The Quick-Release Wheelchair Leash System is a short, single-length leash that can quickly be attached or detached from a wheelchair. The leash clicks on and off of your wheelchair with an easy to use quick-release buckle or special shackle snap. Add the optional handle, and it can be used as an ordinary leash. A belt loop is also available for those that wish to attach the leash to their belt. All hardware comes standard in stainless steel/chrome (silver finish). *Not all components are available in brass/gold color.
The Wheelchair Leash System is composed of two different parts, with an optional third part:
Part 1) Detachable Leash:
One end of the Detachable Leash has a regular leash snap to attach to the dog’s collar or harness. The other end is made to connect to the chair attachment you choose. Price includes the standard wheelchair attachment.
The leash can be made in your choice of material, color, width, and length. The secret to a safe Wheelchair Leash is selecting the right length! Please measure for the length you’ll need. The listed leash length is the overall size of the leash when attached to the wheelchair, which includes the chair attachment. It is adjustable by several inches and can be fine-tuned once attached to the wheelchair and the dog (Initial adjustment may require a helper).
Part 2) Chair Attachment:
The CHAIR ATTACHMENT mounts to the wheelchair. Easy to install on any part of the chair’s frame, tubing or armrest with a sturdy Velcro wrap. Chair attachments include a swivel to prevent tangling and can be made in either of the two styles, explained below. Chrome/silver hardware is standard.
- Standard Quick-Release buckle (standard QR) is a metal side-release buckle – just pinch the sides of the buckle to release. The male end of the buckle is on the chair attachment. Brass/gold hardware is available by request. *Note: swivel is only available in silver.
- Shackle Snap ($) is a sturdy and secure panic snap that releases instantly by pulling the tab, even under load. The stainless steel shackle is on the chair attachment. The leash will be made with an O-ring to clip into the shackle. The Shackle option requires more dexterity to attach the leash than the standard option, however, it releases in an instant by a hard tug on the release tab. Some clients choose this option if an assistant helps with leashing up the dog.
Part 3) Optional Separate Handle and/or Belt Loop:
- 12” Traffic Lead Handle ($): To use as an ordinary leash when detached from the wheelchair, simply add a 12” Traffic Lead Handle. The handle is a simple loop with a leash snap that clips onto the ring included at the end of the detachable leash. The Traffic Lead Handle will be made to match the color and width of the leash.
- Belt Loop Attachment ($): If you wish to be able to wear the leash hands-free while standing or walking, the Belt Loop allows you to connect the leash to your belt.
Measuring instructions for Quick-Release WC Leash:
- Determine where you want the leash to attach to the wheelchair. Choose a location that is within reach of the user and that is structurally sound so as not to damage or interfere with any part of the mobility device.
- Attach an ordinary old leash on the dog’s collar or harness.
- Hold the leash or loosely wrap the leash around the determined attachment point on the wheelchair, at a length that is comfortable for the dog to stand, walk, and sit next to the wheelchair.
- Be sure the leash is short enough to prevent the lead from becoming trapped in the wheels and/or motor, yet long enough for the dog to comfortably get behind or in front of the chair to go through a doorway and common tasks.
- Measure the old leash from the attachment point on the wheelchair to the dog’s collar or harness.
- Select the leash length that best fits your measurement. If borderline, select the larger size.
Hardware:
We use only the highest quality hardware—most of our hardware is stainless steel or solid brass for durability and longevity. Stainless steel bolt snaps and chrome finished hardware are standard on all of our wheelchair leashes. Other leash snaps are available by special request, or a Fastener-Free Collar may be built-in. Please know the swivel on the Wheelchair Attachment is always silver.
Premium Leather:
Our leathers are incredibly durable, yet flexible. They feel great in your hands and if well-conditioned and maintained they simply get better and more supple with age. Leather will be either braided or fastened with screw posts, depending on the width you choose.
Our Golden TAN BRIDLE Leather is 100% American vegetable-tanned leather, hand-oiled to bring out the golden tones and softness. The color will darken to a chestnut brown with use and age. Silver finish hardware is standard on this product.
Our lovely BLACK LATIGO is solid black, and superior to ordinary leashes in texture and quality, cut from select USA hides. Our black leather is thick and sturdy for a super strong leash.
Brahma Soft-Grip—a vegan leather alternative:
Brahma Soft-Grip is constructed with webbing on the inside and a durable, non-tacky PVC coating on the outside. Easy to care for: just wipe clean with soap and water. Assembled with screw posts for durability. This material is heavier than leather (in a comparable width), and does not soften over time the way leather does. Black is the most popular color for wheelchair leashes, but assorted bright and classic colors are also available.
