stay healthy, recover quickly and age gracefully.

“This acquisition strengthens our ability to support the needs of mobility-challenged pets,” states Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. “With their portfolio of mobility support products and their extensive pet-loving community, Walkin’ Pets will help us in our mission to ensure every pet parent has the tools, information, and resources they need to help their animal live a long, healthy, movement-filled life.”

Walkin’ Pets was founded in 2000 on the belief that a mobility problem does not need to be a critical, end-of-life decision. Through its products, education and resources, Walkin’ Pets has grown to be a trusted resource for pet parents and a leader in mobility solutions. Located in Amherst, NH, Walkin’ Pets has helped over 1.85 million aging, injured, and disabled dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, and other animals worldwide.  With the support of Paw Prosper’s extensive expertise, global footprint and deep partnerships, the goal is to help even more animals in the future. 

“We are always excited when we can take another step towards addressing the challenges animals face as they age,” says DeCaire. “It’s what drives us every day and will continue to be our north star as we grow and innovate.” 

Paw Prosper is committed to ensuring uninterrupted service and support during this transition.

About Paw Prosper

Paw Prosper is focused on helping pets stay healthy, recover quickly and age gracefully. With a focus on truly efficacious solutions to the challenges of injury and aging, Paw Prosper aims to provide industry experts and pet parents alike with the products, tools and information they need to help pets overcome larger wellness challenges. Paw Prosper was established in 2022 and is based in Denver, Colorado with offices in Toronto, Canada; Branford, Connecticut; Englewood, Florida; and the Netherlands. For more information, go here.

About Walkin Pets

For over 20 years, Walkin’ Pets has committed to making a difference for families and advocating for pets dealing with mobility challenges. Located in Amherst, NH, Walkin’ Pets products have helped over 1.85 million aging, injured, and disabled pets worldwide. Walkin’ Pets offers the tools and mobility solutions that pets need to live an active and healthy life. For more information, go here.

FitPaws solidifies itself as the Title Sponsor for the 12th annual World Agility Open, bringing together the highest performers from around the world to compete in the prestigious dog agility championship.

Denver, COLORADO - The World Agility Open (WAO), one of the largest annual international dog agility competitions, is proud to announce that FitPaws has been selected to be the Title Sponsor and will present together for the first time the "FitPaws World Agility Open."

FitPaws combines the art and science of physical training and rehabilitation to design equipment that improves dogs' overall fitness. Founded in 2010, FitPaws equipment is trusted and recommended by top canine fitness and rehabilitation experts worldwide for building strength, increasing flexibility, and improving proprioception.

Beginning in 2011, WAO’s focus has been on showcasing the highest level of training, human-canine partnership, and athleticism represented by teams from around the world in an environment focused on the sport of agility. Partnerships from each nation will compete for five world championship titles based on performances in agility, jumping, and speedstakes, among others.

"FitPaws is thrilled to enter into the canine sporting world with such an incredible partner," said Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper, the parent company of FitPaws. "Receiving this honor of Title Sponsor for the FitPaws World Agility Open reflects our deep commitment to canine physical conditioning and mental fitness, empowering dogs to stay strong, healthy, and reach their highest potential.”

"We're extremely excited to announce the FitPaws World Agility Open" stated Greg Derrett, CEO of UK Agility International and the WAO. "FitPaws is a highly respected brand in the canine fitness industry, and their commitment to improving dog's overall fitness aligns with our goal of providing the ultimate global agility competition." 

The 2024 FitPaws World Agility Open will be held at the National Hippic Centre (KHNS) in Ermelo, Netherlands, from May 15th to 19th. The event is expecting 650 competitors from approximately 43 countries. Judging this year's event will be Bonnik Berthelsen, Jan Egil Eide and Natalie Webb.

Denver, COLORADO—K9 Carts, maker of the original pet wheelchair, announced today the launch of its new brand identity's new logo and website designed to better reflect the brand’s mission to help animals maintain mobility so they can live their best lives.

K9 Carts, a true pioneer in pet mobility, was established in 1961 by specialty orthopedic veterinarian Lincoln Parkes. The company's legacy, carried forward by Barbara Parkes and her son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Krystle, has shaped it into the renowned brand it is today. With a rich history of over 60 years in the pet industry, K9 Carts has been providing made-to-measure wheelchairs for pets, enabling them to enjoy their favorite activities and live life to the fullest. 

K9 Carts was acquired in 2023 by Paw Prosper, a family of brands dedicated to pet health and wellness. Both entities are firmly committed to dependability, precision, and care—a common thread evident across all of Paw Prosper's portfolio brands. This strategic acquisition has empowered K9 Carts to tap into Paw Prosper's resources and expertise, elevating its capacity to cater to pet owners effectively while enabling Paw Prosper to expand its range of mobility solutions.

