Sasha Foster is recognized for her pioneering efforts in canine physical therapy and rehabilitation. As a human physical therapist (PT) who shifted into the veterinary field, she brought evidence-based rehabilitation strategies from human medicine into veterinary care — especially for dogs recovering from injury, surgery, or dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis.
Standardizing Care
Her work helped develop protocols and outcome measures that are now standard in post-op care (TPLO, IVDD, hip dysplasia, etc.).
Pioneer of “Cross-Disciplinary” Animal Rehab
Sasha helped bridge the human physical therapy and veterinary medicine fields at a time when animal rehab was not yet widely accepted or standardized.
Focus on Owner Education
She has emphasized home exercise programs and owner involvement, empowering pet guardians to become active participants in their dog’s healing journey.
"I believe all pets deserve access to the highest standards of physical therapy — no matter where they live, who treats them, or what stage of recovery they’re in. Through clinical tools, professional education, and owner empowerment, small animal physical therapy and rehabilitation transforms from a niche specialty into a standard of care."
Businesses
Founded in Fort Collins, Colorado in 2014, Canine Rehab Shop offers resources for rehabilitation professionals. Its best-selling product, Treatment Plans, features evidence-based protocols for all healing phases. This clinical manual serves as a practical guide to support high-quality care at any stage of professional development.
GoGoCharlie, PT Home Programs for Pets, offers pet owners access to guided home physical therapy programs for their animals. This subscription service is available to rehabilitation professionals internationally and provides a library of home exercises, pre-populated templates for common diagnoses, and exercise trackers for clients. Users can create, modify, and distribute home programs in minutes using GoGoCharlie.
My Pet’s Physio is an educational resource developed for rehabilitation clients and their pets. Originally conceived as a book, it evolved into a YouTube channel focused on providing information to assist pet owners in promoting the health of their animals. The platform aims to educate pet owners and raise awareness about small animal physical therapy worldwide, encouraging clients to seek high-quality care from physical therapy and rehabilitation professionals.
Books & Publications
Sasha Foster, PT is not only an author of influential books, but also a significant contributor to veterinary research, textbook chapters, and innovation in the field of animal rehabilitation.
Published: 2009, Dogwise Publishing
Award: Maxwell Award – 2009
Category: Best Health Care Book
Presented by: Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA)
Published: 2013, Dogwise Publishing
Award: Eukanuba™ Canine Health Award
Presented by: American Kennel Club (AKC) / Eukanuba
Category: Outstanding contribution to canine conditioning and performance
Editor: Felix M. Duerr, DVM, DACVS, DECVS, DACVSMR
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Publication Year: 2020
Chapter Title: The Rehabilitation Examination
PT Practice
Sasha Foster, PT is a skilled clinician in small animal physical therapy and a visionary who has built a lasting, interdisciplinary model of care that continues to influence veterinary medicine at large.
She continues to practice animal physical therapy in her role as Rehabilitation Coordinator for the Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility Department at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. CSU’s program is one of the most respected and comprehensive in the U.S. veterinary academic system. At CSU, Sasha integrated the human model of physical therapy into the veterinary care model establishing protocols and services across departments including critical care, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, and internal medicine. This multidisciplinary model means physical therapy and rehabilitation are part of the comprehensive medical treatment provided at this renowned institution.
To schedule an appointment with Sasha at CSU, veterinary orders are required.