Available Brahma Colors:
- BLACK
- HUNTER ORANGE (high visibility)
- PURPLE
- BRIGHT MINT GREEN
- TEAL
- COBALT BLUE
Leash width:
Regular half-inch wide (12.7 mm) is recommended for most dogs and people as it’s sturdy for any size dog, yet not too heavy. If you like a wider, heavier leash and larger hardware, select the wider 5/8″ (or 3/4″ option in Brahma).
These products are intended for use with fully trained service dogs/assistance dogs/pet dogs that have excellent leash manners. We’ve designed all of our Wheelchair Leash options to manually detach from the wheelchair in the event of an emergency situation. Why? Because it’s simply a smart idea!
Only you can determine if letting go of the leash and attaching it to your wheelchair is the right choice for you and your dog.
Attached leashes (fastened to a person, wheelchair, or another mobility device) are not safe for all dogs and/or users of wheelchair/mobility devices. Please choose your equipment wisely and use responsibly.
Do not use wheelchair leashes with an untrained dog. Not for dogs that pull on the leash. Wheelchair leashes must NOT be used with dogs that lunge or are difficult to control, as this could be very dangerous. Additionally, DO NOT USE FOR PULLING A WHEELCHAIR.
Please note: If your strength or dexterity is limited, you may need assistance from a friend to install the wheelchair attachment and make the initial adjustment to the leash. Once attached and adjusted, the leash will remain at the desired length and is easy to connect to and remove from the wheelchair.
How to install a Quick Release Wheelchair Lead
(standard side release buckle shown)
Premium Leather:
Leather care is easy! Don’t worry too much, and don’t be afraid to use your items — we promise leather is incredibly resilient, and regular weather won’t hurt it. If you think your item looks dirty, dry, or just need a little extra love, pouring a little leather conditioner on a cloth, and rubbing it in like lotion will usually do the trick. Baths and a jaunt in the river are just fine, but you might want to offer a little conditioner to your products afterwards. Saltwater can be harsh, so after a visit to the ocean, a good rinse in fresh water and proper conditioning will help preserve and protect your treasured leash or collar. See our Leather Care page for more specific information.
Brahma Soft-Grip—a vegan leather alternative:
Brahma Soft-Grip is constructed with webbing on the inside and a durable, non-tacky PVC coating on the outside. Easy to care for: just wipe clean with soap and water. Brahma is always assembled with screw posts for durability. This material is heavier than leather (in a comparable width), and does not soften over time the way leather does. Black is the most popular color for wheelchair leashes, but assorted bright and classic colors are also available. Just ask for available color choices!
Susan Rock (verified owner) –
The quick release wheelchair leash system has been a godsend for me. I added the 12” traffic lead along with the belt loop attachment. I also ordered a second longer detachable leash. On days when I am upright with my cane, I use the longer detachable leash, traffic lead and belt attachment with my “leather belt for attaching a leash to your waist” (sold here). This allows hands free interaction and the leash is long enough for my service dog to down/stay comfortably. On days when I am less mobile and using my scooter or rollator, I use the system with the shorter lead to keep him from getting ahead of my mobility device. If I need to transfer out of my scooter, the quick release and traffic lead allows for a smooth transition to a more traditional leash. I find the entire system intuitive and versatile. The only issue I had was that it was quite a bit of trial and error in finding the correct lengths of leash for my needs. Otherwise, this system is high quality and very well thought out. Definitely worth the effort of finding the correct sizing for your needs. I highly recommend it.
Jacki P. D. (verified owner) –
Hi Katrina! I decided to stop by to tell you how much I love this wheelchair leash. It keeps Chester close to me but not so close that he might be hurt. I also really appreciate the adaptability that it offers. I keep the handle on my w/c too and if my husband needs to take him for a minute I can unhook the leash from the chair, connect the handle and it’s done. The clasps are great and easy to manipulate with my tired hands. Thanks so much for the thought that you have put into your designs!
Jack (verified owner) –
Hi Katrina,
I haven’t had a minute to breathe but I wanted to let you know that the leash is perfect! It works so nicely having the leash connect to my w/c. The handle also helps me out a lot because if I need for him to have a little more room out from me, I can attach the handle, disconnect the leash and Chester can go do whatever he needs to do.
Your work is beautiful as well as being so utilitarian! That’s a great combination!
Thanks so much,
Jack