Two Hands Four Paws

I am updating to 5 stars as Leslie, Brian, Dr. Tsai, and Dr. Ettinger (along with Susan, Val, Sharana, and others) have consistently shown tremendous skill in diagnosing and treating our dog. This is the only facility we trust to board our little guy while we are away. The current staff is quite extraordinary in all areas of patient/​client care and the atmosphere is always welcoming and warm. My husband and I cannot recommend this place more highly — and we are extremely selective about how our dog is cared for and by whom. THFP shows our baby nothing but love and genuine concern; they respond promptly and professionally to all medical concerns; and they even give our buddy tons of snuggles when he is unwell. I have grown more impressed by Two Hands with each visit!

I love this place. Brian helped Austin overcome his fear of the water, and now swimming is his all-​time favorite activity! He’s stronger and more confident and all that splashing around keeps him young. We’re addicted to fun swims and have to do it weekly. Have to!

I wanted to like this place… saw their commercial at my drs office for physical therapy for my old dog. The place looks clean and there were a lot of people constantly walking the dogs outside…
However, the street is very busy and I’d worry about my dog getting hit by a car from not being very fast from arthritis /​able to get out of the way of a fast car.
The receptionist were a real turn off. Seemed very snotty and didn’t say hello. CARE around the corner was very welcoming and I was greeted and offered to take a tour with my dog to see where he would be taken care of for PT. They also have a safer parking lot.

I have been bringing my Corgi here for physical therapy for several years as his back legs started to lose feeling which caused him to not be able to walk. We would also board him here at $ 275 per night night which includes a therapy session. Here is what happened today which has caused me to write a review:
I called to ask if I could board My Corgi from Wednesday-​Saturday. The girl that answered the phone asked me if that would be including physical therapy to which I answered no as My Corgi’s is at an age where physical therapy will no longer help him. The girl then replied and said she had to check with the owner and that someone would call me back which I thought was odd considering I’ve boarded him there several times before.
The girl called me back and said the rate will be $ 275 per night to which I responded but we are not doing physical therapy. Her response was the rate was $ 275 because the dog cannot walk… I’ve been bringing My dog here for years and he couldn’t walk since day one!
I find this highly unethical and will not be returning here. Ironically, we brought my dog here two weeks ago to go get fitted for a set of wheels at their suggestion. He is now more mobile than most dogs that go there.
***This is in response to Leslie’s post***
Leslie, let’s clear up some facts.
1. We were here last in December of 2015 for our dogs wheelchair fitting.
2. Your response claims that it is against the law for a dog to be boarded and not have therapy. If that is the case, why did your receptionist ask if we would like physical therapy in addition to the boarding or not? If it’s the law then isn’t it a bit odd that the question would be asked, don’t you think?
3. The gal who called me back said the rate would be $ 275 without therapy. When I asked why the rate was the same as with therapy her response was BECAUSE OUR DOG CANNOT WALK. That is what I believe to be unethical as my dog could not walk from day one when we brought him here last year and yet here I was being told that my rate will be the same without therapy because my dog cannot walk. WHAT?! Had she simply stated what you said in your response there would be no issue and I would be bringing my dog here for boarding.
It appears to me that rules are made up as you go over there hence the reason behind your receptionist saying she would need to speak with the owner about my dog being boarded here when I called which was odd because that was never the response when I called to board Sam in previous times. If the law is that a disabled dog must receive therapy should he/​she be boarded then there is no reason to ask if we would like to include therapy with the boarding or not.

Words cannot describe how amazing this place is! After only 2 sessions (so far) my 14 ½-​year old dog is more energetic than she has been in a long time, and she is walking without a limp! I love Leslie, Dr. Ettinger, (wow) Amanda, and the whole crew! This is an AMAZING place, and I cannot recommend it enough. SO impressed and thankful that I live in a city that is close to such a wonderful place.
Oh, your dog will thank you too! :)

Another fabulous doggie spa session for Joey. This time, in addition to the massage, cold laser and water treadmill, he also did exercises for his core: up and down on doggie stairs, walking over low rise barriers, and up and down a ramp. He is quite the cantankerous little dog, but he seems to feel better afterwards, has more energy and his tail sticks straight up, whereas when his hip hurts him, his tail droops to the right.
Very happy to have found this place. Wish there was better parking but what can you do.

