FAQs

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.

We Proudly Serve the Pets of Danville, CA, and beyond.

At The Animal Wellness Center of Danville, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at (925) 318-5100 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.

What type of pets do you see?

We see dogs and cats only.

What are your payment options?
We accept cash, debit cards, credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express), and CareCredit.
How can I schedule an appointment for my pet?

Booking an appointment with us is easy! You can book an appointment by contacting us.

What services do you provide?

Click here to view all the services we offer in detail.

Veterinary Rehabilitation FAQs

What is rehabilitation? Is it just the underwater treadmill?

Veterinary rehabilitation is similar to physical therapy for people. It uses guided movement, hands-on techniques, and targeted exercises to improve your pet’s strength, mobility, balance, and overall comfort.

While the underwater treadmill is one tool we use, it is only one part of treatment. We do not offer single-modality sessions. Each visit includes a customized combination of therapies selected specifically for your pet to support safe, meaningful progress.

What are the benefits of rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation can improve your pet’s comfort, mobility, strength, balance, and overall quality of life. It is commonly used to support recovery after injury or surgery, manage chronic or neurologic conditions, and help pets move more confidently as they age.

Rehabilitation is often recommended for pets with conditions such as:

  • Cruciate ligament (CCL) tears and post-surgical recovery (TPLO, TTA)
  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
  • Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis
  • Neurologic injuries or weakness
  • Muscle loss, weakness, or deconditioning
  • Gait abnormalities or mobility decline

This is not a complete list. Rehabilitation can benefit a wide range of orthopedic, neurologic, and age-related conditions. Through individualized treatment and guided movement, rehabilitation helps reduce pain, improve function, slow physical decline, and support safer, more confident movement.

What makes rehabilitation different from acupuncture or chiropractic care?

Rehabilitation, acupuncture, and chiropractic care are different but complementary therapies.

Rehabilitation focuses on improving function through movement, using guided exercise, hands-on techniques, and progressive treatment over time.

Acupuncture involves the placement of fine needles to support pain relief, healing, and nervous system function. Chiropractic care focuses on targeted adjustments to support joint motion and alignment.

At our clinic, these therapies are often used together as part of an individualized treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

Is rehabilitation painful?

Rehabilitation should not be painful. Our goal is always to work within your pet’s comfort level while supporting safe, effective movement.

Some pets may experience mild fatigue or temporary soreness as they begin using muscles differently or build strength, similar to how people may feel after physical therapy. We closely monitor your pet’s response during each session and adjust treatments as needed to keep the experience positive and low-stress.

Your pet’s comfort and safety are always our top priorities.

Do you only treat dogs, or do you also see cats?

We are happy to see both dogs and cats. That said, cats often face more practical barriers in a traditional rehabilitation setting. They are typically less food motivated, more difficult to guide through structured exercises, and generally not good candidates for the underwater treadmill.

Because of this, for many cats, targeted therapies such as laser treatment, acupuncture, or chiropractic care may offer better value and be a more appropriate fit than comprehensive rehabilitation sessions. We are always happy to discuss your cat’s specific needs and help determine the best approach.

My dog is anxious, not food motivated, or reactive with other dogs. Would they be a good fit for rehabilitation?
We have experience working with dogs with a wide range of behavioral needs. We treat one dog at a time, allowing for a quiet, low-stimulation environment that is focused entirely on your pet. This also means dogs that are reactive to other dogs are not an issue.

We use positive reinforcement and move at your dog’s pace, allowing time for them to become comfortable with both the environment and the treatments.

Food motivation is a very helpful tool in rehabilitation. Dogs that are not food motivated can still participate successfully, but progress may be slower and some treatments may be more challenging. Our goal is for every pet to feel safe, willing, and comfortable throughout their care.

How many rehabilitation sessions will my pet need?
The number of sessions varies based on your pet’s condition, goals, and response to treatment. Some pets benefit from short-term rehabilitation, while others require ongoing care for chronic or complex conditions.

We will discuss recommendations after the initial consultation and adjust the plan as your pet progresses. Our goal is always to provide the appropriate level of care to support meaningful, lasting improvement.

What is a typical rehabilitation session like?
Each session is individualized and adjusted over time as your pet progresses. Sessions are typically composed of a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and functional movement, underwater treadmill work, and supportive modalities such as laser or PEMF, as appropriate for your pet.

Sessions also include home exercise program progression, coaching, and education to help you confidently support your pet between visits.

Our focus is on safe, effective movement and meaningful progress, while keeping the experience positive for your pet.

Will I be provided with a home exercise program?
Yes. We aim to provide home exercises during the initial consultation if time allows. If not, this is prioritized at the first treatment session.

