Dog Fitness Centers

What is a Dog Fitness Center?

Aromatherapy, massage, acupressure, and fitness swimming sound like the services offered at an exclusive spa. All that’s missing at Rocky’s Retreat in Orlando, Fla., is human clientele.

Sherri Cappabianca and co-owner Toby Gass offer dogs an array of gentle, noninvasive services that they consider to be far from frivolous indulgences at their dog health and fitness center. “It’s integral to their health,” says Cappabianca, who has more than 1,000 hours of training in canine aqua therapy, small-animal massage, small-animal acupressure, canine behavior, and related fields.

Increasingly, dog owners understand that their pets need regular exercise and preventative efforts to maintain good health. They’re finding that the sorts of therapies we humans enjoy, such as aromatherapy and massage, also serve their dogs well.

Does Your Dog Need a Fitness Center?

Clients come to Rocky’s Retreat for myriad reasons, says Cappabianca. For example, swimming may help rehabilitate your dog after an injury. Obese dogs, dogs that need gentle exercise, high-energy dogs in need of a release, dogs that experience stress (such as service dogs), and dogs with behavioral issues can benefit as well, says Cappabianca. Aromatherapy can be soothing for anxious dogs, while massage can work well for senior dogs, among others.

It can also be practical for you as a dog owner to use a dog fitness center, says Dr. Craig Woods, a Prescott, Ariz. veterinarian who did his graduate work on muscle biochemistry during exercise. “Dog fitness centers can be an excellent way for dog owners to provide their pet’s exercise requirements,” says Woods.

What to Expect From a Dog Fitness Center

Rocky’s Retreat is designed to be a soothing sanctuary, with a welcoming lobby, a spacious room for doggie daycare, a pair of treatment rooms, an indoor pool, and a large backyard. When it comes to swimming, “one of us is in the pool at all times, with our hands on the dog at all times,” says Cappabianca. “If a dog is paralyzed or partially paralyzed, we exercise those limbs. With high-energy dogs, we control their speed with resistance. We start at the far end of the pool and have them swim toward their owner.”

Clients might schedule a massage every couple of weeks or a swim once a week. At Rocky’s Retreat, prices range from $90 for an hour swim to $85 for aromatherapy to $60 for a massage/acupressure treatment. The center also offers specials, memberships, and therapy packages.

What Should I Look for in a Dog Fitness Center?

Because dog fitness centers generally aren’t regulated, it’s up to you to do your research and make sure the center you use follows specific standards. Consider these factors before you use a facility:

• Training and Credentials of Dog Fitness Staff

Technicians should have experience and training in the services they are offering. They’ll often list their training and affiliations on the fitness center website, as Cappabianca does.

• The Ability to Handle Veterinary Emergencies 

“It is also important that the pet exercise center have qualified staff that has some experience in veterinary care,” says Woods. “Always ask a pet exercise center what their staff qualifications are, and make sure they have a veterinarian who can attend to emergencies or situations that might arise.” The center might not have a veterinarian on staff, but it should be affiliated with a veterinarian who can be called upon when needed.

• Offer a Range of Programs

The center should tailor programs for a dog’s age, breed, weight range, and other considerations, says Woods.

• A Quality Facility