Physical Therapist Companion Animal Rehabilitation

Job description

Physical Therapist – Companion Animal Rehabilitation

nBring Your Rehabilitation Expertise Into a Career That Changes Lives—One Step at a Time

nAre you a licensed Physical Therapist looking for a unique and meaningful way to expand your clinical career?

nAt Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and clinically driven Physical Therapist who is interested in transitioning into the rapidly growing field of companion animal rehabilitation.

nOur practice specializes in canine and feline orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, pain management, senior mobility, conditioning, and fitness. This role offers the opportunity to apply your background in movement science, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy, and functional recovery to help pets regain mobility, independence, and quality of life.

nYou will work alongside experienced Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists in a collaborative, hands-on environment while receiving structured training and mentorship in canine and feline rehabilitation.

nPrevious animal rehabilitation experience is preferred but not required. We are willing to train the right candidate who has a strong rehabilitation foundation, excellent clinical judgment, and a genuine passion for animals.

nAbout the Role

nThe Physical Therapist will contribute to the evaluation, treatment, progression, and education of companion animal rehabilitation patients within the individual’s training, credentials, and applicable professional requirements.

nThe ideal candidate will bring strong clinical reasoning, a thorough understanding of biomechanics and functional movement, and experience treating orthopedic, neurological, post-operative, or medically complex patients.

nThis role is especially well suited for a Physical Therapist with experience in:

nOutpatient orthopedics

nNeurological rehabilitation

nSports medicine

nGeriatric rehabilitation

nAquatic therapy

nManual therapy

nPost-operative care

nPain management

nFunctional mobility training

nKey Responsibilities

nPatient Evaluation and Clinical Assessment

nFollowing appropriate training and under established clinic protocols, responsibilities may include:

nParticipate in comprehensive rehabilitation evaluations.

nReview medical history, surgical reports, diagnostic findings, precautions, and referring veterinarian recommendations.

nAssess posture, stance, gait, mobility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and functional movement.

nAssist with joint range-of-motion assessment.

nEvaluate weight bearing, compensatory movement patterns, muscle symmetry, and functional limitations.

nIdentify orthopedic and neurological impairments that may affect mobility and quality of life.

nEstablish measurable functional goals in collaboration with the rehabilitation team.

nMonitor clinical progress and recommend appropriate treatment progressions.

nRecognize changes that require veterinary consultation or modification of the rehabilitation plan.

nAll services must be performed within the clinician’s education, training, applicable legal scope, and Alpha’s established clinical structure.

nTherapeutic Exercise and Functional Rehabilitation

nDevelop and progress individualized therapeutic exercise programs.

nGuide patients through strengthening, balance, flexibility, coordination, endurance, and proprioceptive activities.

nPerform gait training and functional mobility exercises.

nAssist neurological patients with standing, weight shifting, transfers, postural control, and locomotor training.

nProgress post-operative patients through safe and structured stages of recovery.

nModify exercises based on pain, fatigue, compensation, movement quality, and patient tolerance.

nUse positive reinforcement and low-stress handling techniques to improve patient participation.

nIncorporate home environment and lifestyle goals into rehabilitation planning.

nRehabilitation equipment may include:

nCavaletti rails

nBalance discs

nWobble boards

nPeanut balls

nPlatforms and step systems

nCones and obstacle courses

nHarnesses and support slings

nMobility carts and assistive devices

nResistance equipment

nFunctional strengthening tools

nOrthopedic Rehabilitation

nAssist with the management of patients recovering from or living with conditions such as:

nCranial cruciate ligament injury or surgery

nTPLO and other stifle procedures

nPatellar luxation surgery

nTotal hip replacement

nFemoral head ostectomy

nFracture repair

nHip or elbow dysplasia

nOsteoarthritis

nTendon and ligament injuries

nIliopsoas injury

nShoulder instability

nBiceps tendinopathy

nMuscle strains

nChronic compensatory pain

nReduced mobility associated with aging

nResponsibilities may include restoring joint mobility, improving strength, reducing compensatory movement, rebuilding endurance, and supporting a safe return to function.

