Aqua Paws Canine Wellness Center
888 Clark Drive V5L 3J7 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Fable loves her force free nail trims when she visits us in Fitcare Force-free, fear-free, low-stress and with-consent are all part of the goal when we work to help dogs feel good about having paws handled and nails trimmed. We also like to train the ‘wait’, so dogs can maintain stillness, helping us ensure a better trim with less risk of clipping the quick.... Nail trims around here are calm, pleasant experiences that dogs enjoy, achieved through consistency during the acclimation process, patience, gentle handling, and lots of delicious treats! #usefoodanddontbecheap #forcefree #fearfreehandling

Look who popped in for a swim and some treats yesterday! Stella and Roadie, just a coupla big, lovable goobers #swimmingdogslivelonger #k9hydrotherapy

For many pet professionals like us, the term ‘Covid puppy’ has become all too familiar. Puppies born during Covid have seen their critical developmental period negatively impacted by a chronic lack of socialization and exposure to novel people, places and things. And then there’s separation anxiety.... Sometimes it’s us, sometimes it’s the dogs, but everyday it seems we’re hearing from clients dealing with varying levels of separation anxiety, the byproduct of long term stay-home and shelter-in-place practices. This difficult issue can have a devastating impact on the emotional wellness of dogs, and serious repercussions for pup parents as they struggle to find good care options before returning to work. This lovely boy is Sonny, and he’s a Covid puppy. Born just before the pandemic shutdown, Sonny has now become anxious when initially separated from his trusted human. Last week Sonny came for his Fitcare assessment and for the first 60 seconds after mom dropped him off, he screamed. His panic was intense and the screaming was loud enough to pierce our eardrums and cause every other dog in the building to go silent. But here’s the cool thing...it only lasted roughly 60 seconds. We held the end of Sonny’s leash in quiet stillness to let him decompress, and when he finally stopped screaming and offered us a first cautious check-in, he was rewarded with a soft hello and a big juicy piece of beef liver. And that’s it. It took this brilliant young dog just 60 seconds to shift his trust from mom to us, and the rest of his visit went like a dream. No anxiety, no fear, and no vocals, just lovely normal interactions with us and every other dog he met. Welcome to Fitcare Sonny, we can’t wait to see you again next week! #dogsareamazing #foodworks #covidpuppy #braveboy #fitcaredogs

Hey Happy Monday Y’all! Fitcare dog Tucker here with a reminder that both Aqua Paws locations will be closed on Wednesday November 11th in observance of Remembrance Day We’re fully booked in our North Van and East Van locations on Tuesday this week, but a limited number of spots are still available on Thursday and Friday, so don’t wait to book in!... Have a wonderful week everyone!

Fitcare dogs Molly and Alma here with some exciting news! Admissions for the Fitcare dog daycare program at our East Van location are now officially re-opened! Thank you to everyone who’s been waiting so patiently. If you’ve already completed an online form to have your dog assessed for the program expect a call in the next few days. ... If you haven’t completed an online form please visit our website and allow 3-5 business days for a call back to schedule your dog’s assessment. Puppy Socialization Program assessments are also now available but spots are limited so register today! We can’t wait to meet you and your pup! For more info about the Fitcare program please give us a call. 604-723-8015 www.aquapaws.ca #daycarelife #aquapaws #fitcaredogs #puppysocialization

Happy Saturday Everyone!! Just a reminder our East Vancouver and North Vancouver locations will be closed on Monday September 7th. Back to business as usual on Tuesday September 8th! ... Have a relaxing, peaceful and safe Labour Day long weekend! ~ Love The Aqua Paws Team #longweekend #staysafe #getoutthereandplaywithdogs

