White shepherd running with ball
In Our January 2021 Issue ...

• A Message from Our CEO, Janet Van Dyke, DVM, DACVSMR
• Our Acupuncture Modules Are Filling Up!
We've Updated Our Hybrid Course Format
• Register Now for Summer 2021 Courses!
• All Veterinarians May Now Earn CE Credits Through the CRI Member Library!
• Congratulations to Trixie, Our Breezie Demo Dog of the Month ... and more!
A Message from Our CEO, Janet Van Dyke, DVM, DACVSMR.

I’ve always been an optimist, so it is with a glass-half-full perspective that I am looking at 2021 and the opportunities that lie ahead. Vaccines are being distributed and administered. After a very challenging year, there is now finally hope that we will start to see coronavirus numbers moving in the right direction and a gradual return to a more normal life.
 
At CRI, we spent the past few months applying what we learned in 2020 to make our 2021 program even better. We are continuing to offer our Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation and Clinical Skills modules in a hybrid version, but with an update. These modules will now include online self-study, a single Zoom meeting, and small in-person lab sessions with about 11 students in each. Clinical Applications, the third module required for CCRT students, will include online self-study followed by two days in the classroom. Seats in all of the rehabilitation modules fill very quickly. And the demand for our acupuncture certification courses is really growing! Keep your eyes on the CRI website and the monthly e-newsletter for announcements regarding upcoming courses.
 
Last month I recommended the February Business of Canine Rehabilitation course. You responded and it sold out overnight! We have created a waiting list for the next offering of this popular course.

Great news! We have convinced Dr. Chris Zink to bring her very popular Canine Sports Medicine course to CRI in September. Spend three days with Dr. Zink and learn about all of the popular canine sports, injuries common to each, training techniques to prevent injuries, and rehabilitation techniques to bring these athletes back to peak performance. There will also be demonstrations by elite canine athletes. We will host this course at Colorado Veterinary Specialty Group’s practice in Littleton, Colorado, where a 10,000 square-foot canine gym makes it the perfect location.
 
Please contact us at info@caninerehabinstitute.com if you would like us to add your name to the list for either of these courses. Again, watch our website and the e-newsletter for updates.
 
We look forward to sharing a healthy and joyous 2021 with you. May all of our glasses be full!

Janet B. Van Dyke, DVM, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, CCRT
Founder and CEO
Our February Live/Interactive Business Course Is Sold Out!
Our February Business of Canine Rehabilitation course is now sold out! This course will be held entirely online with recorded video lectures and three interactive Zoom discussion sessions on February 10, 17, and 24 at 8 pm EST. Please see our Business course page for a detailed course outline.

If you would like to add your name to the waiting list for the next offering of this course, please email us at info@caninerehabinstitute.com.
Our Acupuncture Modules Are Filling Up!   
 
Ready to start acupuncture certification? Our upcoming modules are filling up, so please register or contact us to join our interest list. Our acupuncture modules are held in person in Littleton, Colorado, with small groups and social distancing.


We are limiting class size to 10 students to allow for social distancing and will notify registrants of any changes at least 30 days prior to the start of each module. If you have already started acupuncture certification, please contact us so we may help you register for the remaining modules and finish your certification as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist!

"I felt as though I gained far more from Module 2 [Veterinary Medical Acupuncture for Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Patients] than Module 1, but not necessarily due to the fact that the module was better. It had far more to do with the amount of needling practice that I was able to do in the weeks separating the two courses ... the increase in confidence in the actual needle handling and point finding allowed me to focus far more on the finer points of learning new areas to choose for specific conditions."
- Erin True, DVM, CCRT, Elk Grove, California

Veterinarians: If you are already certified in acupuncture, be sure to check out our accelerated program for more hands-on training and increased knowledge of neurophysiology-based acupuncture.

In the accelerated program, students watch the online videos for two of the three modules, and then attend one live module (either Module 2 or 3) for additional hands-on training. For the live module, we strongly recommend students attend Veterinary Medical Acupuncture for Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Patients (Module 2). Students must watch the videos from Introduction to Veterinary Medical Acupuncture (Module 1) before taking the in-person module.
 
