We help people who are concerned about their dog’s health and want their dog to lead a more active, mobile and pain free life!”

Click Play To Hear From Mark Harding – founder of Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic:

Here at Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic, we know that your dog isn’t just a pet, they are family! In fact, we understand that the word ‘family’ has, for you, come to mean many fond memories of your canine companion(s). Memories such as; walks in the park, cuddles on the sofa, playing games, and spending quality time with them. Love for their dog is something all dog-owners share; from laughing at guilty looks peeping out from under the kitchen table, or the daft things they sometimes do. We all know how our dogs bring joy into our lives. That’s why we help those interested in canine hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy. Whether you’re in Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton and the surrounding areas we want to help your dog live their best life. A life full of energy, health, fitness, mischief and fun! Veterinary Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can make a significant difference to your dog.

 

Our team also understands the worry caused by illness, injury, or old-age. These are felt both by you and your dog. After all, when your best friend suffers, you feel largely helpless to relieve their pain. The frustration at seeing it happen is almost as hurtful as the pain itself.

 

Sound familiar? 

 

In fact, it is so often the case that the pain our pet feels is our shared suffering: family is family, whether on 2 or 4 legs. And yet – though we may not always admit it – there is another side to the coin: you feel heartbreakingly aware that the walks, the swims, the surprise licks, and the fireside cuddles might slip away. But, here’s the rub… we are sometimes reluctant to admit it, but the truth is that our pets can offer us independence, freedom, and a spirit of adventure that we never want to lose. It is easy to relate to this feeling… we understand what you’re going through.

 

Things are done a little differently here. Butterwick animal rehab have the distinct privilege of treating some of the most amazing clients in the world, all they want is love, hugs and care. That’s why we have the best job in the world! The bottom line is that we treat your dog like family. Why? Because they are, of course.

 

As a dog-owner and, more importantly, a dog-lover, we know how difficult decisions about your pet can be to make. That’s why we want to make it easier for you, on your pet, and on your peace-of mind. At the end of the day, we’re proud to say that we can help your dog, and you, by promising a life with less pain, stress, less dependency on high doses of medication, or worse.

 

Veterinary Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy is for your dog – and you – if: 

 

  • You’re tired of not knowing what to do– seeing your beloved dog suffer is taking its toll on you and your family and you want answers.

  • You’re not willing to see your dog’s health slip away, allowing their quality of life to continually dwindle.

  • You want to continue doing the activities both you and your dog love.

  • You want to see your dog get back to their happy, active, energetic self. 

  • You value quality time with your dog and know that their wellness relies on their ability to retain a healthy body.

 

 

You’ll notice that not once have we referred to your dog as ‘it’. Why? Because we know they aren’t – they are family. And we want you to have complete faith in our commitment to treating your pet as a member of our family, too.

 

We pride ourselves on being focused on getting your dog back to their former glory.  Whether it’s post surgery rehabilitation, maintaining your pet in old age or just to help lose a few pounds, we’ll work alongside you and your vet to ensure your dog gets the very best care and individual attention they deserve to restore them to peak performance. We are specialists in canine hydrotherapy and physiotherapy in the Darlington, Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees along with the wider Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire areas. Whether you call it Canine hydrotherapy or dog swimming or just searching for “dog pools near me” we’ll transform your pet’s quality of life.

 

