Physical Therapist – Companion Animal Rehabilitation

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

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

At 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.

Our 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.

You 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.

Previous 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.

About the Role

The 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.

The 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.

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

Outpatient orthopedics

Neurological rehabilitation

Sports medicine

Geriatric rehabilitation

Aquatic therapy

Manual therapy

Post-operative care

Pain management

Functional mobility training

Key Responsibilities

Patient Evaluation and Clinical Assessment

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

Participate in comprehensive rehabilitation evaluations.

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

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

Assist with joint range-of-motion assessment.

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

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

Establish measurable functional goals in collaboration with the rehabilitation team.

Monitor clinical progress and recommend appropriate treatment progressions.

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

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

Therapeutic Exercise and Functional Rehabilitation

Develop and progress individualized therapeutic exercise programs.

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

Perform gait training and functional mobility exercises.

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

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

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

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

Incorporate home environment and lifestyle goals into rehabilitation planning.

Rehabilitation equipment may include:

Cavaletti rails

Balance discs

Wobble boards

Peanut balls

Platforms and step systems

Cones and obstacle courses

Harnesses and support slings

Mobility carts and assistive devices

Resistance equipment

Functional strengthening tools

Orthopedic Rehabilitation

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

Cranial cruciate ligament injury or surgery

TPLO and other stifle procedures

Patellar luxation surgery

Total hip replacement

Femoral head ostectomy

Fracture repair

Hip or elbow dysplasia

Osteoarthritis

Tendon and ligament injuries

Iliopsoas injury

Shoulder instability

Biceps tendinopathy

Muscle strains

Chronic compensatory pain

Reduced mobility associated with aging

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

Neurological Rehabilitation

Assist patients with neurological conditions such as:

Intervertebral disc disease

Fibrocartilaginous embolism

Degenerative myelopathy

Spinal cord injury

Peripheral nerve injury

Vestibular dysfunction

Post-operative spinal recovery

Paresis or paralysis

Proprioceptive deficits

Ataxia

Generalized weakness

Treatment may include:

Assisted standing

Weight shifting

Gait facilitation

Functional transfers

Neuromuscular re-education

Balance and coordination training

Sensory stimulation

Endurance progression

Caregiver instruction

Mobility-device training

Hydrotherapy

Assist with or oversee underwater treadmill rehabilitation following competency training.

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

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

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

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

Progress hydrotherapy programs based on patient response and functional goals.

Maintain patient safety during entry, treatment, and exit.

Manual Therapy

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

Soft tissue mobilization

Myofascial techniques

Gentle joint mobilization

Therapeutic stretching

Passive range of motion

Scar and tissue mobility techniques

Positioning and postural facilitation

Muscle activation and inhibition techniques

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

Therapeutic Modalities

Receive training in and assist with rehabilitation modalities such as:

Super-pulsed therapeutic laser

Focused shockwave therapy

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation

TENS

PEMF therapy

Cryotherapy

Thermotherapy

Compression and recovery techniques

Orthotics, prosthetics, braces, and mobility devices

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

Home Exercise Programs and Client Education

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

Responsibilities include:

Develop or assist with individualized home exercise programs.

Demonstrate exercises and safe handling techniques.

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

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

Review home setup and environmental modifications.

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

Explain rehabilitation goals and expected stages of recovery.

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

Communicate patient progress in clear and understandable language.

Documentation and Communication

Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation.

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

Maintain clear communication with rehabilitation team members.

Participate in case discussions and treatment planning.

Communicate with referring veterinarians and specialists when directed.

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

Ensure treatment plans remain aligned with veterinary recommendations and precautions.

Assist with progress reports and discharge recommendations.

Team and Facility Responsibilities

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

Help maintain efficient patient flow throughout the clinic.

Prepare and reset treatment areas.

Maintain equipment and report maintenance concerns.

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

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

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

Support opening, lunch, and closing workflows when needed.

Required Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program.

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

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

Excellent clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Strong communication and client-education abilities.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.

Willingness to complete companion animal rehabilitation training and mentorship.

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

Commitment to patient safety, professionalism, and compassionate care.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in any of the following is highly valued:

Outpatient orthopedics

Neurological rehabilitation

Sports medicine

Aquatic therapy

Manual therapy

Geriatric rehabilitation

Post-operative rehabilitation

Pain management

Vestibular rehabilitation

Amputee or prosthetic training

Adaptive equipment

Pelvic health as it relates to neurological function

Strength and conditioning

Previous animal handling or veterinary experience

Companion animal rehabilitation certification or coursework

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

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

The ideal candidate is:

Passionate about rehabilitation and movement.

Genuinely compassionate toward animals and their families.

Comfortable learning a new patient population.

Adaptable and open to mentorship.

Observant, patient, and detail-oriented.

Physically active and comfortable working close to the floor.

Confident in clinical reasoning but collaborative in decision-making.

Able to communicate complex concepts clearly.

Comfortable treating patients who cannot verbally describe their symptoms.

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

Interested in helping grow the field of companion animal rehabilitation.

Physical Requirements

This is an active and hands-on clinical role.

Candidates must be able to:

Stand and walk for extended periods.

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

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

Work in and around water during hydrotherapy.

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

Use harnesses, slings, carts, and mobility devices.

Assist dogs of various sizes while maintaining safe body mechanics.

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

Reasonable accommodations may be considered where appropriate.

Training and Professional Development

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

Training and development may include:

Mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists.

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

Training in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.

Hydrotherapy competency development.

Education in therapeutic modalities.

Case reviews and clinical mentorship.

In-house workshops and skill development.

Support for recognized companion animal rehabilitation certification.

Opportunities to attend continuing education courses and professional events.

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

Why Join Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness?

At 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.

You may help:

A dog walk again after spinal surgery.

A post-operative patient return to normal activity.

A senior pet maintain independence.

A neurological patient stand for the first time.

An injured canine athlete safely return to performance.

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

Our team values:

Compassion

Clinical excellence

Evidence-informed care

Innovation

Teamwork

Professional growth

Dependability

Clear communication

Exceptional client experiences

Continuous improvement

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

Position Details

Position: Physical Therapist – Companion Animal Rehabilitation

Employment: Full-Time or Part-Time

Location: Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness Fairfield, New Jersey

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

How to Apply

Please submit:

Your resume

A brief cover letter explaining your interest in companion animal rehabilitation

Your current Physical Therapist licensure status

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

Any current or planned companion animal rehabilitation education or certification

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