Making Strides for Animal Chiropractic

Interview with Dr. Francisco Maia, PT, DPT, CCRT; Navigating the Business Aspects of Canine Rehab and Animal Chiropractic

• Kaitlyn Lackey, DC, cAVCA

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In this episode of the Making Strides for Animal Chiropractic podcast, Dr. Katie talks with Dr. Francisco Maia. He is originally from Brazil, moved to the U.S. in 2005, and earned a B.S. in Exercise Science from IUPUI in 2009, graduating with top honors. He then obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012, where he and his wife adopted their first dog, Ringo.

After working in orthopedics and sports medicine, he combined his expertise with his passion for animals, earning his canine rehabilitation certification in 2015. In 2017, he founded TheK9PT, initially as a mobile practice to improve access to canine rehabilitation. By 2020, the business expanded into a hybrid model with in-home and in-clinic sessions in Irving Park, Chicago.

A leader in the field, Dr. Francisco mentors other canine therapists, teaches at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and serves as President of the APTA’s Animal Physical Therapy Special Interest Group.

Topics covered in this episode: 

  • Francisco’s transition from human physical therapy to canine rehabilitation
  • Overcoming challenges in client acquisition and pricing services
  • Balancing direct-to-consumer marketing with veterinary referrals
  • Leveraging Google and the 7% rule for lead generation
  • Building and scaling a mobile and clinic-based business
  • Tracking metrics, differentiation, and networking for successFrancisco's journey into canine rehab

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