Mandy WiseMandy Wise
15:17 19 Aug 22
I have found everyone at the clinic very professional, welcoming, friendly and caring.I am very satisfied with my dogs progress from the very start of his treatment.Benny (dog ) is happier , more mobile and very keen to go to his appointments.Both Bennys and my own confidence has grown over the weeks to what he is now able to do .Happy dog = Happy owner .
lisa stockerlisa stocker
11:24 14 Aug 22
Look no further when looking for a warm, friendly professional company to help you gain what you need from hydrotherapy and physio for your beloved dogs. We started 3 months ago and was faced with a warm welcome on our first visit to look around. We were shown all areas for hydro and physio and met staff; we were even able to take our other dog along for the visit too.Our first physio meeting was to establish what our needs were and most importantly what the needs were for our dog. We were listened to attentively to what we wanted to achieve and a plan was established going forward to help us achieve our dogs’ goal. Our dachshund Penny was suffering from back spasms and had had previous MRI to establish the damage and in all honesty, we had wrapped Penny up in cotton wool and restricted her walks and movements hoping not to create more spasms. From the professional staff, Amy & Claire initially we worked together through visits to hydro and physio and a set exercise plan at home which we worked vigorously with dedication to making Penny’s life happier. In just a few short weeks, Penny had lost weight, built muscles up in her back legs and had become so much more flexible and relaxed as a dog. She had this new spritely character that was coming out that we had not seen for so long. Penny is very reactive around strange people and the staff at Butterwick knew how to handle Penny, keeping at a distance and slowly over sessions they gained her trust. At the three-month stage now, Penny having had hydro treadmill twice a week and physio once a month she is this new young happy dog who has so much more energy and ability to do things she was scared to do before. As her owners it has been a learning curve for us to not wrap her up to protect her but get her out there and face her back problems full on and this has shown in the progress Penny has made. Penny recently moved up into the “big” pool for sessions and she took to it really well considering she is a miniature dachshund in a big pool. Amy has been fantastic with her, knowing how anxious Penny gets, she has let her do her own thing, yet in the pool Penny was happy to be held by Amy by showing her with a cuddle and a face lick! The look on Amy’s face we captured on camera was fantastic, that she had been allowed into Penny’s little circle of humans was lovely to see. It shows the staff are dedicated to the dogs they treat and path they following into getting on a road to recovery, knowing that their care and compassion as well as their professional skills have paid off.Barbra on reception is lovely and takes the time to get to know you when you first register and is always happy to help. Primarily we have dealt with Amy and Claire during Penny’s progress, but other staff and the owner Mark has also been great in sessions with Penny.I can honestly say, look no further, go for a look around and meet staff and you will not be disappointed. They have a system that you stay outside till they call you in when the coast is clear so that no dogs clash on the way in and out. We almost play games checking the coast is clear before we exit after a session, so no dogs meet in the reception area as like ours, they get very vocal around other dogs.We have got to know the staff over the last few months, and the chats we have during sessions makes it a much more relaxed for our pooches seeing us having a laugh about being dog owners and the antics our dogs get up to.We cannot recommend the work “family” at Butterwick to help get your dog on the road to recovery for a much brighter and healthier future.
Irene WilkinsonIrene Wilkinson
11:40 09 Aug 22
My boy Ben has been attending Butterwick Rehab for 5 years now.He started hydro when he was 10 years of age, when he had torn ligaments in his hind legs.Now 5 years later & almost aged 15 and a half, he also has arthritis in his front legs but thanks to the expertise, patience, love and dedication of Mark and the girls he is still going strong on the old legs. In the 5 years he has done his hydro sessions every week and only had to cancel about 4 times. He has also had a couple of sessions of laser therapy over the years, the latest one being last week when Amy gave him a thorough session of it and it has 100% helped.Ben absolutely loves the staff and all the attention he gets (not to mention all the gravy bones).I can hand on heart say that thanks to Mark, Rachael, Amy and Claire, my best buddy is still mobile and happy.Couldn't be more highly recommended.Thanks from the bottom of my heart.Irene & Ben xx
June GatenbyJune Gatenby
19:31 17 Jul 22
Would highly recommend the Butterwick centre, had a consult with Mark about my elderly dog losing strength in his back legs, Mark instantly reassured us that although he was old he would be able to help him. He set a plan in place and we are already seeing improvements after only a few weeks. I can’t recommend Mark and his team highly enough. They have been great communicators, open to questions at anytime and have given us lots of reassurance throughout the process. Biggles really enjoys his sessions and the team make it an enjoyable experience for him and us.
FACT TrainingFACT Training
10:18 23 Jun 22
