Question 1

What should I expect after I submit the schedule request form?

Accepted Answer

Once you submit the schedule request form, you will be contacted within 1-2 business days to schedule your first session. Then, you will be sent an electronic intake form that asks you more detailed questions about your pet and your goals for PT. You will also receive copies of our clinic policies (consent for PT, cancellation and no-show policy, and social media release form) to review and sign before the first session.

Question 2

Do I need a vet referral for animal PT? How do I obtain one?

Accepted Answer

Yes, physical therapists are legally required to have a vet referral on file to provide animal rehabilitation in Oregon.

We can begin the scheduling process prior to receiving the referral, however we cannot move forward with the evaluation and treatment until we get the referral.

To obtain a referral, your vet must complete the vet referral form. Your vet can either submit the form electronically through this website, send me an email with the completed form, or send the form to you to pass on to me. To access the form, please visit this page:

Please contact me if there are issues or questions about this process.

Question 3

What does a typical PT session look like?

Accepted Answer

There are two main types of PT sessions: an initial evaluation and a follow-up treatment session.

An initial evaluation is a way to collect information from both you and your pet about what is currently going on. The session will typically start with a discussion verifying and building on the responses from the intake form questions that you will fill out before the session and setting goals for the plan of care. Then I will observe your pet in their own environment and complete a hands-on assessment. Lastly, we will discuss my findings and work together to determine the best plan forward including a home exercise program and a recommendation of number of follow-up sessions.

A treatment session will typically include a brief discussion of how things have been going since the last visit followed by hands-on intervention techniques (e.g., exercises, manual therapy techniques, etc.). By the end of the session, I will make sure all your questions have been answered and any changes to the home exercise program are fully relayed.

Question 4

What should I do to prepare for my first PT session?

Accepted Answer

Prior to any PT session, it is recommended that you ensure there is a safe space in your home for us to complete the session. Most clients tend to set up a spare room or the living room, but it is completely up to you and what's best for your situation. Whatever space you choose, ideally there will be a surface with carpet or rugs so the animal does not slip on the floor during the activities. It is also helpful to make sure any other pets in your home do not have access to the space during the session if possible.

Additionally, it may be helpful to reduce calorie intake for your pet leading up to (or after) the session. During the session, I will be using kibble/treats to build trust with your pet and to encourage participation in different skills, so it can sometimes upset your pet's stomach if it's more food than they are used to.

Question 5

How many total sessions are usually needed for one plan of care?

Accepted Answer

The total number of sessions can vary greatly based on many factors, such as age of your pet, how acute/recent or severe your pet's injury or condition is, and how active the pet participates with the exercises within and outside of PT sessions.

My treatment philosophy is such that I will help coach you on how to complete many of the exercises and manual skills at home and how to safely progress them. It is always my goal to find a way to help your pet improve in the fewest number of sessions possible.

That being said, the total number of treatment sessions will likely range from 4 to 12 sessions hence why my pricing list includes 4-session treatment packages at a reduced rate. We will end the initial evaluation with a discussion of my recommendation and then you have time to consider before choosing a package. And based on the number of sessions you choose, we can discuss the optimal way to spread the sessions out whether they are weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, etc.

Question 6

Does pet insurance cover animal PT?

Accepted Answer

Many pet insurance companies do include rehabilitation as a covered item though there may be some restrictions on who can administer it or how many sessions are covered. I recommend looking closely at your policy/plan to see what is included and what information is needed in order to get reimbursed for it.

I am always happy to look it over with you and send you copies of documentation or invoices as needed. Additionally, if there are stipulations saying the rehabilitation must be performed by a licensed veterinarian, there may be workarounds by sending them information from Oregon's state practice acts showing physical therapists can provide animal rehabilitation with referral from a vet.

Please reach out at any time if you need help with this!

Question 7

Do you offer telehealth/video sessions?

Accepted Answer

Short answer -- yes, telehealth is an option.

Longer answer -- because rehabilitation is such a hands-on process, in person sessions tend to be much more productive and useful. However, there may be situations in which sessions may not be safe or productive due to behaviors or interactions between myself and an animal. That said, telehealth may be deemed a more appropriate avenue and we can discuss that if the situation arises.

I also recognize that there is a limited number of rehab practitioners in the state of Oregon, so if there are clients who live far outside Linn and Benton counties, there may be options to pursue telehealth consults or follow-up sessions after an initial evaluation done in person. Please reach out to me to discuss these options.

Question 8

How can I purchase rehab equipment?

Accepted Answer

One of the main benefits of Clowder Rehab being a mobile practice is that we can work together to find ways to use your existing furniture and equipment to perform many of the exercises. However, if there is a specific modality or piece of equipment you want to purchase, you can find many of them through Amazon or medical equipment companies.

If you would like to purchase something through Paw Prosper, please let me know and I can help secure a discount for you.

I'm also happy to review anything you find online to help decide the best one to order.

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