Remember, save $200 when you register for Acupuncture Modules 1 and 2 or Acupuncture Modules 2 and 3 as a 2-course package.
CRI's Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist Program is recognized by the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, the U.S. affiliate of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Those enrolled in our program can sign up at AAVA.org as active members. Upon successful completion of the CVAT program, graduates can notify AAVA, and their status will be changed to credentialed members of AAVA.
 
Veterinary students: You are eligible to enroll in our Acupuncture modules after your first year of veterinary school. Please see our Veterinary Student Certification page for details and information about our 20% student discount. 
 
Modules 1-3 are RACE approved by the AAVSB for 40 credit hours each. Our Acupuncture Program has received rave reviews! Please see our website to learn more.
In the Words of Our Students ... 

"The live lab was amazing; learned so much and loved the very small, intimate groups and all the hands-on opportunities."
– Natasha Bui, DPT, Chicago, Illinois
We've Updated Our Hybrid Course Format for Rehabilitation Courses.

Starting in January, we have changed our hybrid course format to further improve our learning methods for our students. Our new hybrid format is:

Please visit our Course Schedule page for an up-to-date list of upcoming courses. If you are interested in taking a 2021 course, please register or contact us at info@caninerehabinstitute.com to join our interest list.
Road looking ahead to 2021
Register Now for Summer 2021 Courses!
 
We have opened registration for many May through September courses. Many of our core rehabilitation courses will be held in a hybrid format with Zoom online learning sessions and small, in-person lab sessions.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register now, or contact us at info@caninerehabinstitute.com if you are interested in attending these upcoming courses.

Hybrid and in-person classes:

Online classes:

Please check our website for the most up-to-date course schedule.

Remember that we also offer discounted 2-course packages for either (1) Clinical Skills plus Clinical Applications or (2) Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nursing plus Canine Sports Medicine. We also offer discounted 2-course packages for our Acupuncture modules. Please see the 2-Course Packages sections on the Registration page for more details. If you are not sure when you plan to take a course, you may choose the option of a "Future" class. "Future" registrations may be subject to tuition increases. (Learn more.)

If you have previously registered for a "Future" course and wish to attend a class that is now open for registration, be sure to contact CRI and tell us which course you would like to attend. This is the only way to guarantee you have a seat in the course.

Register today, and reserve your seats in these classes!
All Veterinarians May Now Earn CE Credits Through Our CRI Member Library!
Our CRI Member Library is now open to all veterinarians! During this time when it is difficult to get CE credits due to travel restrictions, the CRI Member Library is a great way to fulfill most states' current continuing education requirements!

For $795, students can have unlimited access for one year to our CRI Member Library! The CRI Member Library includes 60+ hours of RACE-approved online courses taught by our expert faculty - and content continues to grow! Our Current Techniques in Canine Pain Management course has just been updated and is now available again in the CRI Member Library.

Already have a subscription to the CRI Member Library? Renew your annual subscription for a $250 renewal fee! We have added hours of continuing education content this year and will continue to add more online content in early 2021.

All veterinarians can subscribe to the CRI Member Library. Physical therapists and veterinary technicians/nurses that have successfully completed Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation (including the exam) can subscribe. CCRPs are also welcome to subscribe. Veterinary technicians/nurses need to submit a valid Employment Agreement Letter.
See the CRI Member Library page on our website to learn more and sign up today! Be sure to indicate in the Checkout process that you have completed Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation or are a CCRP.
Expand Your Acupuncture Knowledge With Our CRI Acupuncture Member Library!

Subscriptions are now available to our CRI Acupuncture Member Library, a separate online library just for acupuncture content! For $150, students can have unlimited access for one year to our CRI Acupuncture Member Library with recordings of six acupuncture webinars. Keep expanding your knowledge and skills by learning from our expert faculty!

Please note that the six acupuncture webinars are also included in our main CRI Member LibraryIf you subscribe to the CRI Member Library, you do not need a separate subscription to the CRI Acupuncture Member Library.

