Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare specialty using movement, exercise, and hands-on care to help improve, restore, or maintain physical function, manage pain, and recover from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. Animal physical therapists are licensed professionals with advanced education and training in movement science, rehabilitation, and functional recovery. The term "physical therapist" is a legally protected term to keep consumers safe and ensure care is provided by qualified professionals.

Physical therapy is a licensed, protected healthcare profession. The title “physical therapist” indicates specific education, advanced clinical training, and licensure requirements. Licensed physical therapists are held to a higher, regulated standard of care designed to protect the public and ensure safe, evidence-based treatment. Rehabilitation is a general term. “Rehab” can describe a wide range of services and approaches, but it does not indicate a specific level of training, licensure, or clinical oversight. At The Pet PT, your pet is evaluated and treated by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, working in collaboration with your veterinarian to deliver individualized, medically informed care.

Many pets are excellent candidates for physical therapy, not just those recovering from surgery or injury. Physical therapy can benefit pets who are: • Experiencing stiffness, weakness, or decreased mobility • Showing subtle changes in movement, posture, or endurance • Managing chronic conditions like arthritis or neurologic disease • Slowing down with age or struggling with everyday activities like stairs, jumping, or getting up • Recovering from surgery or injury • Active or athletic pets who need support with strength, coordination, and injury prevention Physical therapy is also valuable before problems become severe. Addressing small changes early can help maintain comfort, mobility, and confidence over time. Your pet will need clearance or a referral from a veterinarian before starting physical therapy. From there, we work collaboratively with your veterinary team to determine whether physical therapy is appropriate and what approach will best support your pet’s needs. If you’re unsure whether physical therapy is right for your pet, that’s okay. Questions and curiosity are often the first step.

Whether your “fill in the blank” is older, aging, arthritic, post-surgical, neurologic, athletic, anxious about movement, or just not moving like they used to, physical therapy can often help support strength, mobility, and comfort. Physical therapy isn’t only for major injuries. It’s also for pets who are slowing down, compensating, or showing subtle changes that don’t always feel urgent, but still matter. Our goal is to meet your pet where they are and create a plan that supports safer movement and better quality of life over time. Your pet will need clearance or a referral from a veterinarian before starting care, and we work closely with your veterinary team to make sure therapy is appropriate and aligned with their medical needs. If you’re unsure whether physical therapy is right for your pet, that uncertainty alone is a valid reason to ask.

Yes. We understand that getting to the clinic isn’t always easy. Some pets are uncomfortable in the car, have mobility limitations, or simply do better in a familiar environment. For those situations, we offer in-home physical therapy visits as well as remote exercise and monitoring programs, in addition to in-clinic care. Our goal is to make physical therapy accessible while still providing thoughtful, individualized care that meets your pet where they are, both physically and emotionally. Your pet will still need medical clearance from a veterinarian before starting in-home care.

To get started, your pet will need medical clearance from a veterinarian before their first physical therapy appointment. This can come from your primary care veterinarian or a specialist, such as a surgeon. Once clearance is in place, we’ll take it from there. We coordinate closely with your veterinary team to ensure care is safe, appropriate, and aligned with your pet’s medical history. If you’re unsure how to request a referral, we’re happy to help guide you through the process.