Our story
A Vienna physiologist, a North Carolina rehab pioneer, and a quiet promise to keep dogs moving with dignity.
The origin
When Biko, a German Shepherd in Vienna, was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy in 2004, his owner — exercise physiologist Thomas Hödl — refused to accept that he would simply lose mobility.
Thomas built a prototype from elastic cord and a harness. It worked. Biko walked again. The idea crossed the Atlantic when Thomas met Annie Janis, who was running one of the first three canine rehabilitation clinics in the country.
Two decades later, the bands are hand-made in North Carolina, fitted by hand, and reviewed by Annie herself before any payment is taken — the same promise from day one.
Twenty years
2004
Thomas Hödl invents the first elastic mobility brace to help his German Shepherd walk.
2008
The Biko Progressive Resistance Bands launch — the first elastic resistance device in veterinary medicine.
2013
Conditioning tool for athletic and working dogs, used by handlers across disciplines.
2019
Small additions, outsized results — half-ounce to four-ounce cuffs added to the line.
Today
Hand-made in North Carolina. Every order personally reviewed before it ships.
The team
The Visionary
In 2004, Thomas Hödl's German Shepherd, 'Biko', was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy. An exercise physiologist and athletic instructor in Vienna, Thomas developed the idea for an elastic resistance mobility brace to help Biko stabilize his hind limbs. The Biko Mobility Brace was the precursor to the Biko PR Bands.
Founder & Chief Innovation Officer
Master's in clinical psychology and organizational development. In 2003, co-founded the Animal Rehabilitation and Wellness Institute, PLLC in Raleigh, NC — one of the first 3 canine rehabilitation facilities in the country. Annie has personally reviewed every Biko fitting for two decades.
Chief Veterinary Consultant
DVM from St. George's University (2008), CCRT certified (2009). Founded SportVet Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Mobile Clinic in 2013 — travels throughout the Southeast attending field trials, hunt tests, lure coursing events and agility trials.
Director of Operations
Background in fashion design and operations, farm animal sanctuary management and dog rescue. Oversees production and supply chain — every Biko product is hand-made in North Carolina under her care.
From senior pets regaining mobility to elite athletes building strength — every Biko story matters to us.
