Physical Therapist - Companion Animal Rehabilitation

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness • West Caldwell, NJ

21h • Onsite

About The Position

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness is seeking a licensed Physical Therapist to provide rehabilitation services for companion animals, primarily dogs and cats. The role applies the clinician’s rehabilitation expertise in movement science, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy, and functional recovery to support mobility, independence, and quality of life. The practice treats orthopedic and neurological conditions, post-operative recovery, pain, age-related mobility concerns, conditioning, and fitness.

The Physical Therapist contributes to evaluation, treatment, progression, and education within their training, credentials, applicable legal scope, and the clinic’s protocols. The clinician works collaboratively with Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists and other clinic staff. Structured onboarding, mentorship, and training are available for a qualified candidate transitioning into animal rehabilitation; prior animal rehabilitation experience is preferred but not required.

Treatment may include individualized therapeutic exercise, gait and functional mobility training, hydrotherapy, manual techniques, therapeutic modalities, and home exercise programs. The position also involves documentation, communication with clients and veterinary professionals, teamwork, and helping maintain a safe and organized clinical environment. This is an active, hands-on role involving extended periods standing and walking, frequent changes between floor-level and standing work, patient support, and work in and around water.

The position is offered full-time or part-time at Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness in Fairfield, New Jersey. Availability during the clinic’s regular weekday operating hours is required. Compensation is $50.00–$65.00 per hour.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, and transition between floor and standing positions.
• Ability to assist with lifting, supporting, or transferring patients when appropriate and to work in and around water during hydrotherapy.
• Ability to safely support patients with weakness, pain, paralysis, balance deficits, or impaired coordination; use harnesses, slings, carts, and mobility devices; and assist dogs of various sizes while maintaining safe body mechanics.
• Ability to perform repeated setup, treatment, documentation, and equipment-reset tasks throughout the day.
• Availability during the clinic’s regular weekday operating hours.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in outpatient orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, manual therapy, geriatric rehabilitation, post-operative rehabilitation, pain management, or vestibular rehabilitation.
• Experience in amputee or prosthetic training, adaptive equipment, or pelvic health as it relates to neurological function.
• Previous animal handling or veterinary experience.
• Companion animal rehabilitation certification or coursework; candidates holding or pursuing a recognized certification are strongly encouraged to apply.
• A background in outpatient orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, sports medicine, geriatric rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, manual therapy, post-operative care, or pain management.
• Observant, patient, detail-oriented, adaptable, and receptive to mentorship; able to communicate complex concepts clearly and work collaboratively in clinical decision-making.
• Interest in continuing education, professional events, and growth into a senior clinician, clinical educator, or leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Participate in rehabilitation evaluations and review medical histories, surgical reports, diagnostic findings, precautions, and veterinarian recommendations.
• Assess posture, stance, gait, mobility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, functional movement, joint range of motion, weight bearing, and functional limitations.
• Collaborate with the rehabilitation team to establish measurable goals, monitor progress, and recommend appropriate treatment progressions.
• Recognize changes that may require veterinary consultation or changes to the rehabilitation plan.
• Develop and progress individualized therapeutic exercise programs, including strengthening, balance, flexibility, coordination, endurance, and proprioceptive activities.
• Guide gait training, functional mobility exercises, and neurological rehabilitation activities such as assisted standing, weight shifting, transfers, postural control, and locomotor training.
• Progress post-operative patients through structured recovery stages and modify exercises based on pain, fatigue, compensation, movement quality, and patient tolerance.
• Use positive reinforcement and low-stress handling techniques to support patient participation.
• Assist with or oversee underwater treadmill rehabilitation after competency training; monitor patient response and maintain safety during treatment and transitions.
• Use manual therapy techniques as appropriate to training, competency, clinic protocols, patient presentation, and functional goals.
• Receive training in and assist with rehabilitation modalities according to protocols, safety standards, and demonstrated competency.
• Develop or assist with home exercise programs and teach clients exercises, safe handling, transfers, assisted walking, sling use, precautions, and environmental modifications.
• Educate clients about rehabilitation goals, expected recovery stages, and signs of pain, fatigue, compensation, or reduced tolerance; communicate progress clearly and compassionately.
• Complete timely clinical documentation of interventions, patient responses, progress, and relevant observations.
• Communicate with team members and, when directed, referring veterinarians and specialists; participate in case discussions and treatment planning.
• Report changes in pain, neurological status, mobility, endurance, behavior, or medical condition, and help ensure plans align with veterinary recommendations and precautions.
• Assist with progress reports and discharge recommendations.
• Collaborate with therapists, veterinary technicians, assistants, and client care staff; help maintain patient flow and prepare and reset treatment areas.
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance concerns; participate in staff meetings, continuing education, and clinical training.
• Contribute to protocols, patient education, team development, and a safe, organized, professional treatment environment.
• Support opening, lunch, and closing workflows when needed.

Benefits

• Mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists.
• Structured onboarding and training in canine and feline anatomy, handling, gait, and clinical presentation.
• Training in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic modalities.
• Case reviews, clinical mentorship, in-house workshops, and skill development.
• Support for recognized companion animal rehabilitation certification.
• Opportunities to attend continuing education courses and professional events.
• Potential growth into a senior clinician, clinical educator, or leadership role as the practice expands.
• Reasonable accommodations may be considered where appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level