Demand for canine physiotherapy and hydrotherapy services has never been higher. It has risen steadily in recent years, and is showing no signs of slowing down. At Corevelio, we’ve always worked closely with canine therapists and have seen first-hand how the industry has changed, developed and grown.
Since we first launched our software, with its equine and canine exercise library we’ve seen awareness of treatments and their benefits increase and the industry gain more recognition from allied professionals too. All of which is fantastic news for the industry as well as for the wellbeing of our dogs!
So what’s behind the rise in demand?
It has been driven by a range of factors and whilst we know this might look different in different parts of the world, here in the UK a rise in dog ownership has played a key role. Numbers have also risen in America and many other countries around the world.
Research from UK Pet Food estimates there are now around 15.5 million dogs living in UK households, up from 12.5 million in 2021, with 41% of households now home to a dog.*
The pandemic and an increase in remote and hybrid working undoubtedly contributed to this, making dog ownership an option for many families who previously wouldn’t have been able to care for a dog properly. There have been cultural shifts too. Many offices now allow employees to bring dogs to work, something that would have been unheard of in an office environment a decade ago! Public areas, shops, cafes and restaurants are all much more welcoming to our canine friends than they used to be, making dog ownership easier.
For the vast majority of dog owners, their dog is one of the family, and they are prepared to spend money and seek out the right expertise to ensure their pets have the best possible quality of life. Many pet insurance policies now cover therapies such as physio and hydrotherapy, making it more accessible. Vets are seeing the benefits, and referrals from vets have increased.
Combine this with the fact that dogs are living longer (due to better day to day care, exercise, improvements in canine nutrition and advances in veterinary care), which means they are more likely to experience age-related issues such as arthritis and other mobility issues which require treatment.
Supporting canine therapists
We’ve been here to support canine therapists through these changes and are pleased to see the industry gaining the recognition it deserves. Courses and training routes have changed too, and there are many more options available to anyone looking to pursue a career in canine physical therapy. Those studying for professional qualifications can benefit from our software through our Student and Graduate Programme, helping practitioners access professional tools to support them early in their career.
Whether you are an experienced canine therapist or starting out in your journey, Corevelio is here to help you make the most of your career and to capitalise on the growing demand for your services.
We know that many animal therapists are busy and spend a lot of time on admin and reports, which can make it difficult to find time to treat more animals. With the right admin tools and access to an extensive canine exercise library, our subscribers run their businesses professionally and efficiently.
Taking on new clients shouldn’t feel like huge amounts of additional admin, and with Corevelio it doesn’t. Client records, appointments and reports are all in one place. Canine anatomical drawings ready for you to annotate will save you time, as will the ability to create templates for vet reports and exercise prescription plans.
Specialist features for canine hydrotherapy businesses
Our latest update also includes additional features developed specifically for canine hydrotherapists. We’ve been talking to canine hydrotherapists for a while about how they work and what their ideal hydrotherapy business management software would look like. With that info, we believe we have built exactly what canine hydrotherapists need to support the running of their business, whether it’s brand new or well-established.
Alongside all our other existing features, hydrotherapists will be able to create notes on hydrotherapy equipment types such as pools, underwater treadmills and spas. There are options to add sanitiser types and record specific water and lab tests, as well as to create hydro-specific appointments. Treatment sessions can be recorded showing data such as additional equipment used, duration, speeds, and water heights, and more!
If you’re a canine specialist or a hydrotherapist and you’re struggling to find time to meet demand or managing your diary has become stressful then get in touch. Our platform might be the solution you’re looking for. We have subscribers in all four corners of the world, some treat horses, others dogs some both. Some treat humans too. Whatever your current practice, we would love to find out more and see if our software could help.
* Source The Pet Population Survey for 2026