nNeurological Rehabilitation

nAssist patients with neurological conditions such as:

nIntervertebral disc disease

nFibrocartilaginous embolism

nDegenerative myelopathy

nSpinal cord injury

nPeripheral nerve injury

nVestibular dysfunction

nPost-operative spinal recovery

nParesis or paralysis

nProprioceptive deficits

nAtaxia

nGeneralized weakness

nTreatment may include:

nAssisted standing

nWeight shifting

nGait facilitation

nFunctional transfers

nNeuromuscular re-education

nBalance and coordination training

nSensory stimulation

nEndurance progression

nCaregiver instruction

nMobility-device training

nHydrotherapy

nAssist with or oversee underwater treadmill rehabilitation following competency training.

nDetermine appropriate exercise goals based on the patient’s diagnosis and functional status.

nModify water depth, treadmill speed, duration, support level, and movement pattern under established protocols.

nMonitor gait quality, posture, fatigue, respiratory effort, pain, and patient tolerance.

nUse harnesses, slings, flotation devices, and manual facilitation as appropriate.

nProgress hydrotherapy programs based on patient response and functional goals.

nMaintain patient safety during entry, treatment, and exit.

nManual Therapy

nDepending on training, competency, and clinic protocols, techniques may include:

nSoft tissue mobilization

nMyofascial techniques

nGentle joint mobilization

nTherapeutic stretching

nPassive range of motion

nScar and tissue mobility techniques

nPositioning and postural facilitation

nMuscle activation and inhibition techniques

nManual interventions should be selected based on patient presentation, tolerance, and functional goals.

nTherapeutic Modalities

nReceive training in and assist with rehabilitation modalities such as:

nSuper-pulsed therapeutic laser

nFocused shockwave therapy

nNeuromuscular electrical stimulation

nTENS

nPEMF therapy

nCryotherapy

nThermotherapy

nCompression and recovery techniques

nOrthotics, prosthetics, braces, and mobility devices

nAll modalities will be used according to established clinical protocols, safety standards, and demonstrated competency.

nHome Exercise Programs and Client Education

nA major part of this role involves helping pet parents become confident participants in their pet’s recovery.

nResponsibilities include:

nDevelop or assist with individualized home exercise programs.

nDemonstrate exercises and safe handling techniques.

nEducate clients on exercise frequency, duration, progression, and precautions.

nTeach safe transfers, assisted walking, sling use, and mobility support.

nReview home setup and environmental modifications.

nHelp clients identify signs of pain, fatigue, compensation, or reduced tolerance.

nExplain rehabilitation goals and expected stages of recovery.

nProvide compassionate guidance to families managing chronic, progressive, or life-changing conditions.

nCommunicate patient progress in clear and understandable language.

nDocumentation and Communication

nComplete accurate and timely clinical documentation.

nRecord patient response, treatment interventions, progress, and relevant observations.

nMaintain clear communication with rehabilitation team members.

nParticipate in case discussions and treatment planning.

nCommunicate with referring veterinarians and specialists when directed.

nReport changes in pain, neurological status, mobility, endurance, behavior, or medical condition.

nEnsure treatment plans remain aligned with veterinary recommendations and precautions.

nAssist with progress reports and discharge recommendations.

nTeam and Facility Responsibilities

nCollaborate with rehabilitation therapists, veterinary technicians, assistants, and client care staff.

nHelp maintain efficient patient flow throughout the clinic.

nPrepare and reset treatment areas.

nMaintain equipment and report maintenance concerns.

nParticipate in staff meetings, continuing education, and clinical training.

nContribute to clinic protocols, patient education, and team development.

nHelp create a positive, organized, safe, and professional treatment environment.

nSupport opening, lunch, and closing workflows when needed.

nRequired Qualifications

nGraduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program.

nCurrent Physical Therapist license in good standing, or eligibility for licensure.

nStrong knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, and functional movement.

nExcellent clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

nStrong communication and client-education abilities.

nAbility to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.

nWillingness to complete companion animal rehabilitation training and mentorship.

nComfort working hands-on with dogs and cats of various sizes and mobility levels.