K9 Carts has unveiled its new brand identity, showcased through the launch of its revamped website this month. The new logo, with its continuous line design, symbolizes forward motion and freedom. The rounded corners and strong typography represent comfort and stability. K9 Cart’s new look and feel celebrates the brand's commitment to transforming animals' physical limitations into freedom and possibility. 

"The brand identity not only represents where the brand has been and who K9 Carts is at its core but also inspires where we are headed," says Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. 

The rebrand was led and designed by OffLeash Communications, a Charlotte-based agency known for building, rebranding, and stewarding many popular brand identities within the pet industry.

About K9 Carts

K9 Carts invented the first pet wheelchair in 1961 and has continued to help animals maintain mobility since. Through smart engineering and a dedication to turning physical limitations into freedom and possibilities, K9 Carts provides the lightest and most ergonomic wheelchairs on the market. Invented by an orthopedic veterinarian, K9 Carts help relieve stress and pressure on hips, limbs, joints, and spine to reduce pain, aid in mobility, and speed up recovery. All K9 Carts are made in the USA and are custom-designed to ensure the best fit for any animal. K9 Carts was acquired by Paw Prosper in 2023 and is based in Englewood, Florida. For more information, click here. 

About Paw Prosper

Paw Prosper is focused on helping pets stay healthy, recover quickly, and age gracefully. By focusing on truly efficacious solutions to the challenges of injury and aging, Paw Prosper aims to provide industry experts and pet parents alike with the products, tools, and information they need to help pets overcome larger wellness challenges. Paw Prosper was established in 2022 and is based in Denver, Colorado, with offices in Toronto, Canada, Branford, Connecticut, and The Netherlands. For more information, click here. 

Inspiring Memoir Features the TMTRD Sanctuary and the Wheelchair Mafia

Denver, COLORADO– Walkin’ Pets, longtime provider of pet wheelchairs and dedicated supporter of The Man That Rescues Dogs (TMTRD) Sanctuary, is thrilled to announce the launch of Home. Made. - a new memoir written by sanctuary founder Michael J. Baines. 

Launching on International Dog Day (Monday, August 26, 2024), the book is a deeply moving account of Baines’ own life woven through with tales of the dogs he has rescued, highlighting the power dogs have to persevere and how they can inspire us to do the same. 

Opened in 2017, the TMTRD Sanctuary, a rescue and rehabilitation center for stray and paralyzed dogs in Thailand, now has 1,000 dogs in its care, including 50 TikTok-famous paralyzed dogs affectionately nicknamed The Wheelchair Mafia. Walkin’ Pets is proud to be the power behind the Wheelchair Mafia, having donated the wheelchairs necessary to keep this incredible group of dogs in motion. 

‘Home. Made.' is the debut publication of Witchcraft, a social impact production company that draws upon the art of storytelling and the power of books to generate awareness and revenue for nonprofit organizations through book royalties. With a staggering 70% of royalties being donated back to TMTRD, Walkin’ Pets is partnering with the organization to ensure the launch is as successful as possible. Building from the viral success of the Wheelchair Mafia, the two organizations will work together to promote the launch across social media to garner attention and promote the fact that all purchases will be a direct donation to this incredible rescue.

“Walkin’ Pets was founded on the belief that a mobility problem does not need to be a critical, end-of-life decision and the live-saving work being done at TMTRD is an inspiring reminder of that,” says Ryan DeCaire, CEO of Paw Prosper. “We appreciate the important work Michael and his team are doing and are grateful for the ongoing opportunity to offer product and support in service of their mission.”

“We are so thankful for the Walkin’ Pets’ donations that make the Wheelchair Mafia possible,” says Michael Baines, founder of TMTRD Sanctuary. “We look forward to working together to launch Home.Made. and provide much needed funds to the sanctuary.” 

About Walkin’ Pets

For over 20 years, Walkin’ Pets has committed to making a difference for families and advocating for pets dealing with mobility challenges. Located in Amherst, NH, Walkin’ Pets products have helped over 1.85 million aging, injured, and disabled pets worldwide. Walkin’ Pets offers the tools and mobility solutions that pets need to live an active and healthy life. For more information, go here.

About The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation

Opened in 2017 and located just outside of Bangkok, Thailand, The Man That Rescues Dogs is a dog sanctuary that provides life-saving care to over 1,000 dogs and are home to The Wheelchair Mafia, a TikTok-famous group of nearly 50 handicapped dogs. Covering 8,000 sqm, the Sanctuary contains eight main shelters, a full-service clinic, specialized Care Units, a sterile quarantine section for new rescues and dogs with serious diseases, three hydrotherapy pools, and play and relaxation areas. For more information, go here.