A Deep Dive into the HelioPet Home Light Therapy Device

Note:This article is part of our Red Light Round Up Series where we review and compare the top devices on the market.

When it comes to at-home light therapy for pets, the HelioPet is a frequent mention in the world of pet rehab. In fact, the market for pet light therapy is expected to grow over 8% annually. That’s a lot of people looking for reliable solutions. And the HelioPet is often touted as one of the better options out there. But while it has some strong specs, there are a couple of design challenges you should know about before diving in.

Here’s a video deep dive of the HelioPet along with more detail below

The Basics: Device Specs and Performance

The HelioPet is built around two wavelengths that have long been considered ideal for therapeutic benefits: 635nm (visible red light) and 850nm (near-infrared light). These wavelengths are widely used for promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and helping with tissue repair. It’s a solid choice on paper, offering the right balance between depth and surface-level treatment.

Beyond wavelength, we tested the HelioPet’s power and it falls within the World Assocation of Laser Therapy’s (WALT’s) guidelines for veterinary treatment. In short, the Heliopet is off to a good start.

Treating Through Fur: A Challenge That’s Hard to Ignore

One of the biggest hurdles with light therapy is how well it can penetrate through fur—especially with long-haired pets. The HelioPet, like many devices, has a harder time with this. Testing showed that the device’s power diminishes significantly when dealing with thick coats. Without a comb attachment to part the fur, it’s tough to get that light directly onto the skin (for an example of how MedcoVet solves the “fur problem” click here)

Now, here’s the positive twist: it still delivers benefits, particularly for short-haired breeds or areas with thinner fur coverage. And even with longer-haired pets, it’s not entirely ineffective. It just means you might need to adjust your approach, such as shaving the area, parting the fur, or being ok with long treatment times. This could help increase skin exposure and improve results.

The HelioPet’s specs are on point, but it’s crucial to recognize that thicker coats mean a longer commitment to treatment sessions. So, if you’re willing to put in a bit more time, you can still see results—just not as quickly as with other models that include a more skin-contact-centric design.

Build Quality and Design: Where It Shines, Where It Stumbles

The HelioPet is sturdy and well-made. It feels durable in hand, a device that can handle regular use without wearing out. However, that design also comes with some drawbacks. The device has a small lip around the light source that creates a slight gap between the light and the pet’s skin (see right image). This might sound minor, but in practice, it means that some of that healing power doesn’t quite make it to where it’s needed most.

Clinical Information and Guidance: What’s Missing

Another key area where the HelioPet could improve is its user guidance. There’s not much in terms of detailed, condition-specific instructions. While it comes with a small pamphlet, the information is quite basic—more general advice than tailored guidance. For a device that aims to treat a range of conditions, this feels like a missed opportunity.

Many light therapy experts recommend a more targeted approach, with settings and durations adjusted based on the condition being treated. Without this, users might find themselves unsure of the best way to use the device. An app or a more comprehensive guide would be a huge help here, especially for new users who are still learning the ropes of at-home light therapy.

The HelioPet’s website also leans on some questionable claims. Statements like being “800% more powerful than other devices” aren’t backed by clear comparisons. And while a demo of red light shining through a hand looks impressive, it doesn’t reflect how deeply light actually penetrates through fur and skin. For pet owners looking for straightforward, evidence-based information, this can be frustrating.

Key Takeaways: Is the HelioPet Right for Your Pet?

The HelioPet is a device that does a lot right but comes with a couple of important caveats. It has the right wavelengths and delivers a decent amount of power, but its design makes it harder to get optimal results—especially with long-haired pets. The lack of a comb attachment means some of that light power is lost in transit, turning a quick session into a longer process.

So, who is this device best for? Here’s the breakdown:

Great for owners of short-haired pets: Where light penetration isn’t as big of a concern.
Ideal for users experienced with light therapy: Those who can experiment and adjust protocols themselves.

And who might want to think twice?

Owners of long haired pets: You might need to budget more time for each session.
Those needing detailed guidance: If you’re looking for clear treatment protocols, you might feel a bit left in the dark.

Final Thoughts
The HelioPet brings solid build quality and power, but it’s not without its downsides. If you’re ready to spend a bit more time figuring out the right approach—or if your pet doesn’t have a thick coat—you can achieve good results. But if you’re looking for a more streamlined experience, exploring other options like the Medcovet Luma could save you time and effort. Ultimately, it’s about matching the device to your needs and your pet’s unique challenges.