Education, Professional Development and Communication for the Canadian Animal Healthcare Industry The Animal Rehabilitation Association of Canada (ARAC) is a new association in partnership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. ARAC is a group of (human) physiotherapists certified in animal rehabilitation that are passionate about the physical health and function of our small and large animal patients.
Understanding Animal Rehabilitation and its Importance Animal rehabilitation is a holistic and multidisciplinary approach aimed at helping injured, ill, or post-surgical animals recover and regain function
What is Animal Rehabilitation?
Animal rehabilitation is the application of physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques to animal patients (i.e. horses, farm animals, dogs, cats, or other small animals). Human physiotherapists have extensive training in the assessment and treatment of not only musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, but also neurological conditions, spinal injuries and vestibular (inner ear) dysfunction. Read more…
Key Components of Animal Rehabilitation
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Manual Therapy
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Assistive Devices and Support
- Pain Management
- Client Education and Home Care
- Monitoring and Reassessment
ARAC Provides Resources to Physiotherapists, Pet Owners and Veterinarians From best practices to advocacy and awareness, we are committed to staying current with new methods, important research and issues that impact the well-being of the animal rehabilitation community.
For Physiotherapists
If you love animals, nothing is more rewarding than using your skills to rehabilitate animal patients.
For Animal Owners
Animal Rehabilitation can help to restore function and to facilitate your animal’s return to the activities they love. Learn more about how ARAC approaches animal rehabilitation.
For Veterinarians & Allied Care
ARAC promotes collaboration with the referring veterinarians and other allied animal health care professionals to achieve the best outcomes of care for patients and their owners.
Become an ARAC Member! ARAC members come together to share methods, learn new techniques and connect with other animal rehabilitation professionals.
Continuing Education
ARAC promotes excellence in the field of animal rehabilitation by offering a process for credentialing and continued professional development for physiotherapists providing rehabilitative care to animals.
ARAC offers both Canine and Equine Diploma programs for Physiotherapists who are licensed in Canada, or were previously licensed and have retired.
Member Newsletter
ARAC Membership Benefits
Becoming an ARAC member offers you the opportunity to connect with a supportive community of like-minded professionals, access ongoing education and training. Membership provides valuable resources such as:
- Reduced rates on courses
- Quarterly e-newsletter
- Mentorship opportunities
- Access to professional malpractice insurance for animal rehab
- Product discounts
- Advocacy