We specialize in aquatic training and exercise for your pet. Our Hudson Aquatic's freestanding canine pool and AquaPaws Jr. underwater treadmill system are perfect to enhance the health and well being of your dog. Whether due to an injury, neurological condition, relaxation or fun your dog or cat can benefit from our unique and individualized services. Add in a massage and your pet is living a better quality of life. Multiple veterinarians are already referring their clients to Aquatic Paws: Merrifield Animal Hospital, VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Center, Pender Vet, Caring Hands Animal Hospital (Merrifield), The Veterinary Holistic Center, and Critterfixer's Mobile Veterinary Care. In addition, Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter sponsor dogs in the shelter who can benefit from swimming or the underwater treadmill.
Recently profiled in the Fairfax Times! http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/from-the-dog-s-paw---aquatic-paws/article_3eaf6dee-fc98-11e7-a212-3754c9117ed9.html
The vision for Aquatic Paws came about with the diagnosis of Degenerative Mylopathy (DM) on my German Shepherd, Beamer. In December 2013, I noticed he was having difficulty walking. He started to drag his back paw, causing open sores and was no longer able to jump into the car. After extensive research and multiple veterinarian visits, it was determined Beamer probably had DM. Typically the timeline for diagnosis to having to be "put down" is 12-15 months. This was unacceptable! I started to research medicines and alternative therapies to help Beamer. Two re-occurring modalities were massage and weightless exercise.....swimming. There was no place locally I could safely take my dog to swim privately. Thus the concept of Aquatic Paws was born. I trained to become a Canine Massage practitioner. Twice a week for well over a year Beamer enjoyed his therapeutic massages! Sadly, just over two years into the disease, his quality of life declined and he crossed the Rainbow Bridge in March 2016. But his legacy will live on with Aquatic Paws.
Lisa has been a registered nurse for over 21 years. She learned the art of Pet Massage under the tutelage of Jonathan Rudinger, founder of the PetMassagetm Training and Research Institute in Toledo, Ohio. Jonathan is a leader in pet massage. Lisa has been steadily building her massage practice on dogs in Fairfax County and helping with dogs in rescues since 2014. In the summer of 2015, Lisa expanded her practice to include horses. A life long animal lover, she is combining her love of animals with helping them at the same time!
Bill is Lisa's right hand man, CEO, CFO, repair man, accountant....... yep, without him she would not be opening Aquatic Paws. Bill was in the US Navy for 20 years, retiring in 2004. He now works as a government contractor by day and whatever needs to be done at Aquatic Paws, by night.
We are appointment only to ensure your pet receives 1:1 attention. Call or email us today for your appointment. Same day appointments available.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Closed Thanksgiving and the day after (11/22-23)
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the day after Christmas (12/24 - 12/26)
Closed New Years Eve, New Years Day and the Day after New Years. (12/31 - 1/2)
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