Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?

Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility. Please stop in during one of the following times: Mon – Fri, 10 am – 12:00 pm or Sat – Sun 10 am – 4 pm. You can also easily schedule a tour online.

If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?

We’d love to have you dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation.

How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?

You can register online by filling out the registration forms, and providing us with all the proper health/vet documents required. You can also schedule a compatibility evaluation online to see if your dog will be a good fit. Once your dog has been approved you can register for both daycare and lodging online. We require all dogs that will be lodging with us come for a day of play so they’re familiar with the setting.

Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?

We close our lobby to give dogs’ downtime, and allow our staff to do additional cleaning. It’s important to consider that dogs do need downtime, rest helps avoid accidental injury, or potentially becoming more aggressive. Some dogs can self-regulate rest while others may need to be placed in kennels to rest.

Are you open on holidays?

Yes, We are open 365 days a year.

How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?

We require all dogs to go through a compatibility evaluation. Dogs are separated by both size and temperament We have a low dog-to-leader ratio. All staff members are trained in first aid and CPR, and go through a dog behavior training program. We’ve designed our facility with all sized dogs in mind – every shape and size. At least one of our pet loving staff with be present with dogs in each designated play area.

What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?

We require all dogs to have a quick release collar. No buckles are allowed. If they need food it must be bagged, and all medication must be in original packaging.

What is the difference between Daycare and Day Stay?

Day Stay may be a perfect option for the dog that did not do well with our compatibility evaluation, or has not been neutered or spayed, or may need extra attention. This may be for various reasons, health, age or injury. Daycare is for those dogs that do play well with others.

Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.

Most shy dogs, or dogs that haven’t been socialized enough, usually benefit tremendously from daycare. They become less shy, more socialized and have a great time! However, that said, NOT every dog is suited to the daycare setting. It’s our job to let you how your dog is doing and see what other options may work best to keep your dog happy. For ex: we offer one on one play or small group play or your dog may do best with an at home dog walker.

What if my dog is not neutered or spade what are my options

All dogs in daycare need to be neutered or spayed at six months. If you’re not comfortable with that, you could consider our Day Stay program.

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?

Cancellations must be made within 48 hours of schedule stay. If less than 48 hours a flat fee of $55 will be charged. Cancellation during peak holidays must be made 10 days in advance of the stay. If cancellation is requested less than 10 days prior to stay you’d charged $150 dollar fee per animal.

Can I bring my own food?

You are required to bring your pets food. It’s much better for the pet to continue on their regular diet. All food must be placed in baggies for individual meals. For boarders, you are also welcome to bring a special blanket that will make them feel comfortable. No Rawhide, bullysticks or bones allowed.

What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?

If the act is mild, the dog will be placed in a timeout until she/he has calmed down. If the aggression causes harm to another dog, you will be responsible for any veterinary care for that dog and your dog will not be allowed back unless the behavior has been modified through training.

Can someone other than me pick up my dog?

Yes, but the person has to be listed on your account when you drop off the dog. They’ll have to show personal identification

My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?

We offer several different training classes to meet your needs; however, we cannot train your dog without your help. An owner must be willing to commit to a minimum of 10 minutes per day to be successful with training their dog.

Can I come tour the facility before I bring my dog?

Yes, we’d be excited to show you our clean, fun and safe facility while your dog is being evaluated. You can book a tour online through our registration portal.

If my dog already goes to daycare can I bring him to your facility?

We’d love to have your dog, however, he or she will still need to pass our compatibility evaluation before joining.

How do I make reservations for daycare or lodging for my dog who has never been there before?

You can register online by completing the registration forms and submitting the required vet documents. You may also call us to schedule a compatibility evaluation.

Why is your lobby closed for two hours each day?

We close our lobby daily to give dogs downtime and allow our staff to perform cleaning and maintenance. Rest periods help prevent fatigue and promote safety during playtime.

Are you open on holidays?

Yes, we are open 365 days a year. However, on certain holidays our lobby may be closed for drop-offs and pick-ups, and hours may vary.

How do I know my dog will be safe at the Dog Retreat & Spa?

All dogs must complete a compatibility evaluation and are grouped by size and temperament. Our trained staff maintain a low dog-to-leader ratio, and all are certified in pet first aid and CPR to ensure your dog’s safety.

What do I need to bring for my dog when they’re in daycare?

Please bring a quick-release collar. If your dog requires food or medication, ensure it’s labeled and medications are in their original packaging.

Will my dog adjust to doggy daycare/lodging? He’s never been away from home.

Most dogs adapt quickly and benefit from socialization in daycare. However, every dog is unique. If needed, we offer one-on-one or small group play options to ensure comfort and happiness.

What if my dog is not neutered or spayed? What are my options?

