An innovative new physio and hydrotherapy centre for dogs is set to open in Harrogate next month.
Veterinary physiotherapist Sophie Brook is hoping to launch the facility on Skipton Road at the end of August.
The first of its kind in Harrogate, it will offer physiotherapy, rehabilitation hydrotherapy, fun and fitness swims and puppy confidence swims.
Ms Brook, who owns The Harrogate Vet Physio, has been working on a mobile basis for the last two years, treating dogs and horses.
She has spent that time looking for a suitable location to be able to also offer hydrotherapy, which she currently practises at a centre in Brighouse.
And she finally found the perfect unit at Dragon Court Business Park, which will offer a 6m x 2.5m heated dog swimming pool and a physio room.
Ms Brook, who studied veterinary physiotherapy for four years, said:
“I always wanted a pool because hydrotherapy is so good for dogs. The pool is getting fitted next month and hopefully it will be open at the end of August.
“It can help with problems such as arthritis in older dogs and hip and elbow dysplasia. There are also things like cruciate injuries that be helped through physio and hydrotherapy.”
Ms Brook said the swimming sessions were aimed at helping puppies and dogs gain confidence in the water, as not all are natural swimmers.
She said:
“You would be surprised how many dogs can’t swim. For some it’s not a natural ability. It also helps puppies gain confidence around water so if they fall in, they don’t go into full panic mode.
“I’m really excited to launch the new centre. People in Harrogate are big dog lovers, so it is the ideal place to do it.”
A signed referral form is needed for all of the sessions, including fun and puppy swims, and can be found here.
