Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Ford provides services for dogs of all sizes, cats, rabbits, and other animals on a case-by-case basis. 

Dr. Ford will focus completely on the pet requiring rehabilitation during his visit. If other pets will be disruptive to rehabilitation work, please have a safe place for them to enjoy in another part of your home. 

As soon as possible!

Dr. Ford will work within the guidelines established by your surgeon.  Most surgeries can benefit from rehabilitation right away.  In the beginning, the focus is on controlling pain and inflammation as well as maintaining range of motion in the joints.  Even if we need to keep a joint still, working with the surrounding joints will allow your pet to return to normal function more quickly.

Once your pet has clearance for more active rehabilitation we will work on muscle strengthening and gait retraining to ensure they will use all limbs as normally as possible.

The time your pet will need rehabilitation varies depending on your pet’s needs. It can range from weekly sessions or monthly maintenance visits with Dr. Ford or daily exercises you can do at home. Dr. Ford will review this information in detail at the initial evaluation. 

 If your pet is recovering from a surgery without other problems, expect to spend about  6-12 weeks in rehabilitation. However, with chronic conditions that cannot be cured, such as osteoarthritis, Dr. Ford will use rehabilitation more frequently at first, then taper to maintenance visits to keep them comfortable and moving. 

Dr. Ford will work with you to design a treatment plan that works for your family and your pet. 

Yes. We require one primary adult caregiver for your pet to be home and available for interaction during all appointments. Dr. Ford will not be able to stay if an adult owner is not home for the full length of the appointment.

Following are things you can do to help your pet's appointment go as smoothly as possible: 

-Have small, healthy treats your pet enjoys available.

-Place other animals who may be a distraction safely in another area. 

-Decide where your pet will be most comfortable with Dr. Ford. He will work with your pet in a common area inside your home or in a fenced-in backyard.  

-If your pet has a favorite bed or toy, bring this to the common area where Dr. Ford will be working with them. 

Due to the nature of Dr. Ford's work, we require pets to be welcoming to visitors and agreeable to Dr. Ford working with them physically. Dr. Ford does not prescribe medication for pet sedation. 

Although Dr. Ford has the same training as your primary care veterinarian, he is focusing his practice on controlling pain and improving strength through exercise and other physical modalities.  Dr. Ford will work with your primary care veterinarian or specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis with the help of diagnostic imaging (x-rays, MRI, CT).  By working together with your primary care veterinarian, we can ensure the best outcome for your pet.

Dr. Ford's goal is to be a partner with your primary care veterinarian. Our practice is limited to physical rehabilitation, sports conditioning, medical acupuncture and nutrition counseling.  Your primary care veterinarian will dispense all medications and continue to see your pet for sick and well visits.

Although surgery for many conditions may provide a long term solution, it may not be right for every situation.  Rehabilitation maximizes the natural healing of the body and strengthens the associated muscles to preserve as much normal movement and activity as possible.  Whether or not you and your veterinarian decide that surgery is the best option for your pet's condition, rehabilitation will maximize the recovery to keep your friend active and playful!

Zoom Again Mobile Veterinary Rehabilitation is a mobile practice providing appointments in the comfort of your home. We do not have a physical clinic and provide mobile services only. 

Dr. Ford travels to certain areas of New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties for appointments. Please contact us to determine if we are able to travel to your area. 

Personal checks and cash are most appreciated. We also accept credit cards.  

Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice will be responsible for a 75% cancellation fee based on the cost of the rehabilitation visit scheduled.

We understand things come up at the last minute. By giving us 24 hours notice of your need to cancel or reschedule, we can offer another client an opportunity to see Dr. Ford.