The CRI Acupuncture Member Library is available to veterinarians who have completed CRI's Introduction to Veterinary Medical Acupuncture (Module 1) and veterinarians who have been certified in acupuncture through CRI or another program can subscribe. During the registration process, please be sure you indicate that you have completed Introduction to Veterinary Medical Acupuncture (Module 1) or have been certified in acupuncture.
Please see our CRI Acupuncture Member Library page for complete details and a link to subscribe.
Residents: Need to Complete a Research Project?

Are you an intern or resident who needs to complete a research project? Our comprehensive Introduction to Veterinary Clinical Research course can take you from "How to write a hypothesis" to launching your pilot study.
 
We plan to offer this course in early 2021. This online course, led by faculty member Dr. Chris Zink, includes 10 live discussions held once a week and is limited to 15 students to allow ample time for interaction.
 
Visit our website to learn more about our special discount for ACVSMR and VOS residents. Residents: join VOS to get 25% off the tuition!
 
Our Introduction to Veterinary Clinical Research course has received great reviews from students!
 
"I absolutely loved this class. Chris's enthusiasm for research as well as her openness to people who are not in academia as nascent researchers was refreshing. As someone who went directly into practice rather than the internship route, it was very helpful in defining the research process from how to form a solid hypothesis from a germ of an idea all the way to writing the paper. It also provided a basis to read journal articles with a more critical eye. The tips that Chris provided from her years of experience in the research field were invaluable."
- Beth Ellen McNamara, DVM, CCRT, CVMA, CVAT, Harrison, Maine

"I learnt a great deal during this course and look forward to putting it into practice. Thank you."
- Tanya Grantham, BVSc, CVA, CCRP, CCBW, Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa
 
"Wonderful course - I learned so much."
- Sheradan Pate, DVM, CVA, CCRT, Pismo Beach, Hawaii
 
During the course, students receive a comprehensive introduction to clinical research in the veterinary setting, covering the entire process from concept to publication.
 
Please contact us at info@caninerehabinstitute.com to add your name to our interest list for this class.
An Update on CRI Internships.

In light of the current social distancing policies, we want all of our current CCRT- and CCRVN-internship candidates and intern mentors to know that CRI is extending indefinitely our graduates' eligibility to complete an internship. Those who have internships currently scheduled should contact their mentor sites to confirm plans.
Our Online Therapeutic Handling Course Is Open to Everyone!

Did you know that one of our newer online courses - Therapeutic Handling for Canine Rehabilitation - is open to everyone? This course has been getting great reviews from students.

"I thought this was very helpful course! It was packed with reminders for cueing into your patient, and helpful tips for assessing and helping provide enjoyable treatment sessions for the patient! Thank you!"
- Joy Alleman, DVM, CCRT, Watertown, Massachusetts

In this online course, rehabilitation therapists learn to eliminate anxiety and fear so they are better able to localize injuries, address pain, and implement treatment plans. Designed specifically for veterinary rehabilitation professionals, Therapeutic Handling for Canine Rehabilitation provides information and skills to help prevent anxiety and fear and manage behaviors.

This course is now RACE approved by the AAVSB for 1 credit hour.

This 88-minute course is open to everyone and is taught by Sasha Foster and Ashley Foster. To learn more and register, please see the Therapeutic Handling for Canine Rehabilitation course page.
We've Updated Our CCRVN / CCRA Curriculum With New Options!

Attention, veterinary technicians and nurses: We have made the decision to update the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nursing (CCRVN) and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant (CCRA) program for veterinary technicians/nurses to provide the best possible education while also minimizing travel costs.
 
Starting June 1, 2020, the three modules for CCRVN / CCRA certification will be:

Things to know about the updated CCRVN / CCRA program:

Please see the CCRVN page on the website for complete details.
Register for Upcoming Continuing Education from ACVSMR.

Check out the upcoming continuing education options from the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation!
Submit Your Pain Case Study to IVAPM.

