I’m here for my pet’s first rehab appointment! What now?
When you arrive for your pet’s first session, please call or text us at (615) 595-7170 to check in. We now have a sign in our parking lot directing you to the main rehab building!
Due to space limitations, clients are not currently permitted into our building, but we are more than happy to take pictures or video of your pet’s session for you! As most sessions are an hour or less, we ask that clients wait in their vehicle or hang out nearby. We will text or call you when your pet is ready to be picked up. A team member will bring your pet out to you.
What is my pet’s first session going to be like?
As a Fear Free certified practice, we are committed to making your pet as comfortable as possible. We want them to look forward to their sessions with us! Depending on your pet’s FAS (Fear, Anxiety, & Stress) score, their first session may be abbreviated to prevent unnecessary distress.
If your pet’s treatment plan includes the underwater treadmill, we will spend a few minutes walking them in and out of the treadmill, with plenty of positive reinforcement. Depending on their comfort level, we may not fill the treadmill with water on the first day.
I have a specific day and time that works best for me. Can I have standing appointments in my desired time slot each week?
Though we’ll make every effort to schedule you at your preferred time, we are not always able to accommodate very specific requests. We always recommend booking appointments at least a few weeks in advance (eg: two months at a time) if you have very specific scheduling requirements. (Generally speaking, the further out you book, the easier it is for us to accommodate you.) New appointments need to be requested; once your pre-booked appointments have run out, it’s your responsibility to contact us to schedule future sessions.
How do I pay for my appointments?
We will be happy to assist you at the front window of the main rehab building. We are able to keep your credit card information securely on file for your convenience. You are also welcome to pay by phone at (615) 595-7170 or online at www.animaliawellness.com
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Can my dog be off-leash? He’s well-behaved.
For the safety of our clients and patients, leashes are required for all dogs on the Animalia campus. Please ask a team member for a slip lead if you forget your leash at home.
My dog is incontinent. Can he still use the underwater treadmill?
For the health and safety of all our patients, pets who are incontinent are not permitted in the underwater treadmill. The underwater treadmill is also contraindicated in pets with urinary tract infections, skin infections, or open wounds. Additionally, inclement weather such as lightning may prevent your pet from using the treadmill, but we’ll make every effort to notify you prior to your appointment should you prefer to reschedule.
My dog is very anxious. Is he a good candidate for rehab?
We use every tool at our disposal to make fearful dogs as comfortable as possible during their sessions with us. Our practice utilizes a Fear Free approach, which recognizes that the needs and preferences of every animal are unique to them. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, an animal is simply too anxious for in-clinic therapy. We are happy to work with you to establish an in-home plan as an alternative.
What is Fear Free?
Animalia is proud to be Fear Free certified Fear Free is a set of courses and programs designed by pet professionals, for pet professionals. Fear Free’s aim is to create a stress-free environment for animals by educating the people who care for them. Both individual professionals and entire clinics can become Fear Free certified. You can learn more about this approach at www.fearfreepets.com
What's Next
Call us or schedule an appointment online.
Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.
Put a plan together for your pet.
