The Story Behind Golden Paws Animal Rehabilitation Center

Golden Paws Animal Rehabilitation Center was born from a deep-rooted passion for helping pets live healthier, more comfortable lives. The journey started with Dr. Jennifer Levitsky, whose love for animals and curiosity about alternative therapies led her to open a practice dedicated entirely to rehabilitation.

Dr. Levitsky grew up in Maryland and knew she wanted to be a veterinarian by the age of 13. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, with a minor in English, at Bowdoin College. Her educational journey continued at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. After enduring eight snowy winters in New England, she moved south to Washington, D.C., to complete a rigorous rotating internship in medicine, surgery, and emergency care at Friendship Hospital for Animals.

Her career flourished, but it wasn’t until she encountered a remarkable case that her perspective on veterinary care shifted. One of her technician’s dogs developed debilitating back pain that did not improve with traditional treatments. In desperation, they tried acupuncture—and the results were astounding. The dog regained mobility, sparking Dr. Levitsky’s interest in holistic therapies. She completed her acupuncture training with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and pursued advanced courses at the Chi Institute in Florida. Additionally, she studied homeopathy with Dr. Richard Pitcairn, founder of the Animal Natural Health Center.

Despite years of success in general practice, Dr. Levitsky noticed a troubling pattern, particularly in her senior patients. While traditional and alternative treatments often alleviated pain, many pets still experienced muscle atrophy and mobility challenges. In 2017, she took rehabilitation courses through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to better serve these pets.

After years of witnessing the positive impact of rehabilitation therapies and recognizing the growing need for specialized care, Dr. Levitsky decided to open Golden Paws Animal Rehabilitation Center. The practice was founded with a special focus on geriatric pets, providing personalized treatment plans to improve mobility, manage pain, and restore quality of life.

Today, Golden Paws offers a blend of cutting-edge therapies, including aquatic treadmill therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, PEMF therapy, and more. With a compassionate team and a commitment to innovative care, Golden Paws is dedicated to helping pets live their best lives—one step at a time.