All exercises are first performed with your pet in the clinic to ensure they are appropriate and safe. Your therapist will demonstrate each exercise, provide guidance specific to your pet, and answer any questions.

Exercises are adjusted and progressed over time as your pet improves.

Do you offer laser therapy? What is laser therapy?
Yes. We offer therapeutic laser using a Class IV laser (Cutting Edge MVET). Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and support tissue healing. Class IV lasers deliver a deeper, more effective dose of energy, making them well-suited for orthopedic injuries, post-surgical recovery, arthritis, and soft tissue conditions.
Who will be working with my dog?
Your pet’s care is always overseen by a certified rehabilitation professional.

Dr. Kimbrough is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP). She completes all evaluations and develops individualized treatment plans. She also sees a full schedule of treatment sessions, meaning your pet may continue working with her for ongoing care if that is your preference. This is often recommended for more complex cases.

Kat Rodriguez is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant (CCRA). She assists with carrying out treatment plans through therapeutic exercises, physical modalities, and client education. She may also see patients for treatment sessions when Dr. Kimbrough is out of the clinic, allowing continuity of care.

Evaluation and treatment planning are always performed by Dr. Kimbrough.

We also have trained assistants who help support sessions, but your pet will never receive rehabilitation treatment from anyone who is not appropriately certified. You will always be informed of who is working with your pet and given the option to choose who your pet works with when booking appointments.

What is the difference between a doctor session and an assistant session?
Doctor sessions are led by Dr. Kimbrough and include evaluations, treatment planning, plan modifications, and treatment. These sessions are often recommended for new patients, complex cases, or when higher-level clinical oversight is needed.

Assistant sessions are led by our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant (CCRA), Kat Rodriguez, and focus on carrying out the established treatment plan through therapeutic exercise, physical modalities, and client education. These sessions support continuity of care and steady progress between doctor visits.

All treatment plans are developed and overseen by Dr. Kimbrough, and you will always be informed of which provider your pet will see when scheduling. If you’re unsure which session type is best for your pet, our team is happy to help guide you.

Can I be present for my dog’s rehabilitation appointments?
Yes, in most cases. Owners are welcome and encouraged to be present for treatment sessions.

The initial consultation is the only appointment where you will not be present in the rehab gym, as we are focused on completing a thorough assessment and developing your pet’s treatment plan.

In rare situations, if we feel owner presence may be unsafe or counterproductive for your pet, we will communicate this clearly and discuss the best approach together.

How do I schedule an appointment, and do I need a referral?
Scheduling is easy. Simply call our front desk and we’ll be happy to help you get set up. A referral is not required. Your pet will see one of our primary care veterinarians before their first rehabilitation appointment to ensure rehabilitation is safe and appropriate.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
You will be brought into a comfortable exam room where one of our veterinarians will perform an initial assessment to ensure your pet is safe and appropriate for rehabilitation and answer any medical questions.

After veterinary clearance, you will meet with Dr. Kimbrough, who will complete a rehabilitation-specific assessment. She will then review her findings with you and discuss recommended next steps and a treatment plan.

If follow-up sessions have not already been scheduled, a team member will help you book appointments before you leave, based on availability and your preferences.

Will my pet receive treatment at the first appointment?
In most cases, yes. We aim to include treatment during the first appointment whenever possible.

Treatment may be deferred if additional time is needed for a thorough evaluation, assessment, or to address questions.

How long are the appointments?
45 minutes.
What do I need to bring to appointments?
Just your pet.

If your pet has a favorite or high-value treat, you’re welcome to bring it, though we do keep a variety of treats on hand.

Can you prescribe or refill medications?
Dr. Kimbrough is a physical therapist and is not able to prescribe or manage medications.

Medication prescribing and refills are handled by the veterinarians at our practice, as long as your pet is an established patient with them.

Do we need to book more appointments than just the initial consultation?
That depends on your goals for your pet. The initial consultation provides valuable information, but it is a snapshot in time.

Ongoing sessions allow for continued treatment, reassessment of your pet’s response, and progression or modification of exercises as they change and improve. They also provide ongoing opportunities to ask questions and learn how to best support your pet at home.

For most pets, the consultation is a starting point. To achieve meaningful progress and reach long-term goals, treatment sessions are typically recommended. We suggest booking sessions when scheduling your initial appointment to ensure the greatest flexibility in appointment times.

What is the cost of rehabilitation treatments?
The initial session with Dr. Kimbrough is $450, follow up sessions with Dr. Kimbrough are $375, and sessions with our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant (CCRA), Kat, are $300.

Sessions are comprehensive and include any therapies recommended for your pet. We do not bill per modality or offer add-on services. This allows you to trust that all treatments are selected based on your pet’s needs, not cost, and provides financial predictability from visit to visit.