Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness·West Caldwell, New Jersey
The Physical Therapist will evaluate, treat, and progress companion animal rehabilitation patients using therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and specialized equipment. They will also collaborate with the veterinary team, educate pet owners on home care, and maintain accurate clinical documentation.
Bring Your Rehabilitation Expertise Into a Career That Changes Lives—One Step at a Time Are you a licensed Physical Therapist looking for a unique and meaningful way to expand your clinical career?
At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we are seeking a compassionate, motivated, and clinically driven Physical Therapist who is interested in transitioning into the rapidly growing field of companion animal rehabilitation.
Our practice specializes in canine and feline orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, pain management, senior mobility, conditioning, and fitness. This role offers the opportunity to apply your background in movement science, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy, and functional recovery to help pets regain mobility, independence, and quality of life.
You will work alongside experienced Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists in a collaborative, hands-on environment while receiving structured training and mentorship in canine and feline rehabilitation.
Previous animal rehabilitation experience is preferred but not required. We are willing to train the right candidate who has a strong rehabilitation foundation, excellent clinical judgment, and a genuine passion for animals.
The Physical Therapist will contribute to the evaluation, treatment, progression, and education of companion animal rehabilitation patients within the individual’s training, credentials, and applicable professional requirements.
The ideal candidate will bring strong clinical reasoning, a thorough understanding of biomechanics and functional movement, and experience treating orthopedic, neurological, post-operative, or medically complex patients.
Outpatient orthopedics
Neurological rehabilitation
Sports medicine
Geriatric rehabilitation
Aquatic therapy
Manual therapy
Post-operative care
Pain management
Functional mobility training
Key Responsibilities Patient Evaluation and Clinical Assessment: Following appropriate training and under established clinic protocols, responsibilities may include:
Participate in comprehensive rehabilitation evaluations.
Review medical history, surgical reports, diagnostic findings, precautions, and referring veterinarian recommendations.
Assess posture, stance, gait, mobility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and functional movement.
Assist with joint range-of-motion assessment.
Evaluate weight bearing, compensatory movement patterns, muscle symmetry, and functional limitations.
Identify orthopedic and neurological impairments that may affect mobility and quality of life.
Establish measurable functional goals in collaboration with the rehabilitation team.
Monitor clinical progress and recommend appropriate treatment progressions.
Recognize changes that require veterinary consultation or modification of the rehabilitation plan.
All services must be performed within the clinician’s education, training, applicable legal scope, and Alpha’s established clinical structure.
Develop and progress individualized therapeutic exercise programs.
Guide patients through strengthening, balance, flexibility, coordination, endurance, and proprioceptive activities.
Perform gait training and functional mobility exercises.
Assist neurological patients with standing, weight shifting, transfers, postural control, and locomotor training.
Progress post-operative patients through safe and structured stages of recovery.
Modify exercises based on pain, fatigue, compensation, movement quality, and patient tolerance.
Use positive reinforcement and low-stress handling techniques to improve patient participation.
Incorporate home environment and lifestyle goals into rehabilitation planning.
Rehabilitation equipment may include: Cavaletti rails
Balance discs
Wobble boards
Peanut balls
Platforms and step systems
Cones and obstacle courses
Harnesses and support slings
Mobility carts and assistive devices
Resistance equipment
Functional strengthening tools
Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Assist with the management of patients recovering from or living with conditions such as:
Cranial cruciate ligament injury or surgery
TPLO and other stifle procedures
Patellar luxation surgery
Total hip replacement
Femoral head ostectomy
Fracture repair
Hip or elbow dysplasia
Osteoarthritis: Tendon and ligament injuries
Iliopsoas injury
Shoulder instability
Biceps tendinopathy
Muscle strains
Chronic compensatory pain
Reduced mobility associated with aging
may include restoring joint mobility, improving strength, reducing compensatory movement, rebuilding endurance, and supporting a safe return to function.
Assist patients with neurological conditions such as: Intervertebral disc disease
Fibrocartilaginous embolism
Degenerative myelopathy
Spinal cord injury
Peripheral nerve injury
Vestibular dysfunction
Post-operative spinal recovery
Paresis or paralysis
Proprioceptive deficits
Ataxia: Generalized weakness
Treatment may include: Assisted standing
Weight shifting
Gait facilitation
Functional transfers
Neuromuscular re-education
Balance and coordination training
Sensory stimulation
Endurance progression
Caregiver instruction
Mobility-device training
Assist with or oversee underwater treadmill rehabilitation following competency training.
Determine appropriate exercise goals based on the patient’s diagnosis and functional status.
Modify water depth, treadmill speed, duration, support level, and movement pattern under established protocols.
Monitor gait quality, posture, fatigue, respiratory effort, pain, and patient tolerance.
Use harnesses, slings, flotation devices, and manual facilitation as appropriate.
Progress hydrotherapy programs based on patient response and functional goals.
Maintain patient safety during entry, treatment, and exit.
Soft tissue mobilization
Myofascial techniques
Gentle joint mobilization
Therapeutic stretching
Passive range of motion
Scar and tissue mobility techniques
Positioning and postural facilitation
Muscle activation and inhibition techniques
Manual interventions should be selected based on patient presentation, tolerance, and functional goals.
Super-pulsed therapeutic laser
Focused shockwave therapy
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
TENS: PEMF therapy
Thermotherapy: Compression and recovery techniques
Orthotics, prosthetics, braces, and mobility devices
All modalities will be used according to established clinical protocols, safety standards, and demonstrated competency.
