Small-Business Spotlight: Animal Rehabilitation Clinic Specializes in Therapy

This week, Dexter Patch spoke with Andrea M. McRae, who runs an animal rehabilitation clinic, Animal Rehabilitation & Wellness, out of Westarbor Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Dexter Patch: How would you describe your business?

Andrea McRae: I am a veterinarian who is certified in canine rehabilitation. I am working with Liz Koval, a licensed veterinary technician who is certified in canine rehabilitation as well. We offer rehabilitation services to local veterinarians to provide further options in care as well as complement conventional therapy.

At this time, we are seeing patients out of Westarbor Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor on Wednesdays and taking referrals from area veterinarians.

Rehabilitation can provide pain relief and strengthening for conditions involving the musculoskeletal system (osteoarthritis, knee injuries, muscle and tendon injuries, postoperative care) as well as neurological diseases (spinal cord injury, degenerative conditions, etc.). Rehabilitation can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life and help return them to their normal activities.

Rehabilitation services are not limited to patients with specific disease processes or injuries. Healthy animals can benefit from strengthening exercises, stretching, conditioning and/or weight loss, which can prevent injuries and/or health concerns in the future. We provide safe, fun and health-enhancing exercise programs that clients can do with their pets.

Dexter Patch: How long have you been in business?

McRae: We have just started marketing the business this year to area veterinarians. I have been a veterinarian for 10 years with seven years  of experience in emergency and critical care medicine.

Dexter Patch: What types of services do you offer?

McRae: We offer several modalities to assist animals with rehabilitation. These include neuromuscular electrical stimulation, laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, soft-tissue massage and thermal therapies. These modalities can be used in conjunction with acupuncture and Western medicine.

Dexter Patch: What makes your business unique?

McRae: After seeing the benefits of rehabilitation with my pets, I feel we can improve the quality and longevity of many animals’ lives. We are able to offer another option to clients and their pets when other treatments no longer are beneficial.

Dexter Patch: Tell us about your family.

McRae: I have a wonderful husband of five years, and we have a son who is 1 ½ years old who teaches us something new about life every day.

Dexter Patch: What are some benefits of working in a small town such as Dexter?

McRae: The small community helps to promote small businesses in their growth.

Dexter Patch: What is something that others may not know about you?

McRae: I am an identical twin and married to an identical twin.

Dexter Patch: How would you use Dexter Patch to promote your business?

McRae: I feel the online newspaper will reach more people and make them aware of my business.

Dexter Patch: Do you use online marketing?

McRae: We are currently in the process of developing a website for the business. We do have e-mail available at this time.

Dexter Patch: What is your favorite thing to do in Dexter on a night off?

McRae: Spend time with my family and take in the various events Dexter offers throughout the year.

For more information about Animal Rehabilitation & Wellness, call 734-358-4239. E-mail a2animalrehab@yahoo.com.