Melanie Barrett, founder of 30A Swim Dog, in Santa Rosa Beach, says the assisted hydrotherapy sessions she offers are winning raves from pet owners and veterinarians that believe dogs can reap enormous health benefits from the safe, low-impact workouts.

From loosening joints to relaxing muscles and improving cardiac fitness, dogs of all breeds and sizes are diving into Barrett's 12-by-28-foot non-chlorinated pool to take advantage of the only certified aqua program on the Emerald Coast.

Barrett became a certified instructor after completing 50 hours of training with 60 dogs and received a certificate of achievement from Canautics Canine Aqua Therapy, in Orlando. She is certified in animal aromatherapy and is a member of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and the Association for Canine Aqua Therapy.

Barrett says, "Since the next closest program with a certified instructor is in Orlando, we've been getting calls and visits from throughout the region. We're on 30A, so we tell people they can go to the beach and drop their dog off at the pool!"

For more information, call 850-218-0476 or visit 30aswimdog.com.