What is canine enrichment? It’s simple. Enrichment is whatever each individual dog believes it to be. An enriching environment is interesting to a dog. It allows dogs to engage in natural, fulfilling behaviours, to have preferences, to make choices and to exert more control over their own experiences. ... Enrichment helps satisfy a dog’s psychological and physical needs. It increases joy and decreases stress, helps build confidence and can reduce fear. So what does this clip have to do with canine enrichment? This is Fitcare dog Bear, and he likes fetching in water. But that’s not all he likes..and that’s the point of this post. When we work with a dog in the pool or the fitness circuit, we want to ensure THEY find the activity enriching. So while Bear likes swimming and fetching, he’s not obsessed with it. He also likes chewing the ball. And he likes owning the ball. He likes when we pretend we want the ball and he likes to decide when he’s ready to give it to us. He also likes to decide when he’s ready to fetch again. Bear knows that during his pool session he’ll get to perform all his favourite natural behaviours, but most importantly, he knows he’ll get to make choices about how and what he wants to do next. While all dogs can derive health benefits from exercising in water, they don’t all like to fetch. So how do we make swim exercise enriching for those dogs? Food!! ( In-water massage, play and praise and floating for relaxation can also work ) One caveat: Some dogs simply don’t like being in water and nothing we do will make swimming an enriching experience for them. And that’s OK!! That’s also when we’ll let you know we don’t recommend pool sessions for your dog when they’re visiting us in Fitcare #canineenrichment #respectthedog #aquapaws #fitcaredogs

Fitcare dogs Molly and Alma here with some exciting news! Admissions for the Fitcare dog daycare program at our East Van location are now officially re-opened! Thank you to everyone who’s been waiting so patiently. If you’ve already completed an online form to have your dog assessed for the program expect a call in the next few days. ... If you haven’t completed an online form please visit our website and allow 3-5 business days for a call back to schedule your dog’s assessment. Puppy Socialization Program assessments are also now available but spots are limited so register today! We can’t wait to meet you and your pup! For more info about the Fitcare program please give us a call. 604-723-8015 www.aquapaws.ca #daycarelife #aquapaws #fitcaredogs #puppysocialization

Little Billie’s extremely fearful of new people, places and things. When she first came to Fitcare she was terrified. She entered the building whale-eyed and tail tucked, unable to move forward or even take a treat. She made a few dog friends that first day and they helped her relax a little, but her shyness with people was so profound we knew she’d need lots of time, patience and gentle encouragement to learn to trust us.... The consistency and structure of the Fitcare program are key elements to helping dogs like Billie feel safe, and the fitness circuit can be invaluable for helping them come out of their shell. The fitness circuit room is now one of Billie’s happiest places on earth!! She loves working out for tasty treat rewards and her confidence with us continues to grow with every visit. For a girl who was once too afraid to take a treat from a human hand, she’s come a long way and we couldn’t be more proud of this brave little girl!! #fearfuldogs #positivereinforcement #foodworks #fitnessfordogs #fitcaredogs

Shi’s sweet smile at her 4th hydrotherapy session! This cutie was in rough shape when she was rescued and brought to B.C. from rural Manitoba for medical care and a new home. As far as homes go, she hit the jackpot with her loving new family, but among her many injures, x-rays revealed that Shi suffers from Grade 4 bilateral luxatting patella’s. ... Since her condition was left untreated for so long her knees have become severely arthritic, causing pain and a limited range of motion, muscle loss and a multitude of compensatory gait issues. Weekly hydrotherapy is helping hydrate Shi’s joints for better range of motion, and to minimize compensatory pain. Her gait and weight bearing has improved immensely in just 4 sessions! Life to date hasn’t been easy for Shi, but that life is over, and we’re grateful to A Voice 4 Paws Canine Rescue for taking her case and making sure she gets all the love and care she deserves. #caninehydrotherapy #rescueismyfavoritebreed A Voice4Paws Canine Rescue

FACT: When we encourage puppies and dogs to swim calmly, we give them access to a powerful healing and fitness medium that will strengthen and restore their bodies for the rest of their lives. To book a private learn to swim session for your dog, call or visit us online today.... 604-723-8015 https://www.aquapaws.ca/ #swimmingdogslivelonger #waterislife #caninehydrotherapy #fitnessfordogs