nCommitment to patient safety, professionalism, and compassionate care.

nPreferred Qualifications

nExperience in any of the following is highly valued:

nOutpatient orthopedics

nNeurological rehabilitation

nSports medicine

nAquatic therapy

nManual therapy

nGeriatric rehabilitation

nPost-operative rehabilitation

nPain management

nVestibular rehabilitation

nAmputee or prosthetic training

nAdaptive equipment

nPelvic health as it relates to neurological function

nStrength and conditioning

nPrevious animal handling or veterinary experience

nCompanion animal rehabilitation certification or coursework

nCandidates who already hold or are pursuing a recognized companion animal rehabilitation certification are strongly encouraged to apply.

nWho Will Thrive in This Role?

nThe ideal candidate is:

nPassionate about rehabilitation and movement.

nGenuinely compassionate toward animals and their families.

nComfortable learning a new patient population.

nAdaptable and open to mentorship.

nObservant, patient, and detail-oriented.

nPhysically active and comfortable working close to the floor.

nConfident in clinical reasoning but collaborative in decision-making.

nAble to communicate complex concepts clearly.

nComfortable treating patients who cannot verbally describe their symptoms.

nMotivated by functional outcomes and quality-of-life improvement.

nInterested in helping grow the field of companion animal rehabilitation.

nPhysical Requirements

nThis is an active and hands-on clinical role.

nCandidates must be able to:

nStand and walk for extended periods.

nFrequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, and transition between floor and standing positions.

nAssist with lifting, supporting, or transferring patients when appropriate.

nWork in and around water during hydrotherapy.

nSafely support patients with weakness, pain, paralysis, balance deficits, or impaired coordination.

nUse harnesses, slings, carts, and mobility devices.

nAssist dogs of various sizes while maintaining safe body mechanics.

nPerform repeated setup, treatment, documentation, and equipment-reset tasks throughout the day.

nReasonable accommodations may be considered where appropriate.

nTraining and Professional Development

nAlpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness is committed to helping the right Physical Therapist successfully transition into companion animal rehabilitation.

nTraining and development may include:

nMentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists.

nStructured onboarding in canine and feline anatomy, handling, gait, and clinical presentation.

nTraining in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.

nHydrotherapy competency development.

nEducation in therapeutic modalities.

nCase reviews and clinical mentorship.

nIn-house workshops and skill development.

nSupport for recognized companion animal rehabilitation certification.

nOpportunities to attend continuing education courses and professional events.

nGrowth into a senior clinician, clinical educator, or leadership role as the practice expands.

nWhy Join Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness?

nAt Alpha, you will have the opportunity to apply your rehabilitation expertise in a setting where even small functional improvements can profoundly change a family’s life.

nYou may help:

nA dog walk again after spinal surgery.

nA post-operative patient return to normal activity.

nA senior pet maintain independence.

nA neurological patient stand for the first time.

nAn injured canine athlete safely return to performance.

nA family gain more comfortable and meaningful time with their pet.

nOur team values:

nCompassion

nClinical excellence

nEvidence-informed care

nInnovation

nTeamwork

nProfessional growth

nDependability

nClear communication

nExceptional client experiences

nContinuous improvement

nThis is an opportunity to combine the science of rehabilitation with the deeply rewarding experience of helping animals regain function, confidence, and quality of life.

nPosition Details

nPosition: Physical Therapist – Companion Animal Rehabilitation

nEmployment: Full-Time or Part-Time

nLocation: Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness Fairfield, New Jersey

nAvailability during Alpha’s regular weekday operating hours is required. Opportunities for educational, community, or professional events may also be available.

nHow to Apply

nPlease submit:

nYour resume

nA brief cover letter explaining your interest in companion animal rehabilitation

nYour current Physical Therapist licensure status

nAny relevant experience in orthopedics, neurology, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, geriatrics, manual therapy, post-operative care, or animal handling

nAny current or planned companion animal rehabilitation education or certification

nJoin Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness and use your rehabilitation expertise to help pets move better, recover stronger, and live healthier, happier lives.

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.