New Hydrotherapy Centre Will Help Kents Pets Thrive

Pets across Kent will soon benefit from a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite at Pennard Vets in Sevenoaks, which will open just in time for Christmas. The new facility will provide a full range of rehabilitation and wellness services, helping pets recover from surgery, manage weight, improve fitness, and enjoy better overall health.

Leading the hydrotherapy team are Caron Stone and Esme Zendel, both highly experienced hydrotherapists and qualified physiotherapists who provide one-on-one treatment in the warm-water underwater treadmill. Their detailed and holistic approach means every pet’s recovery plan is tailored to their individual needs.

Caron said: “Hydrotherapy is a vital tool in veterinary care. It provides gentle, low-impact exercise that supports pets recovering from orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue injuries, or neurological conditions, whilst also helping with fitness and weight management for healthy pets.”

The centre will also offer pet owners an opportunity to try an introductory hydrotherapy session free of charge as part of the Pennard Vets Pet Health Club. Ongoing packages will be available for pets requiring longer-term rehabilitation or fitness support, ensuring pets receive continuous care.

Currently, Pennard Vets offers hydrotherapy three days a week at its Eardley Road site. With the investment and move to the Sevenoaks practice 50 meters away, the service will expand to five days a week, providing even more flexibility for local pet owners. “Hydrotherapy isn’t just for post-surgery pets,” said Esme. “It’s fantastic for overall wellbeing, helping pets stay active, lose weight, and maintain strength as they age. As we’re offering both physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, we can make a huge difference to pets’ lives, from restoring mobility after surgery to helping overweight pets, it’s a unique offering.”

One of the many pets already benefiting from the hydrotherapy sessions is Henry, a 10-year-old Labrador. His owner, Gina Nicholson, said: “Henry has arthritis and was getting very stiff, so we wanted to keep him comfortable and moving without putting pressure on his joints. We started physiotherapy and hydrotherapy last year, and Caron has been brilliant with him. He’s never going to run around like he used to, but the therapy eases his stiffness, keeps him agile, and he really enjoys his sessions. It’s wonderful to see him so happy and moving more comfortably.

“Henry was diagnosed when he was eight years old and everything we do is to maintain his mobility and keep him as comfortable as possible. We continue exercises at home with cold and heat pads to support what he does in the sessions. Seeing him less stiff and more agile gives us confidence that he’s getting the best care possible and I have 100% faith in Caron and the wonderful team at Pennard Vets.”

Dr Francesca Taylor, from Pennard Vets in Sevenoaks, said: “This investment in the hydrotherapy suite reflects our commitment to innovative, compassionate care, and to supporting pets and their owners across Kent.”

Pennard Vets was founded in Sevenoaks in 1890 and now operates eight practices across Kent. In 2021, it became one of the first independent veterinary practices in the world to transfer into employee ownership, and in 2022, it became the first veterinary practice in Europe to achieve B-Corp certification.

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