Share your pearls of wisdom! The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) invites you to submit a pain-case-of-the-month to Trends magazine. Reports can be short (~1,000 words), photos are encouraged, and you get $200! For more information, contact Dr. Mike Petty at dr-petty@arborpointe.com.
Research Update from Canine Home Exercises

The Magnitude of Muscular Activation of Four Canine Forelimb Muscles in Dogs Performing Two Agility-Specific Tasks.
 
The Study: This study measured muscle activation of Biceps Brachii, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, and Triceps Brachii Long Head in eight healthy agility dogs using ultrasound-guided fine-wire electromyography while dogs performed a two-jump sequence and ascended and descended an A-frame obstacle at two different competition heights.

Level of Evidence: Descriptive Study

Study Limitations: Per the authors, a large proportion of the emg recordings were excluded from analyses due to poor signal quality.

Impact on Clinical Practice: Compared to walking, peak muscle activations were between 1.7 and 10.6-fold for agility tasks. Jumping required higher levels of muscle activation compared to ascending and descending an A-frame. A-frame height did not show a significant different in muscle activation.
 
For canine patients with shoulder injuries, when reconditioning back to agility, care should be taken to fully strengthen the thoracic limb before returning to sport.
Canine Home Exercises Are an Integral Component of Any Rehabilitation Plan. We Make It Easy.
Innovative technologies and expert design for an all-in-one solution, Canine Home Exercises (CHE) allows you to build home exercise programs in seconds. With beautifully designed instructional videos, the CHE program is e-mailed to clients while tracking tools and insightful analytics allow you to monitor progress or trouble shoot challenges from any computer.
See why CCRTs choose Canine Home Exercises today.
Sasha Foster, MSPT, CCRT
Evidence-Based Resources at Your Fingertips - From Canine Arthritis Resources & Education.

CRI is pleased to be a sponsor of Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE). Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions you will see in your practice, with at least 1 in 5 dogs developing the disease in their lifetime. As the leading cause of chronic pain, OA can have a significant impact on the quality of life for your patients, and for your clients who are caring for dogs in pain.
 
While OA isn't curable, the earlier you can identify and manage it, the better impact you can have on your patients' quality of life. With CARE, you'll find tools, resources, and evidence-based information to help aid you in your practice.
CARE was founded by CRI faculty member Kristin Kirkby Shaw, DVM, MS, PhD, CCRT, DACVS, DACVSMR, as a central resource to answer the most common questions about OA that she encounters from colleagues around the world. The website covers everything from diagnosing developmental orthopedic diseases to nutrition and weight loss, rehabilitation, pain management, lifestyle modifications, and more. There are resources to share with clients, as well as extensive, evidence-based content for dog owners to help them manage their dog's OA at home. Visit the CARE website to learn more.
PT Students: You Can Now Register for Rehabilitation Certification Courses Before Completing Your Degree.

Attention, physical therapists and PT students! You can now register for CRI courses during your final year in PT school and start your certification as a canine rehabilitation therapist as soon as you have graduated and are licensed! We will NO LONGER require that you graduate before registering for courses. This will allow you to achieve your dream of working with animals much sooner!
 
Physical therapy students can register for any courses that licensed physical therapists can take, but you cannot start the courses until you graduate and are licensed. To become certified as a CCRT, you must complete the three required courses plus a 40-hour internship. In addition, you must have completed one year of clinical experience in human physical therapy after receiving your PT license.
 
Have questions? Contact us at info@caninerehabinstitute.com. We are very excited to continue helping more and more PTs along this exciting journey! 
Veterinary Students: Have You Heard About the Changes to Our Rehabilitation and Acupuncture Certification Programs?
We know that veterinary students that graduate with certifications in veterinary rehabilitation and/or acupuncture have more to offer a potential employer. But finances and school schedules can make this additional training very challenging. With this in mind, CRI has made adjustments to our rehabilitation and acupuncture certification programs just for veterinary students.

Certification in Canine Rehabilitation (CCRT): Students can start their training by taking Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation any time after their first year. They can then take the second module, Clinical Skills, any time after their second year. After their third year, they can take the last module, Clinical Applications, followed by a 40-hour internship. Certification will be awarded when the students obtain their veterinary licenses.

Certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture (CVAT): Students can start their training by taking Introduction to Veterinary Medical Acupuncture any time after their first year. They can then take the second module, Veterinary Medical Acupuncture for Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Patients any time after their second year, and the last module, Canine and Feline Medical Acupuncture, any time after their third year. Certification will be awarded when the students obtain their veterinary licenses.

We encourage veterinary students to take advantage of the 20% discount off the tuition we are currently offering. We are also in discussions with our sponsor companies to develop tuition assistance programs.

For complete details, please see our Veterinary Student Certification page or contact us at info@caninerehabinstitute.com.
Please Support The Tayla Fund.

CRI is pleased to announce the creation of The Tayla Fund, in memory of Tayla, a long-time favorite demo dog and the beloved companion of Janessa Shine, an O.R. nurse at Coral Springs Animal Hospital.

Donations to The Tayla Fund are tax-deductible and will be used to pay for rehabilitation at Coral Springs Animal Hospital for clients who cannot afford it.

During this challenging time when many people are facing temporary unemployment, it is even more important to be generous and help us support those in need.

Dr. Janet Van Dyke, CRI's founder and CEO, made the first donation to launch The Tayla Fund.

To make a tax-deductible donation, use the button below to donate to Coral Springs Animal Hospital's charitable fund through the Veterinary Care Charitable Fund. Please be sure to select Coral Springs Animal Hospital as the recipient and specify "The Tayla Fund" in the Donor Name(s) for Public Recognition section of the donation form.
Tayla was the December 2018 recipient of the Breezie Demo Dog of the Month Award. During her long career with CRI, she helped train hundreds of veterinarians, physical therapists, and veterinary nurses/technicians.
We Had a Great Time With Our January Students!

In January, we will host three groups of students at Colorado Veterinary Specialty Group's new facility in Littleton, Colorado. We held two in-person sessions for Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation students, and we will have a Clinical Skills in-person session later this month. All students followed social distancing guidelines and stayed 6 feet apart, except when taking a quick class photo. We are looking forward to seeing more students again soon!
January 15-18 Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation class
Students, faculty, and demo dogs at the Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation in-person session on January 15-18 in Littleton, Colorado.
Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation in-person session January 22-25, 2021
Our second group of students, faculty, and demo dogs at the Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation in-person session on January 22-25 in Littleton, Colorado.
Discount on CE Courses Available for VOS and AARV Members, and CRI Graduates.
CRI is offering a 10% discount on most continuing education courses to members of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) and the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV), as well as CRI graduates (CCRTs, CCRVNs, and CCRAs).
Please visit our Continuing Education page for a list of eligible courses and our FAQ page for more details. Note that continuing education courses do not include core rehabilitation or acupuncture courses taken for certification.
Discounted Hotel Accommodations Available for Courses in Littleton, Colorado!

CRI has arranged discounted rates for this spring at two hotels close to Colorado Veterinary Specialty Group in Littleton, Colorado, where we are holding many of our in-person labs and courses.

The Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, Colorado, is offering a standard guest room for $89 per night plus tax, subject to availability. The Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows provides a complimentary daily hotel shuttle to and from Colorado Veterinary Specialty Group. The hotel also offers free access to an indoor pool and fitness center.

The Residence Inn Denver Highlands Ranch in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is offering a studio or 1-bedroom suite for $79 per night plus tax, subject to availability. The Residence Inn Denver Highlands Ranch provides complimentary on-site parking and complimentary breakfast. Pets are welcome, and the hotel has a fitness center on-site.

Please check our Littleton, Colorado Travel page for more details and reservation links!
Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows
Residence Inn Denver Highlands Ranch
Congratulations to Trixie, Our Breezie Demo Dog of the Month!

Our January Breezie Demo Dog Award Winner is Trixie (registered name: GCH CH MACH PACH Starbright Trifecta VCD2 UD RE PAX XF), a delightful 13.5 year old Belgian Tervuren, owned by Debbie Deuth. Trixie is a retired show dog and has competed in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking and rally, earning advanced degrees in every venue.

