Dr. Daniel Walters DPT, CCRP of Castle Rock on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Daniel Walters DPT, CCRP. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Daniel, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think the general public is relatively unaware that Physical Therapists can work with animals. This can lead to many misunderstandings such as:

1. Scope of practice and expertise confusion between other professions such as veterinarians and chiropractors.
2. The misunderstanding that animal physical therapy is using animals as a tool to rehab humans. The reality is that the animals are the patients!
3. The misperception that animals don’t, or aren’t worthy, of benefitting from rehabilitation. When the reality is that animals benefit just as much, if not more, from rehabilitation as humans do!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Daniel Walters, I specialize in physical therapy for animals. My organization is The Pet PT, LLC. I have the perspective that animals enrich our lives, they are embedded in our communities, part of our families, and I have a passion for helping them. My motivation for starting the business was because I identified a need that aligned with my expertise and passion. Animals, just like humans, highly benefit from rehab and physical therapy, it’s often the most cost-friendly and clinically effective solution for injured, aging or post-surgical pets to regain mobility and maximize quality of life; and isn’t utilized nearly as often as it should be in both human and veterinary medicine, especially as a first line treatment. This is what I want to change, whether it’s a dog bouncing back from ACL surgery or a cat reclaiming it’s playful leaps, The Pet PT is committed to having a positive impact and closing the gap at the intersection of care.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
About work ethic- my Dad. From a young age I observed what the meaning of a job well done looked like- the effort, dedication and commitment needed, despite most of the time not being able to control the outcomes. I also observed what stability and consistency looked like vs. what overextending yourself or losing work-life balance looked like.

About animal physical therapy itself- Carrie Adrian, a pioneer in the field of animal rehab and who taught me the most about the veterinary industry dynamics. Carrie never ceases to amaze me with her energy and enthusiasm as an animal physical therapy advocate!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be yourself, You ARE worthy and you ARE good enough.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I’m pretty extroverted by nature, and I wouldn’t be very good at applying a different persona in public. I do keep certain elements of my life private. I think being authentic is what makes me an effective animal physical therapist, it’s a big differentiator in establishing and maintaining trusting bonds with referring veterinarians, my patients and their owners.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop stressing about money and possessions, and stop comparing myself or my circumstances to others. I would also get rid of my smartphone and get a flip phone so people would have to call me and stop scrolling, and I would also have to call people and stop scrolling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepetpt.com
• Instagram: @thepetpt