I brought my American Staffordshire Terrier here for several months of therapy before she had TPLO surgery on her right knee. I also brought her back after the surgery, for strength training, laser and massage. My dog and I both really enjoyed the experience, and I was really happy with the results. My dog recovered more quickly from the surgery and was back in action sooner than a lot of dogs, and I think the care and workouts she got at Two Hands Four Paws were the reason why. The staff is friendly, skilled, great with dogs and everyone seems happy.
After a few months went by, my dog had surgery on her other knee (a common occurrence in dogs with cruciate tears), and it was time to get back to rehab. I would have gone straight to Two Hands Four Paws, but I had heard from several people in my dog community that I should check out the place next door, a similar facility called CARE (California Animal Rehabilitation). Although I wasn’t unhappy with anything at Two Hands, I caved to pressure and took a tour of CARE’s facilities, just in case there was something I was missing.
After the tour, however, I walked next door to Two Hands and made an appointment for my dog’s first post-​op appointment. People seem to be interested in comparing the two facilities, so I’ll explain why I chose to stick with Two Hands Four Paws:
1. CARE does seem like a much slicker, more advanced facility when you walk in the door. The lobby is specious and quite lovely. But what Two Hands Four Paws sacrifices in lobby space (it’s very tiny), they make up for with a spacious, fun pool, and a terrific therapist coach, Brian, who can get any dog in that water. I started bringing my little terrier in to take swim lessons. Brian had my nervous dog barking to jump in after three sessions.
CARE, by contrast, only has a small lap pool, just for fitness training. Dogs can’t dive into the pool after their tennis balls, which is what my little guy so loves to do.
2. It’s possible that owners with reactive dogs would appreciate CARE’s special accommodations for them, like separate therapy rooms and more space around the entrance. If I had a reactive dog, that might sway me. But neither of my dogs is particularly snippy, and we’ve never had a problem with other dogs coming in. Also, both of my dogs seem to enjoy the calming influence of the older, resident dogs at Two Hands Four Paws, who often are not leashed. This is something that might be different for everyone, but owners of reactive dogs should be aware of it. The owner’s two dogs and one therapist’s dogs hang around at Two Hands Four Paws. One of them became my little dog’s playmate, and the other two are older and calm. We like that, but not everyone will.
3. This is a cursory impression, because I cannot speak to the level of expertise at CARE. I’m sure it’s great, but all I did was take a tour. But: I did feel that at Two Hands Four Paws I had better communication about my dog’s needs and progress than I would have at CARE. I have a lot of PT equipment at home; what I need a facility for is hydrotherapy and massage. The therapists at Two Hands Four Paws have always respected that I do agility and obedience with my dogs, and don’t need time spent on basic exercises. The person who gave me the tour at CARE, however, suggested that hydrotherapy could set my dog back, and it felt like no matter how many times I said, «She’s done really well with hydrotherapy,» she insisted that they wouldn’t have her do it. They also seemed to have fewer underwater treadmills, which is a big part of Two Hands Four Paws’ set up. The massages and laser are great, and the vet check-​ups are, too. (Two Hands has the doctor who literally wrote the book on veterinary medicine, Dr. Ettinger, on staff.) But hydrotherapy, to me, is also an important part of the sessions.
4. There are rabbits and cats at CARE, and a pig. Again, this is an individual case issue: My dogs like other dogs, but go out of their minds when they see cats, rabbits and pigs. (This, despite the fact that we have two cats at home. Go figure.) I think this would create added stress for them.
5. Overall, while CARE felt serious and quiet and controlled, I liked Two Hands Four Paws’ more relaxed and fun atmosphere better. I really think the differences between these two places are very slight, and both offer absolutely the best rehabilitation services in the business. But I also feel like a place for dogs should be upbeat and happy, and I always somehow feel a cheery attitude when I’m at Two Hands Four Paws. They also have a nice outdoor patio where I sometimes sit and read.
Both my dogs just think Two Hands Four Paws, and everyone in it, is the bomb. I have to agree.

I love this place and everyone who works here! Our dog Cooper went through two major knee surgeries last year and we were having a difficult time with his rehab on our own. Worried that he was not getting stronger, we started bringing him here and I believe it truly saved him. Leslie is so wonderful, welcoming and understanding. Dr. Barsky is amazing and Susan is incredible — she has worked with him the most but I know others have worked with Cooper as well and I want to thank everyone who has helped him with his rehab. The entire team here is so lovely; I miss seeing them more often! But it’s a good thing because our dog is much happier, healthier, balanced and strong. And I am so thankful we started bringing him here. I have to thank his surgeon as well — Dr. Kim Carey — for taking such good care of Coop and for referring us to Two Hands Four Paws!

It’s been nearly 3 years now since we’ve been coming to Two Hands and my opinion remains the same. I credit the therapy for dramatically changing my dog’s life. She was diagnosed with clinical degenerative myelopathy nearly 1−½ years ago and she can still stand up and get around for the most part. I really do believe that had she not been going to therapy she would have been paralyzed by now. If you love your elderly dog please take them to Two Hands!

