Welcome to the Austin Canine Rehab pack!
What makes Austin Canine Rehab different?
The field of canine rehab is relatively new in the pet care industry. While more and more vets are referring their patients to rehab, pet parents all too often get the recommendation of crate rest and pain meds. While these are important recommendations in some situations and often for the short-term, many diagnoses call for a more hands-on wholistic approach. That’s where canine rehabilitation comes in!
Canine rehab is built on the principles of human physical rehab and applied to our furry counterparts, and we are seeing terrific results. Austin Canine Rehab & Wellness focuses on helping senior dogs regain their independence & ability to explore our unique city with their humans. Parents of senior dogs are often told that the decrease in mobility is just part of aging, but there is so much that can be done to help these sweet pups!
What we provide here at Austin Canine Rehab & Wellness is a long-term approach to senior dog management. Arthritis is a normal part of aging for dogs, just as it is for humans. We take what we know works in the human world and educate pet parents on how to best help their companions. Our goal is to get your dog out of pain, get them moving better, build up their lost strength, and teach you the most beneficial ways to engage your pup in a regular exercise routine. This doesn’t just mean “more walks” either. Walks can be fun, engaging and great exercise, but no amount of walking will build the strength and stability necessary during this important phase of life.
This is why our goal is to help more senior dogs get out and active with their humans and living their best lives during their golden years!
Sonia Lucas DPT, CCRT
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
My love for animals started when I was young and that passion led me to my first career as a zookeeper. As a zookeeper, I was able to further my interests and celebrate my love of the outdoors and wildlife. I was afforded many opportunities to promote the conservation of flora and fauna and to educate the public on these issues. Nurturing the relationship between humans and animals is still something I do today in my canine rehabilitation practice.
When I began my transition into the world of physical rehab, I saw other therapists helping people to get out of pain and move better. I was inspired to do the same, but with my canine counterparts! After graduating with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Langston University in OK, I moved here to Austin and started treating orthopedic and geriatric patients. It had always been my plan since PT school to work with animals and so I began my transition from human to canines. I am now proud to say that with my certification as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) from the Canine Rehab Institute, I have gone to the dogs!
As a CCRT, it is my mission to get more dogs out and active in Austin with their humans. Let’s enjoy the good life and help your dogs age beautifully in their golden years!
Texas State Liaison for the Animal Physical Therapy Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy Association
Allied Health Professional Member
Social Media Co-Chair for the Animal Physical Therapy Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy Association
Michelle Phillips DPT, CCRT
Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Michelle graduated from Rutgers University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Applied Kinesiology. She then moved to Austin in 2015 to attend physical therapy school at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. In 2017, Dr. Michelle graduated high honors with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and began practicing at an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Georgetown, TX.
After 6 years, she decided to take her career in a slightly different direction. She wanted to take her knowledge and expertise in physical rehabilitation and use it with something else she loves… dogs! Thus began her path with the Canine Rehab Institute and Austin Canine Rehab & Wellness.
Dr. Michelle lives in North Austin with her husband and two pups, Kora (German Shepherd Mix) and Emma (Chocolate Lab) whom they love very much! We are honored to have such a skilled and caring therapist on the Austin Canine Rehab team and we are excited to be able to extend our services to more areas of Austin and surrounding cities.
Michelle Phillips, DPT, Certified Canine Rehab Therapist
Caitlin Smeltzer, Client Manager
Originally from Victoria, TX , Caitlin grew up having dogs, hamsters, fish and more as pets so her love for animals runs deep. She spent 5 years working in a treatment center here in Austin and wanted to make a switch to something a little more conducive to having a new baby at home. Insert an opportunity to work with a mobile canine rehab business, and she had a match!
Now almost 2 years later, Caitlin loves being a part of our journey helping your canine family members. It is her goal to help every pet parent understand how we can help and explain every step of our process before the initial evaluation and assisting you throughout your healing journey with Austin Canine Rehab.
Caitlin Smeltzer, Client Manager