Home Exercise Programs and Client Education A major part of this role involves helping pet parents become confident participants in their pet’s recovery.
Responsibilities: include:
Develop or assist with individualized home exercise programs.
Demonstrate exercises and safe handling techniques.
Educate clients on exercise frequency, duration, progression, and precautions.
Teach safe transfers, assisted walking, sling use, and mobility support.
Review home setup and environmental modifications.
Help clients identify signs of pain, fatigue, compensation, or reduced tolerance.
Explain rehabilitation goals and expected stages of recovery.
Provide compassionate guidance to families managing chronic, progressive, or life-changing conditions.
Communicate patient progress in clear and understandable language.
Documentation and Communication Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation.
Record patient response, treatment interventions, progress, and relevant observations.
Maintain clear communication with rehabilitation team members.
Participate in case discussions and treatment planning.
Communicate with referring veterinarians and specialists when directed.
Report changes in pain, neurological status, mobility, endurance, behavior, or medical condition.
Ensure treatment plans remain aligned with veterinary recommendations and precautions.
Assist with progress reports and discharge recommendations.
Team and Facility Responsibilities Collaborate with rehabilitation therapists, veterinary technicians, assistants, and client care staff.
Help maintain efficient patient flow throughout the clinic.
Prepare and reset treatment areas.
Maintain equipment and report maintenance concerns.
Participate in staff meetings, continuing education, and clinical training.
Contribute to clinic protocols, patient education, and team development.
Help create a positive, organized, safe, and professional treatment environment.
Support opening, lunch, and closing workflows when needed.
Required Qualifications Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program.
Current Physical Therapist license in good standing, or eligibility for licensure.
Strong knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, and functional movement.
Excellent clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and client-education abilities.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
Willingness to complete companion animal rehabilitation training and mentorship.
Comfort working hands-on with dogs and cats of various sizes and mobility levels.
Commitment to patient safety, professionalism, and compassionate care.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in any of the following is highly valued:
Outpatient orthopedics
Neurological rehabilitation
Sports medicine
Aquatic therapy
Manual therapy
Geriatric rehabilitation
Post-operative rehabilitation
Pain management
Vestibular rehabilitation
Amputee or prosthetic training
Adaptive equipment
Pelvic health as it relates to neurological function
Strength and conditioning
Previous animal handling or veterinary experience
Companion animal rehabilitation certification or coursework
Candidates who already hold or are pursuing a recognized companion animal rehabilitation certification are strongly encouraged to apply.
Passionate about rehabilitation and movement.
Genuinely compassionate toward animals and their families.
Comfortable learning a new patient population.
Adaptable and open to mentorship.
Observant, patient, and detail-oriented.
Physically active and comfortable working close to the floor.
Confident in clinical reasoning but collaborative in decision-making.
Able to communicate complex concepts clearly.
Comfortable treating patients who cannot verbally describe their symptoms.
Motivated by functional outcomes and quality-of-life improvement.
Interested in helping grow the field of companion animal rehabilitation.
Physical Requirements This is an active and hands-on clinical role.
Stand and walk for extended periods.
Frequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, and transition between floor and standing positions.
Assist with lifting, supporting, or transferring patients when appropriate.
Work in and around water during hydrotherapy.
Safely support patients with weakness, pain, paralysis, balance deficits, or impaired coordination.
Use harnesses, slings, carts, and mobility devices.
Assist dogs of various sizes while maintaining safe body mechanics.
Perform repeated setup, treatment, documentation, and equipment-reset tasks throughout the day.
Reasonable accommodations may be considered where appropriate.
Training and Professional Development Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness is committed to helping the right Physical Therapist successfully transition into companion animal rehabilitation.
Mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists.
Structured onboarding in canine and feline anatomy, handling, gait, and clinical presentation.
Training in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.
Hydrotherapy competency development.
Education in therapeutic modalities.
Case reviews and clinical mentorship.
In-house workshops and skill development.
Support for recognized companion animal rehabilitation certification.
Opportunities to attend continuing education courses and professional events.
Growth into a senior clinician, clinical educator, or leadership role as the practice expands.
Why Join Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness? At Alpha, you will have the opportunity to apply your rehabilitation expertise in a setting where even small functional improvements can profoundly change a family’s life.
A dog walk again after spinal surgery.
A post-operative patient return to normal activity.
A senior pet maintain independence.
A neurological patient stand for the first time.
An injured canine athlete safely return to performance.
A family gain more comfortable and meaningful time with their pet.
Compassion: Clinical excellence
Evidence-informed care
Teamwork: Professional growth
Dependability: Clear communication
Exceptional client experiences
Continuous improvement
This is an opportunity to combine the science of rehabilitation with the deeply rewarding experience of helping animals regain function, confidence, and quality of life.
Position Details: Position: Physical Therapist – Companion Animal Rehabilitation
Employment: Full-Time or Part-Time
Location: Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness Fairfield, New Jersey
Availability during Alpha’s regular weekday operating hours is required. Opportunities for educational, community, or professional events may also be available.
How To Apply: Please submit:
Your resume
A brief cover letter explaining your interest in companion animal rehabilitation
Your current Physical Therapist licensure status
Any relevant experience in orthopedics, neurology, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, geriatrics, manual therapy, post-operative care, or animal handling
Any current or planned companion animal rehabilitation education or certification
Join Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness and use your rehabilitation expertise to help pets move better, recover stronger, and live healthier, happier lives.
Candidates must hold a current Physical Therapist license and have graduated from an accredited program. Strong clinical reasoning skills and a willingness to undergo training in companion animal rehabilitation are required.
Market context
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