Did you know we offer complimentary acclimation fittings for Freedom harnesses in Fitcare? Here’s a short clip of Fitcare dog Koda’s fitting. We use these harnesses exclusively in Fitcare and with our personal dogs.... They provide maximum comfort without restricting forelimb range of motion, and their simple design allows for minimal handling to put on and take off...no need to touch, lift or manipulate sensitive forepaws! Freedom harnesses come in a rainbow of gorgeous colours, and we always carry them in stock! To book a fitting for your dog at their next visit to Fitcare, shoot us a text! East Van Fitcare -778-873-7982 North Van Fitcare -778-887-1164 First we make sure the sizing is right, then we send you a pic of the colour options, and when you pick up your pup at the end of the day they’re already happily wearing their new harness! It’s quick, easy and convenient and as as you can see here, the dogs all love the process...who’s next?? #forcefreehandling #usefood #freedomharness #fitcaredogs #aquapaws

Maggie This lovely lady came to the pool for her first hydrotherapy session earlier this week. Maggie’s been experiencing mild symptoms of IVDD ( Intervertebral disc disease ) that include weakness, muscle loss and mobility issues. ... She also suffers with progressive arthritis, and both conditions are exacerbated by excess body fat. Since Maggie is a middle-aged, mellow and cuddly girl who also loves her treats, it’s a challenge to keep her weight down and her muscle up ( who can relate?!?) So the hydrotherapy goals for Maggie include floating to relax and release spinal disc compression, and swim exercise to expedite the conversion of fat to lean muscle. She’ll also benefit from the joint hydration and anti-inflammatory properties of warm water. Sweet Maggie was an absolute delight to work with, we can’t wait to see her again next week!! #caninehydrotherapy #caninearthritismanagement #ivdd #puglove #caninerehab

Hello Friend One of the ways we provide positive socialization for our Fitcare dogs is by focusing on building friendship circles. We know that friendship between dogs equates to a deeper level of trust and tolerance, and can help keep stress levels low for shy or under-socialized dogs in a multi-dog environment. ... We help facilitate friendship building through calm, slow introductions, keeping play group numbers low and manageable, and by pairing dogs with similar energy levels and play styles. Careful selection of playmates and facilitating slow introductions in a daycare facility are both time-consuming and costly. And even though some dogs don’t need this level of care when it comes to socialization, all dogs benefit from it, so in our minds it’s always worth the extra effort. #caninesocialization #aquapawsvancouver #aquapawsnorthvan

Imagine falling in love with a puppy you’ve never met, then waiting excitedly for two months to meet her. When the big day finally arrives and you see her for the first time...she’s perfect. Tiny, sweet and everything you hoped she would be. She settles well into your home and your life, and you’re ready to start this amazing new chapter with your baby girl by your side.... But within days, she starts to show signs of being unwell. First it just looks like she’s got a wobbly walk, but this quickly progresses to extreme ataxia with seizing and painful muscle spasms, and suddenly she’s struggling just to stand up. A frantic visit to the vet makes it clear that your pup’s condition is very serious, and you’re on your way to see a neurological specialist. After examination and a gazzillion tests, your baby is still struggling and there’s no definitive answer. Only the specialists’ heartbreaking best guess...autoimmune meningitis. Meningitis is essentially inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It’s a complicated condition that’s difficult to diagnose and comes with an uncertain long term prognosis. So. Feeling overwhelmed and afraid for your baby’s future, you move forward down the only path that’s open to you, rehabilitation. After weeks of successful physical rehab and massage with All Paws Massage Olive was ready for her first hydrotherapy session. We had multiple goals including improving her mobility through providing pain relief and muscle relaxation, and building strength. But first, she needed to learn to swim calmly, with confidence. In short, Olive’s first session went perfectly. She loved the treats, she loved the feeling of floating and she loved the freedom of weightless movement. Olive’s story isn’t over yet, but things are definitely looking up! #caninehydrotherapy #caninerehab #autoimmunemeningitis #painrelief #musclerelaxation

