With acupuncture, hydrotherapy, a beauty parlour, and an extensive pool, it might sound like the ultimate in pampering weekends away. In fact, it's rehab, and it's for pets only.

A new animal therapy centre has just been opened in the Canine Country Club in Sallins, Co Kildare, by hydrotherapy expert Mick Murphy. Murphy says he pioneered the idea after seeing an increasing number of injured pets being left in his kennels business.

"We were seeing people coming in with dogs and pups who were recovering from some serious injuries. All the vets could really do was prescribe them anti-inflammatories. However, I had a lot of knowledge about hydrotherapy and I know that if you don't provide a dog with the proper therapy there can be muscle wastage and further mobility issues down the line."

Murphy says he then saw that insurance policies had begun to cover the cost of hydrotherapy for pets and decided to invest in the new centre. "I have had vets come in who are saying it is an excellent idea and that it is about time we had something like this. It is important because sometimes I would see dogs who have had some form of spinal injury and would need to be taught to walk again from scratch and there isn't really anywhere else that they can get this kind of service."

The venture has cost Murphy a small fortune. "The whole facility is powered by solar panels, and was funded entirely by my selling all my insurance and investment policies and taking out a loan with AIB. One piece of equipment alone ended up costing me €35,000 so it has proved to be an expensive venture. I have put all my eggs in the one basket."

The centre is now open to both dog and cat owners to bring their injured pets in for a course which incorporates training on an underwater treadmill, a specially-designed grooming room, acupuncture and exercise rooms.

"At the end of the day, we all love our pets and now more so than ever before they are part of the family. Our pets are more domesticated than ever before, so it is not surprising that owners will want to get the best of treatment for their injured pets and ensure the best possible recovery," says Murphy.

"Some people who leave their dogs in the kennels bring in 14 pre-prepared meals and some owners are now asking for swimming lessons for their dogs in case they drown while out at the beach, and this shows how important the family pet has become."