Conditioning & Rehabilitation

Keep your dog moving
at their very best

Specialized conditioning and rehabilitation for sport and working dogs — helping prevent injuries before they happen and supporting full recovery when they do.

Prevent·Recover·Perform·Thrive

About us

The people behind the work

Loco-Motion K9 was built on nearly three decades of hands-on veterinary and animal care experience, a deep love of dogs, and the belief that sport and working dogs deserve more than standard care — they deserve care built around who they are and what they do.

Tarah Nixon
BS, CVT, Dip. ABST, CCAT · Elite Fear Free Certified Professional
Founder & Rehabilitation Therapist

I have loved dogs my entire life. I have competed in dog sports for as long as I can remember, and somewhere along the way, caring for these animals stopped being just a passion and became my purpose. I have been working in the veterinary field since 1998, and every year I have spent in this industry has reinforced one thing: sport and working dogs are incredibly dedicated athletes, and they deserve care that actually reflects that. That is why I started Loco-Motion K9 Conditioning and Rehab.

Dr. Lisa Wirth
VMD, CCAT · Elite Fear Free Certified Professional
Veterinary Partner · Arizona Veterinary Ambulance

Dr. Lisa Wirth is the owner of Arizona Veterinary Ambulance and Loco-Motion K9's trusted veterinary partner. Every dog entering a rehabilitation or conditioning program begins with an initial exam through Dr. Wirth, and her expertise plays a direct role in shaping each patient's rehabilitation plan — ensuring every program is grounded in sound veterinary judgment from the start. Her mobile practice makes expert veterinary care accessible and stress-free for dogs and their handlers.

25+
Years in the veterinary field
Proven
Evidence-based rehab methods
Custom
Programs for every dog

What we offer

Services designed for performance

Injury prevention conditioning

Targeted strength, balance, and flexibility programs to reduce injury risk for sport and working dogs before problems arise.

Post-surgery rehabilitation

Structured, progressive recovery programs following orthopedic surgery — keeping your dog on track for a full return to work and play.

Performance conditioning

Sport-specific fitness programming to build endurance, power, and body awareness for competition-ready dogs.

Injury rehabilitation

Conservative, hands-on rehab for soft tissue and orthopedic injuries — helping dogs heal correctly and completely.

Neurological rehabilitation

Specialized support for dogs recovering from neurological conditions — improving coordination, proprioception, strength, and quality of movement.

Senior dog wellness

Gentle, tailored programs to help aging dogs maintain mobility, manage discomfort, and enjoy a better quality of life as they grow older.

Weight management

Safe, structured exercise and conditioning plans to help overweight dogs lose weight, build lean muscle, and move more comfortably.


Common questions

Things people ask us

What kinds of dogs do you work with?
We specialize in sport and working dogs of all breeds and disciplines — agility, herding, detection, bite sports, hunting dogs, and more. If your dog has a job (or loves one), we can help. That said, we also welcome pet dogs! Whether your dog is a couch companion dealing with an injury, a senior slowing down, or simply a beloved family dog whose owner wants the best for them, they are just as welcome here.
Do I need a vet exam before starting?
Yes — for both conditioning and rehabilitation programs, an initial exam with Dr. Lisa Wirth of Arizona Veterinary Ambulance is required. This ensures that every patient is cleared and confirmed safe for exercise before their program begins. It's an important first step that protects your dog and sets the foundation for a program that is truly built around their needs.
How long does a typical rehabilitation program take?
It depends on the injury or goal. Every dog is different, and we assess each patient individually to build a program that fits their specific needs and adjusts as they progress.
Can conditioning really prevent injuries?
Yes — building strength, proprioception, and flexibility significantly reduces injury risk for working dogs. Many handlers are surprised at the difference a structured conditioning program makes in their dog's resilience and recovery time.
What does a first session look like?
The first session is a thorough assessment — we evaluate your dog's movement, strength, flexibility, and any areas of concern. From there we design a customized program and walk you through what to expect.

Get in touch

Ready to get started?

Let's talk about your dog

Not sure where to start? Here's how it works:

locomotionk9@gmail.com
(520) 261-7177 call or text
406 S Plumer Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719

✅ Ready to get started?
Book your initial exam with Arizona Veterinary Ambulance — this is the required first step for all new patients.

Book your initial exam

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