My best pal for ten years had a major operation and lost the will to live and just laid around with no interest in life whatsoever 😞 luckily I heard about this place and the manager (Barbra) who used to be my slimming world teacher who asked me to come along. From the moment I entered the building I felt part of the family. My dog, Shadow wasn’t quite so sure but within ten minutes they had him doing things I hadn’t seen him do for months. He has had three swimming sessions now and is loving life again,,,,, he even wags his tail again , something I never thought I would ever see again. I can’t thank my new family at Butterwick enough, they have brought my best pal back to life.Thank you 🙏
Mags FarquharMags Farquhar
14:24 14 Apr 22
The staff, Mark, Amy, Claire and Barbara, are all friendly and very knowledgeable. My German Shepherd loves going and can't wait to get in and do her weekly hydro. She has come on marvellously since her spinal surgery in October 2021 and doesn't act like a 10 year old. My 15 year old Cocker Spaniel before her also loved his sessions and lost 6.5kg before we sadly lost him at Christmas. I would highly recommend Butterwick to anyone as hydro and physio have definitely helped our dogs.
chris clarkchris clark
17:12 02 Mar 22
We first encountered Butterwick in 2016 when our beloved Labrador had a spinal stroke and was paralysed. Once we got him mobile, although walking very badly, we took him for hydrotherapy to Butterwick. He then used the treadmill and made a good improvement. He has lived a normal life even though he walks with an odd gait. As he has got older, the weakness in his back legs has got worse and he sprained his leg. After anti inflammatory treatment we took him back to Butterwick. Mark is very knowledgeable and gave us physio exercises to do and we booked him in for swimming sessions. He has made a good improvement and we can actually see the muscle building up in his thighs. The staff are wonderful. Mark, Barbara, Claire and Amy are all dedicated to helping our 4 legged friends. Brook gets very excited when we pull up outside the door and can’t wait to get into that pool. I would highly recommend Butterwick Practice
Fiona TamkinFiona Tamkin
14:47 28 Jan 22
Our vet recommended hydrotherapy for our Border Terrier as she was not developing muscle as she should after a cruciate ligament operation. This was whole new experience for us but we have been really impressed, with the professionalism, knowledge and friendliness of the team, we all enjoy going. We have really been looked after by the team at Butterwick.Everything is explained to you to ensure you continue to give your dog appropriate treatment, each session starts with an update on progress to ensure they can help you with any issues your dog might have had between sessions.We are delighted to say that we are seeing continued improvement in our little dog that we did not see prior to finding the team.
Mandy WiseMandy Wise
15:17 19 Aug 22
I have found everyone at the clinic very professional, welcoming, friendly and caring.I am very satisfied with my dogs progress from the very start of his treatment.Benny (dog ) is happier , more mobile and very keen to go to his appointments.Both Bennys and my own confidence has grown over the weeks to what he is now able to do .Happy dog = Happy owner .
lisa stockerlisa stocker
11:24 14 Aug 22
Look no further when looking for a warm, friendly professional company to help you gain what you need from hydrotherapy and physio for your beloved dogs. We started 3 months ago and was faced with a warm welcome on our first visit to look around. We were shown all areas for hydro and physio and met staff; we were even able to take our other dog along for the visit too.Our first physio meeting was to establish what our needs were and most importantly what the needs were for our dog. We were listened to attentively to what we wanted to achieve and a plan was established going forward to help us achieve our dogs’ goal. Our dachshund Penny was suffering from back spasms and had had previous MRI to establish the damage and in all honesty, we had wrapped Penny up in cotton wool and restricted her walks and movements hoping not to create more spasms. From the professional staff, Amy & Claire initially we worked together through visits to hydro and physio and a set exercise plan at home which we worked vigorously with dedication to making Penny’s life happier. In just a few short weeks, Penny had lost weight, built muscles up in her back legs and had become so much more flexible and relaxed as a dog. She had this new spritely character that was coming out that we had not seen for so long. Penny is very reactive around strange people and the staff at Butterwick knew how to handle Penny, keeping at a distance and slowly over sessions they gained her trust. At the three-month stage now, Penny having had hydro treadmill twice a week and physio once a month she is this new young happy dog who has so much more energy and ability to do things she was scared to do before. As her owners it has been a learning curve for us to not wrap her up to protect her but get her out there and face her back problems full on and this has shown in the progress Penny has made. Penny recently moved up into the “big” pool for sessions and she took to it really well considering she is a miniature dachshund in a big pool. Amy has been fantastic with her, knowing how anxious Penny gets, she has let her do her own thing, yet in the pool Penny was happy to be held by Amy by showing her with a cuddle and a face lick! The look on Amy’s face we captured on camera was fantastic, that she had been allowed into Penny’s little circle of humans was lovely to see. It shows the staff are dedicated to the dogs they treat and path they following into getting on a road to recovery, knowing that their care and compassion as well as their professional skills have paid off.Barbra on reception is lovely and takes the time to get to know you when you first register and is always happy to