What to Expect at Chicago Animal Rehab

Starting rehabilitation can feel like a big step, especially if your pet is recovering from surgery, dealing with pain, or having trouble moving comfortably. At Chicago Animal Rehab, also known as CARE, we make the process clear from the beginning so you know what happens next.

Our team provides rehabilitation services for dogs and cats with a focus on comfort, mobility, strength, and steady progress. From your first call to ongoing visits, we’ll help guide your pet’s care with patience and clarity.

small fluffy dog balancing on red balance ball with asssistance

How to Schedule an Appointment

To get started, please call Chicago Animal Rehab at 708-576-2801 or complete our appointment request form. This allows our team to learn more about your pet, their condition, and the services you are interested in.

Submitting a form does not confirm an appointment. A team member will follow up by phone to review your pet’s information and help coordinate the next step.

New Patient Evaluations

All new patients must first be evaluated by Dr. Whalen at LePar Animal Hospital before beginning services at Chicago Animal Rehab. This visit allows Dr. Whalen to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, review your pet’s history, perform an exam, and determine which rehabilitation services may be appropriate.

This step is required even if your pet was referred by another veterinary practice. After the evaluation, your pet may be referred to CARE for services such as hydrotherapy, laser therapy, therapeutic exercises, chiropractic care, or acupuncture.

Preparing for Your Pet’s Appointment

Please bring your pet on a leash or in a carrier when entering the building. For everyone’s safety, pets must remain leashed or in their carrier unless they are being treated by a veterinarian or rehabilitation team member.

Pets should arrive clean, well-groomed, and free of internal or external parasites, contagious diseases, and active skin conditions. Nails should also be trimmed before appointments, especially for underwater treadmill and exercise sessions. CARE may need to reschedule or refuse service if a pet has a condition that could affect their safety or the safety of other patients.

Rehabilitation and clinic equipment should only be used with staff supervision. Please wait for a team member before entering treatment areas or using any equipment.

Underwater Treadmill Appointments

Underwater treadmill sessions are scheduled in 30-minute blocks. At the end of the treatment, towels will be provided so you can dry your dog within the scheduled appointment time.

A full bath or blow-dry may be scheduled in advance for an additional fee with Pawsitively Heaven’s pet groomer. If you arrive late, your dog’s session may be shortened to stay within the scheduled appointment time unless additional time is available.

happy white bulldog during underwater treadmill therapy

Appointment, Cancellation, and Late Arrival Policies

We ask that you give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Missed appointments and appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Clients who have purchased a package will forfeit that appointment.

Late arrivals may result in a shortened appointment so we can stay on schedule for the next patient. Appointments arriving more than 10 minutes late may need to be rescheduled and may be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Package holders will forfeit the appointment.

welsh pembroke corgi balancing on green dog bone-shaped balancing board

Payment and Product Policies

Payment is due at the time of service. CARE accepts cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, CareCredit, and VetBilling. Delayed payments or returned checks are subject to a $30 fee.

Products purchased at CARE may be returned for a full refund if they are unopened and returned within 30 days of purchase. Special orders cannot be returned.

Medical Emergencies

If a medical emergency occurs while your pet is at CARE, our team will help to the best of our abilities. However, because Chicago Animal Rehab is a rehabilitation facility with limited emergency equipment, your pet may need to be transferred to your primary care veterinarian or a full-service veterinary hospital for additional care.