We help dedicated dog owners restore their dog’s mobility and comfort through personalized physiotherapy — so they can enjoy more good days together!
In-home canine physiotherapy serving the Kingston area and on-line consults in Canada.
We help dedicated dog owners restore their dog’s mobility and comfort through personalized physiotherapy — so they can enjoy more good days together.
In-home canine physiotherapy serving the Kingston area and on-line consults in Canada.
Signs your dog might need help:
Changes in how your dog moves their body
Reluctance to do things that were once easy
Struggling to keep up on walks
Limping that comes and goes
Hesitating to go up the stairs or jump on the couch
Recovery from surgery
You’re worried something doesn’t seem right!
Your dog doesn’t have to “just live with it.”
How Pawsitively Fit Helps
When owner's reach out to us, they are often feeling worried, overwhelmed and unsure what their next step should be. Sometimes the only option they were given was surgery but they've read other options online.
Sometimes they were given a diagnosis, a recommendation for imaging or told to rest their dog.
We provide a different way forward.
Treatment Steps
Reduce Pain
Improve Strength & Mobility
Progress Back to Normal Activities With a Plan
The Results:
Less stress and anxiety!
You understand what's happening with your dog
You have a plan to follow that involves you and helps your dog
Improved quality of life
More time spent doing the things you both enjoy!
Commonly Treated Conditions
At Pawsitively Fit the most common conditions we see are senior dog mobility concerns, arthritis, cruciate ligament tears, hip and elbow dysplasia and IVDD.
I don't know the diagnosis
That's okay! A diagnosis is not required to start the process of helping your dog feel better. Often times our assessment will reveal the diagnosis. Sometimes it doesn't but that's not the problem you might think it is. Even without a diagnosis, we can still treat our findings meaning your dog can still have less pain and improved strength!
I'm not sure if you treat this
Instead of putting a laundry list of everything we can and have treated, we've listed the big ones. If you're unsure if physio would help, please ask! If we think a trip to the vet or another type of professional would be better suited to help, we'll tell you.
My dog doesn't like being touched...is rehab useless then?
Not at all! If you dog is not willing to have a hands-on assessment we'll gather as much information as possible through discussing what you've seen from your dog (e.g. how their movement has changed, any treatments you've already tried, etc), watching any videos you have of your dog, watching how they move in your home and guiding you to do the hands-on work if they are more accepting of you than us. There has never been a situation in which we couldn't find a workaround.
Some dogs will tolerate a muzzle. Some dogs do well with fear-free medications from your veterinarian.
If you are interested in physio but have concerns, please reach out to us. Virtual sessions are also available if you feel that's a more appropriate option for your dog.
Who is Shauna Slobodian
I’m a dog lover just like you. When I was 10, my parents brought home a yellow lab puppy that we named Bubbles. She was supposed to be for my younger brother but I was the one who became dog obsessed. Bubbles lived to an incredible 16.5 years old, planting the belief that dogs can and should live long lives. While I remain Lab-obsessed, I haven't met a dog I can't love.
After working as a physiotherapist for five years, I discovered that canine rehabilitation was a “thing”—and knew instantly it was for me. I earned my Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation through the Animal Rehab Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (now the Animal Rehabilitation Association of Canada).
How I treat dogs is grounded in physiotherapy principles and techniques and my own lived experience caring for my own dog.
I believe owners can provide the very best care for their dogs — when they have the right knowledge and tools. I'm thrilled to have you here.
What to Expect at Your Dog’s Appointment
Pawsitively Fit is mobile! Let us come to you!
1. History
While your dog gets used to someone new in their space, we'll talk about your concerns, goals and what you've been doing up to now. If your dog is anxious, this gives them an opportunity to relax.
2. Nose-to-Tail Assessment
We start by watching how your dog moves. We'll move into a joint by joint assessment of all of their limbs and spine. We are looking for pain, tightness and weakness. We're also telling you what we've found as we find it, so that you have a clearer understanding of your dog's body.
3. Personalized Treatment & Home Plan
Treatment depends on what we find during the assessment. Treatment may include hands-on therapies (massage, manual therapy), laser therapy, education (lifestyle changes, supplements, equipment) and exercise.
4. Home Therapy Plan
This is a vital but often overlooked part of physiotherapy and rehab. What you are doing with your dog consistently matters most! Expect homework! These are the recommendations you will be following until we see you again. We will also discuss expected outcomes from therapy and discuss how often and how many appointments your dog may need.
Common Questions from Owners
Do I need a referral from my veterinarian?
The current legislation from the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario does not mandate the need for a referral to access canine physiotherapy. If we feel you should see your veterinarian before starting physio or if assessment reveals something that requires the attention of a vet, we will recommend that you see your vet. Many insurance companies require a veterinary referral for your claims to be approved and it is the owner's responsibility to determine the needs of their individual pet insurance plan.
Will my dog be in pain during physiotherapy?
Our approach is gentle, consent-based, and focused on comfort. Most dogs relax into the hands-on work and often enjoy the extra attention. We watch closely for signs of stress or discomfort and adjust our techniques so your dog stays as comfortable as possible. During an assessment when we are looking for problem areas, we are often trying to provoke pain in order to determine areas of need.
How many sessions will my dog need?
This is determined from an assessment. Once your dog has been evaluated we can discuss a plan moving forward taking into account your goals, abilities and budget.
What if my dog does not like to be handled?
This is a common concern! Some dogs never allow for hands-on assessment or treatment. In those cases we will gather as much information as we can through a movement scan (i.e. we'll watch how the walk, sit, etc.), history and possibly owner instructed hands-on evaluation to assess your dog. In these cases, using hands-on treatment would likely increase the dog's stress/anxiety to a point that outweighs the benefits. Therapy is more heavily focused on owner education, lifestyle changes and exercise. Some dogs that are highly anxious or aggressive may benefit from fear-free meds prescribed by their vet, a muzzle or may be better suited to an online consult.
How much space do I need for your to visit me and my dog?
Not a lot! We work with many dogs in the living room and will often move the coffee table out of the way. Ideally we work with your dog on a non-slip surface so having a carpet or yoga mat ready can help.
Ready to Help Your Dog Feel Better?
We don't have an online appointment calendar. You can reach us by text, email or telephone call. Or if you prefer, we can call you back! Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch soon!
©2026 Pawsitively Fit Canine Rehab
Serving Kingston & Area
Online Consults Canada Wide
