The von Trapp Animal Lodge celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on March 9^th. Located at 6500 Waters Avenue, the rehab facility will offer daycare, lodging and rehabilitation services for dogs and cats. The business is owned and operated by local veterinarian Betsy von Trapp, who is also certified in rehabilitation and acupuncture.

The rehab facility was designed by Heitmann Associates Architects and built by West Construction Company. The building is a 3700 square foot, state of the art facility that will offer dog and cat lodging, indoor and outdoor dog play areas, cat condos and an atrium for free play, and 21 dog suites; three specifically allocated for older and non-sociable pets. Rehabilitation services include hydrotherapy with use of an underwater treadmill, acupuncture, laser therapy and massage.  The 2000 square feet surrounding the indoor office will also include a zero entry outdoor pool.

“We are so excited to be offering upscale daycare, boarding and rehabilitation services all under one roof in this amazing community,” said von Trapp.  “Our primary goal is to take care of your family, because fortunately in this day and age our society has realized that pets are family, too.  We will be here to play with your pets on a daily basis when they are youthful and energized; we will be here to help alleviate pain and aid in mobility when they have aged; and we will be here for every stage in between.”

A Savannah native, von Trapp received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Following an internship, she worked with a private practice in Boston, Ma. She most recently worked with locally renowned practice Case Veterinary Hospital for 2.5 years where she became interested in acupuncture and complementary medicine. She received a Certificate in Acupuncture from Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians in Fort Collins, Co. and received her Certification for Rehab from the University of Tennessee.

The von Trapp Animal Lodge will work closely with the Humane Society for Greater Savannah by establishing a "dog of the week" program.  They will provide daycare for a different adoptable dog each week thereby giving them time to play in a stimulating environment. Their hope is that this will improve the dog's quality of life and also encourage more adoptions for the Humane Society.