Got a pet with joint or spinal issues? Then veterinary rehabilitation (rehab) may be something to look into. It involves non-invasive treatments like massage, exercise, and hydrotherapy to help a pet regain function, strength, and range of movement.
The most obvious reasons for therapy are to help prevent and improve common painful conditions like hip dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease, and luxating patella. It is also important for post-surgery rehab.
You may have heard of hydrotherapy for pets but it's just one of the many therapies that are now available in Singapore. We are talking about laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and more.
From our personal experience, pet rehab has also helped us understand the types of posture our dogs should have when standing, walking and sitting. For example, we can spot early signs of issues like loose hips just by how our dogs sit. Furthermore, physiotherapy can engage their minds, strengthen their bodies, and build their confidence.
Below you will find two pet rehab centres where certified vets would review your pet's medical history and perform an assessment of their existing condition before advising a suitable therapy plan. Next, we have another rehab centre and also a fitness centre where your pet can exercise using specialised equipment. Finally, several hydrotherapy centres that would benefit dogs suffering from pain and reduced mobility.
Vet-led Pet Rehab Centres
Veterinary Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy Centre (VRH)
VRH was started by Dr. Patrick and Dr. Rina Maguire as an initiative to improve the well-being of pets in Singapore.
Spending a decade as a small animal surgical specialist in the United States, Dr. Patrick witnessed the important role veterinary rehab plays in a dog's recovery. At VRH, he built a team that's now led by lead therapist Doris Ho and Dr. Maike Daum. Their services include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and massage.
Website: https://vrh.com.sg/ (Google reviews)
Address: 631 Balestier Rd, Singapore 329918
Latte strengthening her hind legs while training her core and balance.
RehabVet Clinic Singapore
RehabVet Clinic is Singapore's first full-fledged pet rehab centre. Their team of rehab therapists and hydrotherapists is headed by Dr. Sara Lam.
Offering both water and land therapies, the centre aims to improve pets' fitness and mobility and alleviate pain. Their services include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, tui-na for pets, and alternative therapies for cancer.
Website: https://rehabvet.com/ (Google reviews)
Address: 513 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218154
Pet Rehab Centre
Gaia Wholistic Animal Wellness
Founded by Karen and Christopher in 2019, Gaia Wholistic strongly believes that wholistic care should be non-invasive, looking into aspects beyond physical rehab, such as dietary adjustments, appropriate supplementation, and living environment.
Karen was working as a senior vet nurse before starting the centre and she's trained in canine rehab, hydrotherapy, animal communication, and BodyTalk. The centre offers rehab, fitness swims, BodyTalk, and a wellness and conditioning programme.
Website: https://www.gaia-wholistic.sg/ (Google Reviews)
Address: 248 Jln Besar, Singapore 208921
Canine Fitness Centre
Latte testing out equipment at Fido's Pawpose
Fido's Pawpose
Imagine a gym for pets. That's what Founder Ralph Lee built at Fido's Pawpose. Canine fitness is great for all dogs, whether it's to improve coordination and strength or preventing injury and losing weight.
Why not try let your dog try it for fun and discover the benefits of guided exercise? Fido's Pawpose also offers a pet first aid and CPR course.
Website: https://fidospawpose.com/ (Google reviews)
Address: 308 Telok Kurau Rd, #01-13, Vibes @ East Coast, Singapore 423858
Hydrotherapy Centres
Canine Wellness and Rehab Centre
Canine Wellness and Rehab Centre is the pioneering hydrotherapy centre in Singapore set up by Principle Hydrotherapist, Lynn in 2012.
Seeing that there was no hydrotherapy facility in the country, she decided to get certified and start one herself. Soon, she began working with vets to help dogs suffering from obesity and/or pain.
Read our interview with Lynn here.
Website: http://caninewellness.com.sg/ (Google reviews)
Address: 12 Jln Gelenggang, Singapore 578192
Hydro Canine
Hydro Canine is founded by a husband and wife team (both certified hydrotherapists) with a goal to teach dogs to swim with confidence. The facility boosts the biggest and longest indoor heated swimming pool that's used for various swim programs; catered for puppies to seniors.
Website: https://www.hydrocanine.com.sg/ (Google Reviews)
Address: 154 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427432
Hydro Paws Plus
The founder of Hydro Paws Plus, Anna Tong has a love for animals that spans decades. As a dog lover and certified trainer, she works closely with animal welfare groups, helping hundreds of dogs!
Her centre has a heated therapy pool and water treadmill for both hydrotherapy and casual fitness swims.
Website: https://hydropawsplus.com/ (Google reviews)
Address: 3 Kalidasa Ave, Singapore 789383
