Animal Rehabilitation Center

Restoring Wellness for Pets

Rehabilitation for a Stronger, Healthier Pet

We take a full-spectrum approach to healing, offering rehabilitative services that promote recovery, mobility, and overall well-being. These therapies can help:
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Relieve pain from acute or chronic injuries

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Restore normal movement and function

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Strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments

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Minimize strain on other areas of the body

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Reduce the risk of re-injury

Customized, Evidence-Based Therapy Plans Tailored to Your Pet’s Needs

We believe every pet deserves personalized care and trusted veterinary expertise. Our veterinarians and team bring advanced training in veterinary physical rehab and use science-based techniques to restore quality of life. Every session is tailored to your pet’s needs and adjusted based on their medical presentation, and many insurance companies cover rehab services.

Animal Rehabilitation Services

Laser Therapy

Therapeutic Exercises

Massage & Stretching

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Thermotherapy

Cryotherapy

Braces/Cart Fittings

Ultrasound Therapy

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Joint Mobilization

Why Choose Our Animal Rehab Center?

 

  • Specialized, Licensed Team
    Staffed by veterinary professionals with advanced certification or ongoing training in rehabilitation, your patients or pets receive care that’s grounded in veterinary science and experience.

  • Tailored, Transparent Treatment
    Every patient receives a comprehensive rehab consultation, including history review. From that, we design a custom therapy plan and provide clear pricing with no guesswork or surprises.

  • Seamless Collaboration
    As a partner with general practice veterinarians, our rehab services do not include diagnostics, medications, or surgeries. This aleviates stress for patients, parents, and practitioners. We offer clear and regular communication with regular progress summaries.
  • Convenient, Drop-Off Therapy
    Clients meet the team and patient during an initial consult. After that, subsequent sessions are drop-off only—no owner present—which clinically improves outcomes and focus.

  • Commitment to Success
    Consistency in therapy and at-home care is essential. We work with pet parents to ensure they have a custom home exercise plan and understand its importance in achieving recovery. We also schedule progress exams so we can adjust treatment if needed.

Getting Started

Questions on whether rehab is appropriate or when to start? Let’s talk—early therapy can greatly improve outcomes in conditions like FCE or Swimmer Syndrome, while others may require waiting for healing before a plan can begin.

Support for Recovery, Strength, and Mobility

Rehabilitation Therapy for Dogs and Cats
Our veterinary rehabilitation services are designed to support pets through recovery, improve comfort, and help restore mobility. Whether your patient is healing from surgery or managing a chronic condition, we offer personalized treatment plans that focus on long-term success.

Degenerative Neurological Conditions

Rehabilitation therapy improves function and quality of life for pets with progressive neurologic conditions, including:
• IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
• Lumbosacral Disease
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• GOLPP (Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy)
• Vestibular Disease
• Wobbler Syndrome
• Neurologic-related Incontinence

Chronic Orthopedic Conditions

For pets facing long-term joint or soft tissue issues, rehab helps maintain strength and comfort:
• Arthritis
• Hip Dysplasia
• Tendinopathies and Soft Tissue Injuries

Post-Operative Orthopedic Recovery

We support healing and help prevent secondary issues after surgery with targeted therapies for:
• Patellar Luxation
• Hip Surgery
• Cruciate Ligament Repair (CCL/ACL)
• Limb Fracture Repair

Patient Referral

Interested in referring a patient? We welcome you to send medical records and imaging in advance so we’re prepared to customize care.

While Wendell Animal Hospital offers both primary care and specialized rehabilitation services, your referral is only for our Rehabilitation Center. You can trust that your patient will be seen strictly for rehabilitation support. Our goal is to complement the care you provide and collaborate closely with praimary care veterinarians. We deeply value thepartnerships we have with our veterinary colleagues and are committed to supporting your role as the primary care provider.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Rehabilitation

What is rehabilitation therapy for pets?

What is rehabilitation therapy for pets?
Rehabilitation therapy is a specialized area of veterinary medicine that helps pets recover mobility, reduce pain, build strength, and improve overall quality of life. This one-on-one, hands-on approach supports recovery from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions through customized treatment plans for each patient.

At Wendell Animal Hospital Rehabilitation Center, our team uses a variety of clinically proven therapies, including:

  • Therapeutic laser

  • Electrical stimulation (e-stim)

  • Ultrasound therapy

  • Therapeutic exercise, massage, and more

We focus on conditions involving the neurologic and musculoskeletal systems. Our goal is to restore comfort, improve function, and support long-term well-being. If your pet receives primary care at another veterinary hospital, we are happy to coordinate directly with their referring veterinarian to ensure continuity of care. Referred patients are only seen for rehabilitation services.

Why do pets need rehabilitation therapy?

Rehabilitation therapy helps pets recover more comfortably, regain strength, and maintain a better quality of life. Whether recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or showing signs of age-related decline, many pets benefit from a structured rehabilitation plan.

Common reasons pets are referred to rehabilitation include:

  • Post-surgical recovery for orthopedic or neurologic procedures

  • Support for healing after injury or illness

  • Mobility and comfort care for senior pets

  • Neurologic support and improved body awareness

  • Performance and conditioning for working or athletic dogs

Each therapy plan is designed to support long-term success and help pets stay active and independent at every stage of life.

How will I know if my pet needs rehabilitation therapy?

In some cases, such as after surgery, your veterinarian may recommend rehabilitation as part of your pet’s treatment plan. However, many mobility or pain-related conditions can develop gradually and may not be as easy to spot.

Signs your pet may benefit from rehabilitation therapy include:

  • Decreased energy or enthusiasm

  • Limping or difficulty turning

  • Trouble with stairs or getting up from rest

  • Awkward or uneven sitting posture

  • Holding up a leg when standing

  • Weakness or signs of paralysis

  • Changes in urinary or bowel habits

  • Ongoing discomfort or reduced mobility

Rehabilitation can also be helpful for senior pets who are losing strength due to arthritis or other chronic conditions. Starting therapy earlier in the disease process can lead to better results than waiting until a pet can no longer walk.

How long does a rehabilitation session last?

Each therapy session is customized to your pet’s condition and needs. The length of each visit may vary based on the treatment plan and how your pet responds to therapy.

  • Initial Rehabilitation Evaluation: Approximately 90 minutes

  • Follow-Up Sessions: Typically 30 to 60 minutes

Can I stay with my pet during sessions?
Yes, you are welcome to be present for your pet’s initial evaluation. We often provide at-home exercises as part of the care plan, and your participation helps support their progress. Keeping a log of home exercises is encouraged.

Follow-up sessions are often scheduled as drop-off appointments. This allows our team to focus fully on the treatment while keeping pets calm and engaged. We will always communicate updates and progress with you along the way.

Wendell Animal
Hospital

2961 Wendell Blvd
Wendell, NC 27591
Call: (919) 366-6558
Email: [email protected]

Hospital Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

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