Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Second Edition. Edited by Chris Zink and Janet B. Van Dyke.
© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Canine rehabilitation business scenarios

There are two initial options to consider when a
therapist is considering building a canine reha-
bilitation business. The business can consist of a
department in an existing veterinary hospital/
clinic or a stand‐alone rehabilitation practice.
Each scenario has advantages and disadvan-
tages. Several factors come into play when try-
ing to decide between the two, including
finances, space, and location.

Free‐standing rehabilitation practice

Advantages

● The entire space can be designed for opti-

mal rehabilitation practice

● Referrals are more easily obtained as there

is no perceived competition with area gen-

eral practices

● All services are unique and offered as a

specialty.

The Business of Canine

Rehabilitation

Amy Kramer, PT, DPT, CCRT

23

Summary

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that 78 mil-

lion dogs are owned in the United States. Approximately 68% of all households in the

United States have a dog. Pet spending is easily at an all‐time high—Americans were

expected to spend more than $60 billion on their pets in 2017 (Manning, 2016). With

the internet being so readily available, people who are interested in options and alter-

native treatments for their pet will search for the best source. With a little advanced

preparation, that best source could be you. When starting a canine rehabilitation busi-

ness, there are many factors to consider. Knowing some of your options in advance can

help a start‐up canine rehabilitation business become successful and profitable. This

chapter is designed to provide foundational information and to present some of the

important decisions and options to consider when initiating a new rehabilitation busi-

ness or reshaping an existing one.