Dogs attending daycare must be neutered or spayed by 6–8 months of age. If not, you may consider our Day Stay program as an alternative.

What happens if I want to cancel my reservation for lodging?

A 50% deposit is required for all overnight stays. Non-peak cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting the deposit. During peak periods, deposits are non-refundable, and cancellations made within 10 days will be charged the full stay amount.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, bringing your pet’s own food is required to maintain their regular diet. Please portion food into labeled individual baggies. Boarders may bring a blanket for comfort, but rawhide, bully sticks, and bones are not allowed.

What if my dog acts aggressively toward another dog while at The Dog Retreat?

If aggression occurs, the dog will first be placed in a timeout. If the behavior results in harm to another dog, you will be responsible for veterinary costs and the dog may not return until behavior modification is demonstrated.

Can someone other than me pick up my dog?

Yes, but the designated person must be listed on your account and will need to show valid photo identification when picking up your dog.

My dog went to training but is still not trained. Can you help him/her?

We offer several training programs to help improve your dog’s behavior. However, consistent owner participation of at least 10 minutes per day is essential for lasting success.

Physical Rehabilitation for Pets

Helping dogs, cats, and small animals move better every day with expert-guided treatments

New Client registration

Book appointment

Patient referral

Our Mission

Our mission is to restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life for every patient through compassionate, evidence-based care. By combining advanced therapeutic techniques with individualized treatment plans, we support healing and promote long-term wellness for animals of all kinds.

Why pet parents choose us

Experienced team trained in veterinary physical rehabilitation
Multimodal care tailored to your pet’s unique needs
State-of-the-art physical rehabilitation equipment
Comfortable, low-stress environment
Custom home exercise plans and progress tracking

Conditions that Benefit from Physical Rehabilitation

Orthopedic conditions (surgical or non-surgical)
Congenital conditions
Neurologic disease
Chronic pain
Soft tissue injuries
Traumatic injuries
Obesity

Physical Rehabilitation Services

Therapeutic Land Exercise

Therapeutic Land Exercise

Land-based therapeutic exercises are an essential component of veterinary rehabilitation, helping pets regain strength, mobility, and confidence. Each session is individually designed and supported by trained professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Builds strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance
Helps your pet feel more comfortable and confident
Ensures safe, proper movement with expert guidance
Can be adapted into a home exercise plan
Supports your pet’s long-term mobility and wellness

Hydrotherapy with the Underwater Treadmill

Our underwater treadmill uses water’s natural properties to provide gentle, low-impact exercises for physical rehabilitation and conditioning. The buoyancy reduces stress on joints while helping pets build strength and move more comfortably.

Offers low-impact exercise that protects joints
Warm water helps relax muscles and improve circulation
Safe and controlled exercise for pets recovering from injuries or surgery
Supports senior pets and those needing weight management
The resistance Improves strength, mobility, and overall fitness

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality that uses fine, sterile needles placed at specific anatomical points to stimulate targeted physiologic responses. In veterinary medicine, it is used both as a preventative treatment and to complement conventional Western medicine.

Activates neuromodulation, improves circulation, and promotes natural pain relief
Utilizes precise acupoints for targeted therapeutic effects
Applied for both treatment and prevention in animals
Supports conditions such as osteoarthritis, neurologic dysfunction, respiratory disease, dermatologic sensitivities, and gastrointestinal disorders

Hydrotherapy with the Underwater Treadmill

Manual Therapies

Manual Therapies play a key role in rehabilitation by targeting soft tissues, joints, and fascia to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support healing. These hands-on techniques help restore function, especially in post-operative or mobility-limited patients.

Massage Therapy promotes circulation, reduces pain, relieves muscle tension, and supports lymphatic drainage and relaxation.
Massage Therapy is used to address soft tissue dysfunction and decrease stiffness as part of rehab plans.
Passive Range of Motion (PROM) involves therapist-guided joint movement without patient effort to maintain flexibility and prevent contractures.
PROM supports cartilage health, joint alignment, and is especially helpful post-operatively or with neurologic impairment.
Myofascial Manipulation applies sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions that limit mobility, cause pain, or affect posture.

Acupuncture

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Laser therapy uses gentle light to stimulate cellular processes and promote healing. It is a safe, non-invasive way to:

Increase cellular metabolism
Promote wound healing
Reduce swelling and inflammation
Enhance blood flow
Improve muscle function

Manual Therapies

Weight Management – healthy weight

Custom programs help pets maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles, and build endurance—ideal for prevention, recovery, or long-term wellness.

Safe weight loss programs

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Fitness & conditioning with Kris

Our Canine Fitness & Conditioning program is designed to help dogs build strength, improve balance, and enhance overall endurance in a safe, controlled environment. Whether your pup is an athlete in training, a senior dog needing gentle exercise, or simply looking to stay fit and healthy, our program is tailored to meet their individual goals.