To «Cy C» Your response seems almost personally directed towards me. Hmmmm… NO I WAS NOT talking about another place. I really wish I was because they were recommended to me, (however, NOT by VET’S, they discouraged it.) Should have listened and saved tons and tons and tons of MONEY and time. But as a pet lover, I would do anything to keep her safe and happy. I said they are a rip-​off, some therapists are good and love animals, but they don’t stick around long enough to see your dog through therapy. That I blame on the owners, when employees are happy they don’t leave or look for other jobs while they are working there. I have seen Leslie go off on a therapist for being a touch late for their next appointment. They seem to always be afraid of getting in trouble if they don’t finish with your dog in time. In conclusion, no my dog did not get better, somewhat worse I am very sorry to say. Front desk is unfriendly and can be downright rude.

«Pandy P» must have written his/​her review for someplace else. These guys are the most caring, respectful, patient, and COMPETENT people I have ever dealt with when it comes to dog rehabilitation. My 9-​month old puppy injured his shoulder, and they helped me through every step of the way. They are angels.

We started taking our puppy Zen here to learn to swim and it has been the best experience ever !
He started doing individual lessons and now goes to fun swim regularly, its his favourite time of the week!!!
Not only does he love the swim but he loves everyone there– they are real dog lovers and are so attentive and kind!
I couldn’t recommend this place highly enough !

Last year, my 7 year old Rottie, Brandy had spinal problems, a torn ACL and arthritis in the hips to boot. She was paralyzed in the hind quarters and couldn’t walk on her own. I found Two Hands Four Paws and after doing an assessment by the Vets, we decided that hydro-​therapy would probably be the best start.
Twice a week I brought her in. The staff worked with Brandy for roughly 5 months. Slowly, but surely, I noticed my big girl building confidence and healing. No surgery for the ACL or spine was necessary because I could literally see improvement every month.
On Christmas day of 2013, I was awakened by an all too familiar gesture. Brandy was standing on all fours and pawing my bed trying to get me up. It was a miracle come true!
I thank God every day for Two Hands Four Paws. They worked so diligently and with care for my big girl.
Hands down this is the most caring, knowledgeable and selfless therapeutic environment I have ever witnessed for an animal in need of ANYTHING!

Incredible! This place SMELLS amazing, has yoga mats everywhere for the doggies to walk on and the underwater treads are just incredible. The staff and docs are so patient and helpful. We took our aging Shiba Inu here who has been having a really tough time with arthritis & developing kidney disease. The initial consultation was about an hour or so, we got so much useful info & tips, and came away feeling so encouraged. We’ll be returning for weekly acupuncture sessions; our little old man is doing very well in response to that short session and a few minor changes to his daily routine, thanks to this joint! I am really turned off by hard sales and pushing products but there is none of that here. They’ll let you know what can benefit your pup and leave the decisions up to you. Fabulous! I STRONGLY DISLIKE being in Santa Monica but this is beyond worth it. We will happily be back again & again!!! Thank you!!!

My vet recommended a physical rehabilitation consultation for my young dog to discuss his issue with his back knees, which are fine now but could become problematic when he gets older. In trying to be proactive, we decided to have a consultation to learn exercises we could do with our dog to help him gain muscle and thus hopefully prevent future problems. I was a little surprised when I learned the cost of the appointment ($ 275 for 1.5 hours), but I’m sure most pet owners would agree you can’t put a price on your dog’s good health. I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at how clean the place smelled. We were brought to a therapy room, which actually smelled and sounded like a human spa. cute! The staff seemed very well trained, professional, and friendly. They were very sweet with my dog, who can be kind of a spaz. They had him use the underwater treadmill, and though we don’t have that option at home, it was neat to see how it worked and to be able to consider it in the future if we have issues. They asked us lots of questions, got to know our pup, and also showed us some exercises and gave us print outs of the exercises to do with him at home. I’ll be honest, that some of the exercises seemed like common sense and may be things I could have found on the internet if I had searched, but it was still nice to have the peace of mind if having professionals tell me this was what was best for my dog, since they met him and understood his problem. I do wish my dog could have gotten more out of it, but it wasn’t really the fault if the facility and was more because he tends to be a spaz like I said, getting overly excited and hyper in new places. I’m glad I went and feel confident working the exercises at home with my pup.

My father brought our aging Border Collie, who suffered from diabetes, arthritis, neurological issues, etc. to Two Hands Four Paws to see if she could benefit from a wheelchair after losing her ability to stand or walk. The veterinarian on staff was honest and told him that unfortunately, her front legs were also in bad shape and that at her age and in her condition it was not a sensible purchase. Sure enough, just one day later her neurologist recommended her quality of life had deteriorated to the point that it was best to put her to sleep. Thank you 2H4P for your honesty and integrity. Yes, this is a for-​profit business so I can’t fault them for trying to make money as other reviewers have noted, but our experience was a positive and compassionate one. I highly recommend.

