SPECIALIST DIRECTORY PAGE
Find a canine rehabilitation specialist
Helping you find the expert who can help your dog the most.
Why finding the right specialist changes everything
Rehabilitation for FCE is not something to navigate alone, and not something a general vet is typically equipped to guide in detail. A certified canine rehabilitation professional brings specialized training in neurological recovery, access to equipment your dog needs (underwater treadmill, laser therapy, electrical stimulation), and the experience to design a progressive program tailored to exactly where your dog is in recovery.
Max began working with Stephanie at the Animal Rehabilitation Center of Michigan less than two weeks after his stroke. He walked in — carried, actually — not knowing if he’d ever use his legs again. Six months later, he left at 90–95% recovered.
The right specialist changes the trajectory. Find one as fast as you can.
Certification bodies — how to find a qualified professional
CCRP — Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Credentialed through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI). Search the directory at:
[caninerehabinstitute.com/find-a-practitioner]
CCRT — Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
Credentialed through the University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work program. Search at:
[utvetce.com/find-a-therapist]
CVSMT — Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapist
For chiropractic care. Search through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association at:
[animalchiropractic.org]
Diplomate ACVSMR — Specialist in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Board-certified specialists — the highest level of training in this field. Often found at veterinary teaching hospitals and specialty centers.
What to ask when you call
- Are you experienced with FCE specifically (as opposed to IVDD, post-surgical rehab)?
- Do you have an underwater treadmill / hydrotherapy pool?
- Do you offer laser therapy and electrical stimulation?
- How soon can you see us? (If the answer is weeks away, ask about a telehealth consultation in the meantime)
- Do you offer a home exercise program we can follow between sessions?
- Can you communicate with our neurologist directly?
Telehealth options
If you are not near a specialist, telehealth canine rehabilitation consultations are increasingly available. A remote therapist can evaluate video of your dog walking and design a home exercise program. It is not equivalent to in-person care, but it is dramatically better than no guidance at all.
Search: “canine rehabilitation telehealth” or ask your neurologist for a referral.
Community-recommended specialists
The following are recommended by FCEDogs.com community members. Inclusion does not constitute a formal endorsement — always do your own research and consult your veterinarian.
Michigan
Stephanie at Animal Rehabilitation Center of Michigan (ARC Rehab)
[@arcrehab on Instagram]
“Max arrived growling and biting. She became one of his favorite people. I cannot recommend her highly enough.” — Max’s owner
[Submit your recommended specialist — link to Google Form]
Submit a specialist recommendation
Have a rehab vet, neurologist, or acupuncturist who made a real difference for your dog? We want to hear about them.
[Submit a specialist → link to Google Form]
We’ll collect name, practice, location, specialty, and what they helped with — and build this directory with community input over time.
A note on neurologists vs. rehab specialists
These are different roles:
Veterinary neurologist — a specialist in diagnosing and treating conditions of the nervous system. They will confirm (or rule out) FCE, perform the neurological assessment, interpret MRI results, and advise on overall prognosis. They are your first call after your general vet.
Canine rehabilitation specialist — a therapist (often a veterinarian or physical therapist with additional certification) who designs and delivers the rehabilitation program. They are your second call, as fast as possible after diagnosis.
Both matter. Neither replaces the other.
Know of a specialist who should be listed here? [Submit a recommendation.]
Is your practice listed here incorrectly or want to update your information? [Contact us.]
FCEDogs.com does not accept payment for directory listings. This directory is built from community recommendations and is provided for informational purposes only.