Each session incorporates targeted exercises that focus on flexibility, core stability, coordination, and muscle tone. Using specialized equipment like platforms, balance discs, and cavaletti poles, Kris teaches each dog the foundational skills for exercises that are both challenging and fun.

Benefits of Fitness & Conditioning

Improved mobility and joint flexibility
Stronger muscles and better endurance
Enhanced body awareness and coordination
Reduced risk of injury through balanced muscle development
Weight management support and improved cardiovascular health
Boosted confidence and mental engagement

This program not only supports overall wellness but also complements physical rehabilitation, helping pets maintain results.

Weight Management – healthy weight

Fitness & conditioning with Kris

How to Get Started

Create Your Account

Creating an account allows you to schedule appointments, upload records, and manage your pet’s rehab journey all in one place.

Book Your Initial Consultation

In the portal, select:

1
Book appointment
2
New client
3
I am booking an initial consult

Choose a time that works best for you and submit your request.

Complete Your New Client Forms

Once we receive your appointment request, you’ll be sent the required electronic forms.
Please fill these out before your visit so our team can review your pet’s history.

New Client registration

Book an appointment

Meet the Team

Amy Straut, DVM, CCRT, CVAT

Veterinarian – Physical Rehabilitation

After graduating from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Amy Straut spent the first part of her veterinary career practicing general medicine, where she developed a strong interest in pain management and a wellness approach to keeping pets healthy.

Amy Straut, DVM, CCRT, CVAT

Veterinarian – Physical Rehabilitation

Kate Ruscitti, CVT, CCAT

Lead therapist – Physical Rehabilitation

Kate earned her B.S. in Veterinary Science from Becker College and has worked as a veterinary technician since 2008. In 2015, she transitioned to physical rehabilitation after completing coursework and an internship through the University of Tennessee. She then served as a physical rehabilitation technician at Angell West, starting in 2018.

Kate Ruscitti, CVT, CCAT

Lead therapist – Physical Rehabilitation

Jessica McCormick, CVT

Manager – Physical Rehabilitation

Jess graduated from Becker College with her B.S. in Veterinary Science and has been a Certified Veterinary Technician for ten years. While still in school, she began working at the MSPCA-Angell in 2011 as a veterinary assistant, taking care of hospitalized patients, and eventually became an emergency/critical care technician.

Jessica McCormick, CVT

Manager – Physical Rehabilitation

Kelsey Durant, CVT

Veterinary Technician – Physical Rehabilitation

Kelsey graduated from UMass Amherst with her B.S. in Veterinary Technology in 2024 and shortly after became a credentialed veterinary technician. She has been working in the veterinary field for five years, including an internship at Sea Legs Rehabilitation Center, where she learned about different therapeutic techniques and fell in love with the relationships she was able to form with patients and owners.

Kelsey Durant, CVT

Veterinary Technician – Physical Rehabilitation

Visiting Our Physical Rehabilitation Center

The Physical Rehabilitation Center at The Dog Retreat & Spa is located on the turquoise side of our building for easy access and visibility. You’ll find ample on-site parking, a dedicated electronic check-in area, and a comfortable waiting room for you and your pet.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, we kindly ask clients to be mindful of other pets and owners in the waiting area—especially those who may be recovering, nervous, or mobility-challenged.

Our goal is to make every visit calm, smooth, and stress-free for both you and your pet.

Waiting Room Etiquette

Keep pets leashed at all times (or in a carrier for cats/rabbits).
Give space to other animals, especially those who may be reactive or uncomfortable around unfamiliar pets.
Arrive a few minutes early to allow smooth check-in and reduce congestion.
Avoid greetings between pets.
Respect medical needs—some patients may be in pain, fearful, or easily stressed.
Supervise children closely to help maintain a quiet, healing-focused environment.

Happy Clients

Customer Reviews

4.9 Based on 379 Reviews

Physical Rehabilitation FAQs

Do I have to have a physical rehabilitation evaluation before scheduling treatments?

Yes. Even if your pet has had an evaluation at another facility, a consultation with our rehabilitation veterinarian is both important and legally required. This allows us to create a proper rehabilitation plan.

Do I need a referral from my veterinarian?

A referral isn’t required, but we highly recommend having a diagnosis from your primary care or specialty veterinarian before starting rehabilitation.
Rehab without a confirmed diagnosis can cause more harm than good. If we feel we don’t have enough information after your consultation, we may suggest you seek a diagnosis before beginning treatment.

Physical Rehabilitation for Pets

Our Mission

Why pet parents choose us

Conditions that Benefit from Physical Rehabilitation