Small Animal Neuro-Anatomical Acupuncture & Dry Needling Certification - Part 1

The Animal Rehabilitation Division (ARD) is comprised of a group of physical therapists passionate about the physical health and function of our canine and equine patients. We realize the importance of animals in our society and appreciate the joy of seeing them reach their full potential.

The ARD advocates that registered physiotherapists are the professionals of choice to provide animal rehabilitation. The ARD is a resource for the best practice of animal rehabilitation through education, professional development and communication within the animal health care industry. 

The benefits of membership in the division are:

• Reduced rates on courses
• Quarterly e-newsletter
• Mentorship opportunities
• Access to professional malpractice insurance for animal rehab
• Product discounts
• Educational opportunities in the U.S.
• Advocacy

Laurie holds a BScPT from the University of Alberta and a Master of Animal Studies in Animal Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland (Australia). She is certified in acupuncture and canine rehabilitation, and has been involved with the executive of the Animal Rehab Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association since its inception in 1994.

Laurie taught the first canine physiotherapy courses in Canada, the USA, and Australia. She is a sought-after lecturer and instructor in North America and abroad. Her primary teaching platform is now FourLeg.com, an online educational website. Laurie co-owns and practices out of The Canine Fitness Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 2020, she was awarded the inaugural Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist Award by the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy and in 2021 was awarded a Medal of Distinction by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Kim Barrett is an Edmonton based physiotherapist, who as a lifelong animal lover, decided to take extra training to practice on animals. She has her Diploma of Canine Rehab from the Animal Rehab Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRT) after completing her studies at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Florida. She is pursuing her Diploma of Equine Rehab presently. She graduated from Dalhousie University in 2007 with her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, having previously graduated from Dalhousie with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology.

Kim opened Paws Animal Rehab & Fitness Inc. in 2018. Kim is a member of the Alberta Force Free Alliance and has training on low stress animal handling. She has completed Dr. Sophia Yin's low stress handling course, as well as completing her Pet First Aid Certification. She treats a wide variety of conditions in animals (cruciate repairs, disc disease, vestibular issues, etc.). She enjoys working with elderly animals to improve their strength and mobility, and overall quality of life. She also enjoys working with sporting dogs to improve performance and overall conditioning.

When not treating animals, Kim is rescuing them. Be sure to ask about her fosters in care and involvement in the Edmonton rescue community. Kim also treats people - she can be found at Phoenix Physiotherapy in Spruce Grove and occasionally at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. Kim previously worked for 10 years at the Glenrose Hospital but left her full time position to pursue animal rehabilitation.

Sandra graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Physical Therapy in 2015 which was preceded by a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a major in Mind Sciences from the University of Calgary in 2010. She is the co-owner of a boutique practice in Cochrane, Alberta that works with horse rider athletes and their equine partners. One day a week she works out of the Canine Fitness Centre in Calgary, Alberta practicing on canines. She is certified in Biomedical Dry Needling and has a special interest in the biomechanical interaction of horse and rider. She is the Past Chair (2017 - 2019) of the Animal Rehab Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, working on advocacy of physio for animals. She also is the Knowledge Translation (KT) representative, which connects researchers internationally in animal physio world with clinicians in practice. She also sits on the board of International Association of Physical Therapists in Animal Practice as the secretary. In May 2021, she was an honorary recipient of the Canadian Physiotherapy Associations 100th anniversary Medal of Distinction.