Animal physical therapy is a growing specialty many PTs and clinic owners barely hear about in school. In this episode, we break down how physical therapists treat dogs, cats, and other animals—and why rehab is becoming essential for recovery after surgery, arthritis, and injury.
If you're a physical therapist curious about alternative career paths, rehab niches, or how PT principles translate beyond humans, this episode will open your eyes. Our guests explain how canine rehab works, the business and referral model with veterinarians, and why PT skills transfer surprisingly well to animal care.
You’ll learn the common injuries treated in animal physical therapy, what training PTs need to get started, and how clinicians collaborate with vets to improve outcomes for pets.
00:00 Animal PT Explained
03:00 Meet The Guests
05:00 What Animal PT Is
09:00 Common Dog Injuries
14:00 Working With Veterinarians
17:00 Skills For Animal PT
22:00 Certification Pathways
28:00 Getting Started Advice
36:00 Telehealth For Animal PT
41:00 Assistive Devices For Pets
51:00 Final Takeaways
Guest Links & Resources
Shawna — Positively Fit Canine Rehabilitation & Wellness
Jenny Moe — Moe Love Myofascial Release
Dog On Wheels