help. Primarily we have dealt with Amy and Claire during Penny’s progress, but other staff and the owner Mark has also been great in sessions with Penny.I can honestly say, look no further, go for a look around and meet staff and you will not be disappointed. They have a system that you stay outside till they call you in when the coast is clear so that no dogs clash on the way in and out. We almost play games checking the coast is clear before we exit after a session, so no dogs meet in the reception area as like ours, they get very vocal around other dogs.We have got to know the staff over the last few months, and the chats we have during sessions makes it a much more relaxed for our pooches seeing us having a laugh about being dog owners and the antics our dogs get up to.We cannot recommend the work “family” at Butterwick to help get your dog on the road to recovery for a much brighter and healthier future.
Irene WilkinsonIrene Wilkinson
11:40 09 Aug 22
My boy Ben has been attending Butterwick Rehab for 5 years now.He started hydro when he was 10 years of age, when he had torn ligaments in his hind legs.Now 5 years later & almost aged 15 and a half, he also has arthritis in his front legs but thanks to the expertise, patience, love and dedication of Mark and the girls he is still going strong on the old legs. In the 5 years he has done his hydro sessions every week and only had to cancel about 4 times. He has also had a couple of sessions of laser therapy over the years, the latest one being last week when Amy gave him a thorough session of it and it has 100% helped.Ben absolutely loves the staff and all the attention he gets (not to mention all the gravy bones).I can hand on heart say that thanks to Mark, Rachael, Amy and Claire, my best buddy is still mobile and happy.Couldn't be more highly recommended.Thanks from the bottom of my heart.Irene & Ben xx
June GatenbyJune Gatenby
19:31 17 Jul 22
Would highly recommend the Butterwick centre, had a consult with Mark about my elderly dog losing strength in his back legs, Mark instantly reassured us that although he was old he would be able to help him. He set a plan in place and we are already seeing improvements after only a few weeks. I can’t recommend Mark and his team highly enough. They have been great communicators, open to questions at anytime and have given us lots of reassurance throughout the process. Biggles really enjoys his sessions and the team make it an enjoyable experience for him and us.
FACT TrainingFACT Training
10:18 23 Jun 22
My best pal for ten years had a major operation and lost the will to live and just laid around with no interest in life whatsoever 😞 luckily I heard about this place and the manager (Barbra) who used to be my slimming world teacher who asked me to come along. From the moment I entered the building I felt part of the family. My dog, Shadow wasn’t quite so sure but within ten minutes they had him doing things I hadn’t seen him do for months. He has had three swimming sessions now and is loving life again,,,,, he even wags his tail again , something I never thought I would ever see again. I can’t thank my new family at Butterwick enough, they have brought my best pal back to life.Thank you 🙏
Mags FarquharMags Farquhar
14:24 14 Apr 22
The staff, Mark, Amy, Claire and Barbara, are all friendly and very knowledgeable. My German Shepherd loves going and can't wait to get in and do her weekly hydro. She has come on marvellously since her spinal surgery in October 2021 and doesn't act like a 10 year old. My 15 year old Cocker Spaniel before her also loved his sessions and lost 6.5kg before we sadly lost him at Christmas. I would highly recommend Butterwick to anyone as hydro and physio have definitely helped our dogs.
chris clarkchris clark
17:12 02 Mar 22
We first encountered Butterwick in 2016 when our beloved Labrador had a spinal stroke and was paralysed. Once we got him mobile, although walking very badly, we took him for hydrotherapy to Butterwick. He then used the treadmill and made a good improvement. He has lived a normal life even though he walks with an odd gait. As he has got older, the weakness in his back legs has got worse and he sprained his leg. After anti inflammatory treatment we took him back to Butterwick. Mark is very knowledgeable and gave us physio exercises to do and we booked him in for swimming sessions. He has made a good improvement and we can actually see the muscle building up in his thighs. The staff are wonderful. Mark, Barbara, Claire and Amy are all dedicated to helping our 4 legged friends. Brook gets very excited when we pull up outside the door and can’t wait to get into that pool. I would highly recommend Butterwick Practice
Fiona TamkinFiona Tamkin
14:47 28 Jan 22
Our vet recommended hydrotherapy for our Border Terrier as she was not developing muscle as she should after a cruciate ligament operation. This was whole new experience for us but we have been really impressed, with the professionalism, knowledge and friendliness of the team, we all enjoy going. We have really been looked after by the team at Butterwick.Everything is explained to you to ensure you continue to give your dog appropriate treatment, each session starts with an update on progress to ensure they can help you with any issues your dog might have had between sessions.We are delighted to say that we are seeing continued improvement in our little dog that we did not see prior to finding the team.
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We know you want the best of the best for your dog, and we also know you’re a busy person. If you want to get your dog back to being happier, healthier and doing what you both love and want to get booked in  – click on the  link below and fill out the short form for information about getting booked in and availability.

