American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians

If you have found your way to this website, handicappedpets.com, you are probably familiar with the need for physical rehabilitation in veterinary medicine. This is still a new and emerging field. There are few veterinarians in the country who are trained in rehab medicine, but the number is growing. As the interest and education grows, it is important for these veterinarians to work together for the health and well being of the animals, and there is a need to form groups and committees who can oversee the practice of this new field and share information and experience.

We are pleased to announce the formation of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians. This association of veterinarians is dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals through physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). The primary objectives of the AARV are to advance this new modality in the general public as well as in the veterinary community, encourage continuing professional education and promote research. Any veterinarian or veterinary student who has an interest in rehabilitation medicine is welcome to join.

The AARV is developing the programs needed to accomplish its goals. You can find out more about the organization (or find a member in your area) by looking at the website: www.rehabvets.org. There are links and information for pet owners as well as veterinarians.

The AARV was formed in 2007 by Dr. Julia Tomlinson. Dr. Tomlinson owns Twin Cities Animal Rehabilitation outside Minneapolis, MN. She is a board certified surgeon and certified rehab practitioner. At the first meeting of the newly formed organization, which was held at the International Rehab Conference in Minneapolis in August 2008, the first board of directors was inducted. Dr. Tomlinson was voted in as president. Vice President Dr. Evelyn Orenbuch practices canine rehab, chiropractic and acupuncture in the Philadelphia area. Dr. Julie Mayer, Secretary, is a partner at Integrative Pet Care near Chicago, which practices small animal rehab, chiropractic and acupuncture. Dr. Mark Brown, Treasurer, owns the Tampa Bay K-9 Rehabilitation Center in Florida. Dr. Rick Wall, Public Liaison, owns the Veterinary Rehabilitation Center in The Woodlands, TX. Board certified surgeon Dr. Sherman Canapp, Industry Liaison, owns the Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group in the Baltimore-Washington DC metropolitan area.

For more information about veterinary rehabilitation and physical medicine or to contact a member, please visit the website

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