WHO WE ARE.
It’s Not Over …. It’s Just Different
Sarah MacKeigan, MScPT, MBA, Dipl. Canine Rehabilitation, Cert. Sm Animal Neuroanatomical Acupuncture & Dry Needling.
Owner, Canine Rehab Therapist, Online Educator, Creator and Inspired Dog Mom!
We believe that every dog deserves a second chance to lead an active and fulfilled life; and… Every pet parent deserves to be empowered and supported to help their dog on that journey. Learn about OUR STORY HERE
Physiotherapy is based of the human physiotherapy model. It incorporates physical therapy techniques such as mobilizing joints and muscles in animals.
We provide a variety of services such as virtual coaching, 1 on 1 in person rehab (local only), and have a wide variety of information in our Library.
Yes, you will need a referral from your veterinarian for us to work together.
The same way physiotherapy does for people! Physical rehab is one on one and delivered on a case by case basis. Sarah conducts a detailed musculoskeletal and neurological assessment is performed, a problem list developed, goals defined and treatment plan designed.
A full physical rehabilitation assessment takes 1 to 1.5 hours. At the end of it, Sarah will review everything with you, make recommendations for a treatment plan, talk with you and teach you about what you can do at home, and together you and Sarah will develop and plan of care for your best furry friend.
In 2013, one of Sarah’s beloved dogs suffered cruciate tears. Through this experience she discovered her true passion: helping dogs recover from injuries and restore their mobility so that they can return to the activities they love.
Pursuing her passion, Sarah returned to school in her 30s, completing a Master of Science in Physiotherapy, becoming a licensed physiotherapist; and then earned her Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation through the Animal Rehab Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She went on to open Upward Dog Rehab & Wellness, the first clinic space owned by a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia providing canine rehabilitation and fitness services.
Sarah has dedicated much of her time and effort to raising awareness of what can be done for dogs with musculoskeletal and, in particular, neurologic injuries/conditions. She has a very personal journey with degenerative myelopathy (DM) and from that experience created Living with Dogs with Disabilities on Facebook, hosting 100+ educational livestreams and professional interviews; furthermore, she founded an online teaching platform to empower those that have or work with dogs with DM and other spinal cord injuries by providing them with education and a supportive learning environment. She hosts online educational events and guest teaches on several platforms globally. Her efforts have reached 1000s online and earned her a nomination for Veterinary Rehab Therapist of the Year 2021 through the International Association of Vet Rehab & Physical Therapy (IAVRPT).
Jillian Squires, Client Care Consultant and C0-Owner of MRS Dog Training.
Bio coming!