Front Matter

Chapter 23 The Business of Canine Rehabilitation 571

in‐ground or above‐ground and also on local
codes. Nonslip flooring is critical in this room
to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.

Underwater treadmill

Treadmill manufacturers have very specific
space and power requirements for their
machines. One important feature to consider
when building is that the door to the room
that will house the underwater treadmill is
large enough to allow the equipment to be
added after construction, and to be removed
if that ever becomes necessary. It is wise to
have the floor sloped toward a central drain
in case of accidental overflow. A nonskid
flooring surface here is advisable as well
(Figure  23.4). Locker room flooring such as
Dri‐Dek® is a good choice as it allows the
water to flow through while keeping the trac-
tion surface dry.

Evaluation room

A larger room always helps with analyzing a

dog’s stance and in preventing the patient from

feeling crowded or threatened. Often there are

several family members that stay for the initial

evaluation, so having a larger area makes every-

one feel more comfortable.

Reception/waiting area

This area needs to be large enough to allow

patients plenty of space (Figure  23.5). If possi-

ble, having separate check‐in and check‐out

areas improves traffic flow. The waiting area is

not an area that makes money directly. It should

be sufficiently comfortable for someone wait-

ing for their dog, but its luxury should not com-

promise the purchase of equipment, which is

more directly profitable.

Cats and exotics

If the service will treat cats/rabbits/pigs or any

other small animal, an additional smaller, qui-

eter space may be required.

Figure 23.4 Example of an underwater treadmill and
nonslip flooring. Source: Image courtesy of the Beach
Animal Rehabilitation Center.

Figure 23.5 Open reception area with nonslip flooring.

Source: Image courtesy of the Beach Animal

Rehabilitation Center.