Happy Saturday Dog Lovers!! Just a reminder that we’ll be CLOSED Monday May 18th and back to business as usual on Tuesday May 19th. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing long weekend! ... #aquapaws #aquapawsnorthvancouver #fitcare See more

Happy sunny Monday! It’s been 25 days since we closed to help flatten the Covid curve. We’ve spent the time sheltering in place with our families and focusing on finding a safe and responsible path back to business as usual.... We don’t know if there’ll ever be a true business as usual, but we’ve made the needed physical and procedural changes based on the best available information. We sent texts to clients outlining the new Fitcare drop off/pick up protocols, but just in case we missed you, here’s what you need to know: When you arrive, please text or call us, then remain in your vehicle until you receive the OK from us to proceed to the chain link cage area. We’ll be waiting for you at the door to the building so you can enter the cage area, unleash your dog, exit and close the gate behind you. Alternatively, you’ll find a leash attached to the fence just to the left inside the cage. You can attach this leash to your dog’s harness/collar, remove your leash, take it with you and exit the cage area. Please remain just outside the cage until we’ve secured your dog. Notes: For lunches, please place your food containers in the bin you’ll find beside the Aqua Paws leash inside the cage. We will not be accepting outside leashes, jackets or any other items. Please practice physical distancing (at least 6ftff) between you and others in the parking area at all times. We’ll have additional morning staff on hand to ensure an efficient drop off process. Fitcare pick up: When you arrive, please text or call us, then remain in your vehicle until you receive the OK from us to proceed to reception. Only one visitor at a time will be permitted in the reception area ( as the situation with Covid improves we’ll allow more guests in reception simultaneously but for now we’re using extreme caution ). Please remember to bring your own leash. When we bring your dog to you, we’ll release your dog just inside the reception area so they can proceed to you on their own. Notes: No cash payments. Pre-arranged email money transfers for 10 packs is preferred, otherwise debit/credit transactions only at the reception desk, where a plexiglass shield has been installed for safety. For anyone wanting to purchase treats, harnesses or other items you can text us before pick up and we’ll have your items ready to go to help keep the process as efficient as possible. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next week!

Hooman! What are these giant things doing in my outside playroom? Bryn was surprised to find a bunch of plexiglass in her backyard today, but with a little time she can adapt to almost anything. Turns out, so can we hoomans! We’re all adapting to a new normal these days and today saw us making cough shields for our reception desks, because next week.....WE’RE COMING BACK!... Here’s what you need to know: On Friday March 20th we closed Aqua Paws to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to protect the health of our staff, clients and the community around us. Since then we’ve been following the Provincial Health authority’s recommended safety practices of sheltering in place and social distancing. Our buildings are clean and have been closed for three weeks, we’ve installed additional safety features and we’ve established new Covid-appropriate protocols for all our services. Now that we’ve adapted our processes and we’re confident we can operate safely and responsibly, we’re ready to reopen. Effective Tuesday April 14th Aqua Paws Fitcare will be open for regular business hours! All existing Fitcare clients will receive a text from us outlining the new pick up/drop off procedures. This information will also be posted here and on our website. Initially we’ll be operating with a skeleton staff so spots will be limited. Priority will be extended to existing clients who are BC health care workers, first responders/essential service workers and clients with fearful or reactive dogs. Private hydrotherapy services will also be resuming, starting in our North Vancouver location on Saturday April 11th and in our East Vancouver location starting on Sunday April 12th. Call to book for either location: 604-723-8015 Please note the private hydrotherapy schedule will be limited and priority access will be extended to existing clients with standing appointments, and senior dogs. Lastly, we want to thank everyone who reached out with generous offers to purchase services and kind messages of support while we were shut down, as always we appreciate the love Can’t wait to see y’all again next week! #covid19shutdown #werecomingback #aquapaws