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Not sure? No problem! Why not bring your dog in for a free, non-obligatory session in which we see what’s wrong, what can be done so you have all the information you need and start getting both you and your dog feeling more optimistic about the future? We mean it – no fees, no obligation, nothing: all we want is to meet you and to say ‘hi’ to your best friend. Click the link below to get booked in, now.

Talk to a Vet Physiotherapist

We know how difficult it is to trust someone else when it comes to the health of your dog. It’s just so hard. So, that’s exactly why we also know how important it is for you to ask all the questions you have, find out all the answers you need, and for you and your dog to trust us. So, give us a call to chat to one of our Vet Physio. We’d love to meet you and find out more about how we can help your dog, right now, just click the link below.

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About Butterwick  Animal Rehab Clinic

Nationally known Veterinary Physiotherapist and Hydrotherapist.

Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic was founded by Mark Harding –  one of the UK’s leading Veterinary Physiotherapists & Hydrotherapists, a nationally known Speaker, lecturer and has appeared on BBC’s Look North programme.

Mark has been helping pet owners just like you in the North east of England for nearly two decades. People just like you who are worried about their pet, potential long term dependency on drugs and their pets’ reducing quality of life. We strongly believe that a combined approach with your Vet, you, and us gives your dog the best chance possible of gaining and maintaining their zest for life and keeping them happy and healthy.

Mark Harding had an extraordinary idea in 2004… why not create a safe, healthy, comfortable environment in which to rehabilitate injured, elderly dogs? And even better, why not just make that space about providing the best quality of life for all dogs?  

And so, Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic was born!


Nowadays, with the hydrotherapy side booming because of the amazing community support and interest, Mark soon realised more could be done, more dogs could be helped and more owners could be left feeling hopeful of a happier and healthier future again. His revelation was on account of a particular special woofer, Hector. Having had no feeling below the neck, Hector couldn’t walk following a spinal surgery, and he – as well as his owners – were, understandably, miserable. Mark wanted to do more – for this dog and the countless others he met. His search for something more led him to Veterinary physiotherapy! And without further ado, Mark jumped in and became one of the most sought-after veterinary physiotherapists in the area. If you’re still wondering about Hector – he went back to walks on the beach and having a ball. 

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Appointments and Questions Call  01325 802738 07741651000