Darlington dog hydrotherapy experts expand into new premises

A successful canine rehabilitation clinic has moved into larger premises to meet growing demand for its services which help dogs lead active, mobile and pain-free lives.

Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic has taken on a new 2,000 sq ft unit at Evolution Park on Barrington Way, Darlington a brand-new business park developed by Priority Space.

They have fitted their new home with what’s thought to be the largest dog therapy pool in the Northeast, measuring five metres by three metres and 1 metre deep. It is heated to the optimum 29 degrees for therapeutic exercise. The clinic also features two aquatic treadmills, the only ones in the North of England. There is also a large physiotherapy area twice the size of the clinic’s previous facility at Morton Park Way.

Managing director Mark Harding, who set up Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic in 2004, said: “Demand for our services has quadrupled over the past four years as our reputation has grown, and dog ownership too. We simply did not have enough room we needed to help everyone and grow the business at our old premises.

“Our new base gives us 25 per cent more capacity straight away and we really look forward to helping more dogs recover after operations or cope with the physical effects of injuries, old age, illness or other health issues.

“We work with vets and can make such a difference with a programme of hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and exercise. We like to say that dogs often come to us like Eeyore and leave like Tigger.”

Butterwick employs a team of four and Mark plans to recruit to two new posts this year. He also plans to launch an educational side to the business, holding dog first aid courses in the new physiotherapy area. These workshops will help owners look after their pets straight away in the event of a fall, strain, accident and so on.

Evolution Business Park is a £3m development by Priority Space, built by its partners Wharton Construction in 2022. It brings 21,559 square feet of new commercial space to the region’s property market with 14 units, ranging in size from 1,002 sq. ft to 2,005 sq. ft, available for sale or rent.

Adam Richardson, director of Priority Space, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Butterwick Animal Rehab Clinic to Evolution Park as our first tenant. We look forward to seeing a further eclectic mix of SMEs moving into this new Darlington business community and we’re already dealing with several enquiries.”

Mark says: “We chose Evolution Park because its location is perfect for our customers who come from all around Darlington and as far away as Sunderland, Thirsk, Whitby and Barnard Castle. It’s easy to find and looks professional. We’ve also been able to customise the space to suit our requirements entirely.

“Our existing customers are already enjoying the new facilities and we look forward to being able to handle more referrals from veterinary practices and enquiries from pet owners in 2023.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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