I brought my 15-​year-​old Shepherd mix to Two Hands Four Paws when she was having issues with her back legs. Due to severe arthritis and muscle breakdown, her walking has progressively gotten worse over the past year and a half. The staff at Two Hands Four Paws is loving and caring and helped her live a few more months longer than she would have without the treatments. They also taught me some cool tricks to help her when she’s having issues urinating, etc.
A friend recommended Two Hands Four Paws to me, and I, in turn, recommend Two Hands Four Paws to you. My only regret is not taking my dog Lulu here earlier.

Unfortunately, my experience here was not a good one — a «1 star» experience, but some of the employees here are some of the biggest animal lovers I’ve ever met, so I will give them credit for that.
After my dog had surgery, I was given the name of this place and another place as referrals from the surgeon. I chose this place because the reviews were fairly similar here on Unilocal,and several people said that the other place (a bigger business) had just moved next door, and implied it was maliciously intended to put 2H4P out of business. Now that I’ve been to both places, I know that this is not true, but this is why I chose 2H4P first.
1) Therapy prices between this place and elsewhere are almost the same, so if you’ve been given referrals for 2 or more places, do what I didn’t do and go check them both out. I came here first and made an uniformed decision. Go see all your options. Ask questions. Different places have different methodology. See which you are comfortable with.
2) The initial evaluation was not as thorough as it should have been. The full extent of the problems my dog had were not fully diagnosed or explained to me. It sounds like a good deal when 2H4P tells you that the first therapy session is included in the initial 1 and ½ hour evaluation, but after going to a 2 hour evaluation that didn’t include the first therapy session elsewhere, I learned how much didn’t happen at my 2H4P evaluation that should have happened. If your dog has surgery/​a problem in one part of their body, they will (naturally) use this part of their body less and develop problems in other areas (from overuse). This should be one of the big goals of recovery therapy: get them back to proper use of their body, as much as it’s possible. My dog was not comprehensively evaluated here. Things were missed and exercises that my dog should have been doing were not given to me. Problems were not noticed and/​or measured.
3) I was not impressed with the training of the technicians. In the evaluation, it was the technician who was using the PT laser on my dog (hopefully this is not standard practice here). He did not know how to use it. Someone was teaching him how to use it while we were in the evaluation. They said «just move it around and if the dog seems uncomfortable, move it elsewhere.» What? Technicians don’t even use the PT laser where I go now — only trained/​lead physical therapists do. Also, I wish my dog had been handled more gently by the technician in the evaluation.
4) Exercises were not emphasized. They gave me a print out of 4 exercises basically as an afterthought while I was paying before I left. No one explained how to do them properly. One exercise was too advanced for my dog at this stage (couldn’t do it at all). Another, I did not have the equipment for. I did the other two exercises with my dog religiously, but looking back, I know now how completely incomprehensive this was (even if she could do all 4). No stretches were recommended at 2H4P and this has been a very important part of my dog’s recovery. No one told me how to properly apply ice/​heat to my dog or even if I should apply ice or heat at all.
5) The dog daycare is very lax and unsupervised. They have multiple small dogs in a little dog pack in a small area behind the receptionists desk. Not safe! Busy receptionists who are answering phones, processing credit card payments, and scheduling appointments cannot watch multiple dogs. There are better ways to supervise dogs that have had thousands of dollars worth of surgery. Also, there’s almost always a large unsupervised dog wandering around. I’m sure the dog is very sweet and probably belongs to someone who works there, but lots of dogs are afraid of other/​larger dogs.
Also, supplement recommendations were not discussed. Two brand names were listed on a piece of paper I got as I left. I went to the websites and couldn’t figure out which one to get. Those particular brands make lots of different pills. No one ever mentioned whether or not they sold them there. Which, looking back, they probably do, but no one told me this.
My sheet also said «acupuncture as needed for pain.» This kind of goes hand and hand with the rest of my experience as this wasn’t explained either. In your professional opinion, how much pain is my dog in? Would you recommend acupuncture? How are the results? They had me rate my dog’s pain level — in my untrained opinion — but no one ever gave me their professional opinion on this.

Read their liability release carefully. I’ve never seen anything like it. Furthermore, they’ll sell you on anything, no matter how unlikely the chances of their «therapy» actually aiding the dog. A total waste of money.

We got to experience Two Hands Four Paws at an event at Three Dog Bakery in Santa Monica. There we met Leslie who gave Angus a good 15 minute massage. Angus seemed happy and content and I think he would really enjoy it much more in the future when he grows up a little a sheds his puppy personality.
But we got to learn a little more about their services of canine massage and rehab. Leslie was a nice lady who really is filling a need for dogs who need physical therapy and rehabilitation. She specializes in working with older dogs that have had health issues impairing their ability to move around with ease. Just talking to her and reading through her brochure, I felt she had a good deal of experience and would do a wonderful job.