Advanced Recovery & Wellness in Our New Rehabilitation Center
Healing doesn’t end when surgery is complete or an injury begins to mend. At Santaluz Animal Care, we understand that comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for your pet’s full recovery and long-term wellness. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our new onsite rehabilitation facility, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and Fear Free protocols designed to help your pet regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
As San Diego’s only Fear Free and AAHA-accredited practice, we bring the same exceptional standard of care to our rehabilitation services. Our new facility provides a calm, supportive environment where your pet can focus on healing and rebuilding strength at their own pace.
Revolutionary Underwater Treadmill Therapy
The Gold Standard in Canine Rehabilitation
At Santaluz, rehabilitation is a Fear Free experience centered on your pet’s emotional and physical well-being. We begin with a comprehensive assessment and craft an individualized plan based on your pet’s condition, surgery, personality, and goals, coordinating closely with your primary veterinarian. Every session is supervised by trained professionals who monitor progress and adjust care as needed; first-time patients receive a gentle, low-stress introduction to the underwater treadmill to acclimate at their own pace. We advance gradually—building confidence, strength, and mobility—while continuously evaluating results to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective therapy.
Our Underwater Treadmill
Our centerpiece rehabilitation tool is our advanced underwater treadmill system – a cutting-edge technology that’s transforming how we approach pet recovery and fitness. This remarkable device combines the therapeutic benefits of water with controlled exercise, creating an ideal environment for safe, effective rehabilitation.
How Underwater Treadmill Therapy Works
The underwater treadmill allows your pet to exercise in a controlled aquatic environment where water depth and speed can be precisely adjusted to meet their specific needs. Water buoyancy reduces stress on joints and surgical sites while the resistance provides gentle strength training.
Conditions We Treat
- Post-Surgical Recovery
TPLO/TTA rehab; strength building; incision care; range-of-motion restoration - Orthopedic Conditions
Arthritis relief, hip/elbow dysplasia therapy, joint mobility improvement - Weight Management
Safe exercise, low-impact cardio, joint-friendly muscle building, and sustainable routines - Neurological Support
Spinal rehab; mobility support; balance/coordination; gait retraining - General Wellness
Senior fitness, working-dog conditioning, preventive care for at-risk breeds, overall strength and endurance
Benefits of Underwater Treadmill Therapy
- Reduced Joint Stress: Water buoyancy decreases weight-bearing load by up to 60%
- Enhanced Circulation: Hydrostatic pressure improves blood flow and reduces swelling
- Controlled Environment: Precise control over speed, depth, and duration
- Faster Recovery: Accelerated healing and return to normal activity
- Pain Management: Natural pain relief through warm water therapy
- Improved Range of Motion: Gentle resistance helps restore full mobility
- Cardiovascular Benefits: Low-impact aerobic exercise for overall health
Starting Your Pet’s Rehabilitation Journey
If your pet is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply needs to improve their fitness level, our rehabilitation services can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a rehabilitation consultation and learn how our underwater treadmill therapy can help your pet achieve their recovery goals in a Fear Free® environment.
At Santaluz Animal Care, we believe every pet deserves the chance to live their most active, comfortable life. Our advanced rehabilitation services are here to make that possible.