Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for assisting and supporting animals by providing a support assembly for assisting in the transport of animals during recovery from surgery or due to old age or other maladies. The support assembly can include a support sling and a strap assembly wherein the support sling wraps about a lower portion of the animal and the strap assembly provides a grip arrangement for a user to lift the support sling, thereby supporting the animal. The support sling can include both a support material and a removable sling diaper. The support sling can be retainably attached around the animal's body even when the support assembly is not in use. The strap assembly can be removably attached to the support sling so as not to bother the animal when the support assembly is not being used by the owner.