About.

​Our Goal

Our goal is provide you and your pet with independent advice and treatment options for musculoskeletal concerns for all abilities and disabilities during any stage of life.  

We are proud of our team of compassionate and trained staff.  ​Our focus is to provide you with educated, up to date and passionate individuals that can work collaboratively to help you achieve the goals you set with your pet, all in the convenience of one location.

We also have on-site bespoke kennels in a safe environment for your pet to stay while they recover from their injury or surgery. We also have elderly pets stay that can no longer stay at regular boarding facilities. 

Established in 2017

We have been working together on the same site since 2016.  Originally working in Patumahoe, we all aspired to creating a great rehabilitation centre.  Our first priority was, and still is,  putting the patient's wellbeing first. 

We moved to our new location at 1218 Great South road, Drury in 2017 and the Southern K9 Therapy Centre came to fruition.  ​

In 2018, we are joined by Jo from Well Adjusted Animal Chiropractic services to expand the range of complimentary services available for your pet.  

We aim to provide all round care for your injured, aged, sporting or healing pet.  ​


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Our Team

K9 Aqua
Karynne Penfold (Adv L4 hydrotherapist), Kathleen Reynolds & Deb England (Vet Nurse) 

Karynne started K9 Aqua in 2011. She gained her ABC Level 3 Certificate (UK) for Hydrotherapy at Hawskmoor in 2012.  
​Karynne is passionate about the benefits that your pet can gain from hydrotherapy. With herself being the owner of dogs that have various musculoskeletal issues and having competed in agility in the past, she easily relates to her clients and their dogs’ needs.  She is currently owned by her hip dysplastic German Shepherd, Jackson and Bearded Collie x, Blue.
 
Kathleen joined K9 Aqua in 2016 as a hydrotherapy assistant, then part-owner in 2017.
Kathleen has traveled to Hawksmoor Hydrotherapy Training Centre to gain her ABC Level 3 Certificate (UK). She is currently studying.  Bringing years of giant breed experience she is a welcome asset to the team.  
She is currently owned (and drooled on) by English Mastiff Lincoln, and foster fail Dogue de Bordeaux, Nixon.

Red Dog Rehabilitation​​
Dr Stephanie Bonner (BVSc, CCRT, PGCertsci)

Graduating from Massey University in 2004, Steph has worked as a small animal veterinarian in England, Australia and New Zealand providing her with an array of experience.
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In 2014, Steph completed her post graduate studies in the USA and is qualified as a Canine rehabilitation therapist (CCRT).  She attends rehabilitation conferences whenever possible.  
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Steph is excited to be able to bring rehabilitation services and products to the Southern K9 Therapy Centre.  
 
At home she is harassed, oops I mean loved, by Diesel, also lovingly known as dumbdumb (beware: may lick and cuddle you to death) and Poppy, the brains of the pair. They are kept in line by the cats Sammy and Hoover. 

Auckland Canine Massage
Helen Morphew (NCCMT)

Since completing her training at the Chicago School of Canine Massage in 2014, Helen has massaged dogs in pain, geriatric dogs, post-surgery, shelter dogs, palliative care and many more.  
Currently the only nationally certified practitioner in New Zealand, Helen works closely with several Veterinarians and has clinics across Auckland.  
Whilst in Chicago Helen visited a number of “integrative” pet care facilities and her dream was to be involved in something similar back home in New Zealand.
She is delighted to be a part of the Southern K9 Therapy Centre as she is a firm believer in providing an integrated approach, which having everything on one site makes so much easier for owners.
 
Both originally from the UK, Helen and her husband Rob share their home with their Kiwi  dog Asha – a 6 year young SPCA special!  

Well Adjusted Animal Chiropractic services 
Jo Bentley (MTech Chiropractic SA) 

Jo completed her doctorate in chiropractic in South Africa and ran her own successful private practice for 5 years.  She then completed a postgraduate course in the USA in order to fulfill her dream of treating animals, big and small.  

As a competitive horse rider, Jo appreciates the benefits of having our horses functioning at their best.  From happy hackers to competing at Grand prix - horses moving freely and being able to do what we ask of them to the best of their ability is what makes her job her passion.

Jo knows how much pleasure dogs bring to our lives and wants to ensure that they are moving and functioning optimally for any activity, from agility work to being a faithful companion.  
Please feel free to contact Jo with any questions and to see how she can help your 4 legged family member.

Team News

We're excited to announce that K9 Aqua has been accredited by the New Zealand Association of Canine Hydrotherapists with their tick!
Karynne has also completed her Level 4 Advanced training.  With our new underwater treadmill and this level of training on offer, it's no wonder the facility got the tick of approval! 

Click here to find our more about our new accreditation