In late June of 2020, she was attacked by a loose German Shepherd, suffering multiple bite wounds to her neck, tail and pelvic limbs and a left intertarsal luxation. A partial tarsal arthrodesis was performed in early August 2020 after weeks of treatment for the bite wounds. Her surgical and rehabilitation teams were outstanding. She spent over 3 months in a cast (pre- and post-surgery), resulting in significant muscle atrophy. Rehabilitation was initiated prior to her final bandage/cast removal. Trixie has been able to resume her walks (2-3 miles, 3-4 times a weeks) and her “greet everyone you pass” duties. She gets rehabilitation at home, has twice monthly appointments at CVSG, and has been a joyful canine professor for CRI. The CRI faculty loves Trixie's fantastic athletic body and wonderful personality.

In recognition of this honor, Trixie will receive a $50 gift certificate from Jiminy's good for any of their treats or dog food. Congratulations, Trixie, and enjoy your yummy Jiminy's treats!
Trixie
Trixie in class
The Breezie Demo Dog of the Month Award is given in memory of Breezie, who was the lead demo dog for our Coral Springs courses for more than 9 years and helped to educate more than 800 veterinary and physical therapy professionals. She was such a great demo dog that our faculty would beg to have her in their small group sessions. Breezie's favorite holiday was Halloween when she was always the best dressed dog in Coral Springs!
Stay Connected With CRI on Facebook!

Are you following CRI on Facebook? Be sure to stay connected for the most up-to-date news and photos from our courses. Tag your friends and colleagues and share our posts to spread the word about veterinary rehabilitation!
Have You Looked at CRI's Online Job Postings?  

If you are considering a new position in canine rehabilitation, be sure to check out the Jobs page on the CRI website, which has numerous listings. Recent postings include openings for rehabilitation veterinarians, physical therapists, and technicians/nurses in California, Florida, Washington, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, North Carolina, Montana, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and Michigan.

If you have a job opening that you would like to publicize, please use our online Job Posting Form to submit your listing.
Be Careful With Protected Terms Such as "Physical Therapy" and "Veterinary Medicine."

CRI students and graduates, please remember that you may only use protected terms such as "physical therapy" and "veterinary medicine" in your advertising materials if you are licensed in these fields. We discuss protected terms during Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation, and we hope everyone continues to remember and follow the recommendations provided.
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CRI Graduates: Is Your Contact Information Still Correct?

If you are a CRI graduate, please check your listing in the Find a Therapist online directory and make sure the contact information is correct. If you have any updates, please email Joyce Rudzitis, CRI's chief operating officer.
ADVERTISEMENT 
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse - Coral Springs, Florida

Coral Springs Animal Hospital located in Coral Springs, Florida, is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and experienced Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse (CCRVN or CCRA) to join our growing Physical Rehabilitation Department in our newly designed space. Knowledge and experience in sedation and anesthesia are required to monitor patients for MRI, CTs, radiographs and minor procedures. Experience handling exotics and wildlife is preferred, but not required. We offer the following modalities: laser therapy, TUS, shockwave therapy, PEMF, cryotherapy, manual therapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, full equipment for therapeutic exercises, land treadmill, and underwater treadmill.
Education and Experience Recommended: CVT, LVT, RVT, CCRVN or CCRA
To Apply: Please email CV to dcappucci@coralspringsanimalhosp.com. For more information about the practice, visit coralspringsanimalhosp.com. Please read the complete job posting for full details.
Thank You to the Following Sponsors for Their Support!

For more information, download the Sponsorship Opportunities flier or contact Emily Selbe.
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CRI courses are held year-round in locations across the country and online. Visit our website at www.caninerehabinstitute.com for more information including a complete course calendar.

Don't forget that CCRTs, CCRVNs, and CCRAs are eligible for a 10% discount on most CRI Continuing Education Courses!
Canine Rehabilitation Institute | caninerehabinstitute.com