Incorporating physiotherapy, behaviour and environmental management for long term results, for all animals.
Matthew and Louise Shackleton are Chester-based Veterinary Physiotherapists offering a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and the prevention of mobility and neurological issues. We partner with you and your veterinary team to ensure the best results for your animal.
If your pet is struggling with movement, stiffness, or pain, we can help.
We are a fully mobile service and primarily treat dogs, cats, and rabbits (plus other pets) in and around Chester. Treating pets in their familiar home environment is key to keeping animals happier and minimising stress during therapy. The foundation of our treatment is tailored exercise prescription, empowering you to actively support your pet’s recovery. This is combined with essential guidance on environmental and husbandry adjustments. We use hands-on (manual) treatment and electrotherapies (such as laser), to support your pet’s recovery.
Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy offers a unique level of expertise, reinforced by our extensive background, zoo industry memberships, and status as published authors (contributing a scientific book chapter on physiotherapy for ageing zoo animals).
We are some of the few Veterinary Physiotherapists insured and uniquely qualified to treat exotic and zoo species, providing specialist rehabilitation and prevention services to zoos and private owners nationally and internationally.
We use this high-level knowledge to provide CPD, workshops, and talks for veterinary and zoological professionals worldwide.”
















EXCELLENT
Based on 17 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Sophie ArmitageTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My Springer, Dash, has undergone two surgeries on his front legs, and Louise has been instrumental in helping him rebuild his muscle, strength and fitness. Dash absolutely loves Louise, and it’s clear how much care, patience and understanding she puts into every session. Her handling and attention to detail throughout his rehabilitation programme have been amazing. The detailed reports after each session and the tailored exercise plans have been invaluable, giving me something positive to focus on and a clear plan to follow during what has been a really difficult and worrying time. Louise has not only helped Dash physically but has supported me, too. Watching your dog go through surgery and rehabilitation is incredibly stressful, and I was so worried about everything! Having Louise’s knowledge, guidance and reassurance along the way has made such a difference to both of us. Thank you!Posted on Google![]()
Joanne SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very happy with the service have seen massive improvement with my dog, has helped when ever I have asked for advice. Has guided me through all the exercises and movements to improve my dogs life, I am very happy with everything would highly recommendPosted on Google![]()
kate hughesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Matt has being seeing us with our dog after a spinal disc injury. From the beginning , he has been very professional and super knowledgeable about the condition of our dog. We have had online support and messaging facility on what’s app between appointments, which has been enormously helpful. We have been given targeted exercises to do between sessions and our dog has been accessed at home at each session and a report sent through to us each time . Our dog received laser therapy at each session and I believe this helped greatly as well. We have seen an huge improvement in our dog’s condition and the advice we have been given has been invaluable. We would have no hesitation in recommending Shackleton veterinary PhysiotherapistsPosted on Google![]()
Jelly EllieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After months of our 5 yr old Labrador limping on and off following a deer chase, and different diagnoses/solutions from different vets a chance recommendation led us to Matthew. I was a bit sceptical at first but after a six session exercise and lifestyle plan the limp has gone and we can all enjoy normal doggy life again. The information provided by Matthew and on the website is excellent and easy to follow. The instant availability of support really helps. I can’t recommend Shackleton Physio enough. It was a pleasure to meet and work with Matthew. We’ll be continuing with the exercises as part of ongoing play and interaction - both our dogs love the ‘games’. Thank you from Sue and RuePosted on Google![]()
Ebony McKayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The team at Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy have helped my rabbit regain his quality of life after getting a head tilt, from laser sessions to enrichment suggestions and of course physio, my boy is now much more sound and able to manoeuvre with stability and confidence. Honestly an amazing service that I reccomend to people at my place of work, and even to my in-laws!Posted on Google![]()
E HayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have a 10 yr old Lurcher who has some behavioural issues (anxiety and reactivity). A few people have suggested a pain assessment as hidden pain might be contributing to her reactivity, and in addition as she is aging we are noticing a few changes in her movement. Matthew visited the house where he could do a physical examination, ask some lifestyle questions and see her in her own environment. This also enabled him to see if we can make any changes at home to make her more comfortable. The assessment took just over an hour an a half, was very detailed and left us with a couple of choices for next steps, including a possible physio referral and fully supported exercise programPosted on Google![]()
Sally KempTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We can’t thank Matthew enough for his support and advice with our 3 year old dog and her sciatica. Matthew is supportive and very caring remaining in touch between sessions, this offers reassurance and clarity to keep on track. The rehabilitation programme provides holistic support, with advice and guidance not only for Rosie but also environment factors in the home and how and where she walks. The programme helped us to measure Rosie’s progress and make adjustments with practical solutions offered at each session. Having access to the online video information has been really helpful. They are informative and clear offering extra reassurance. The programme, has offered us a step by step approach backed up by Matthew’s extensive knowledge and support for which we are grateful.Posted on Google![]()
Louise MurtaghTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Olive's agility trainer guessed that she had a couple of problems and suggested her being checked out by a physio. Within 10 minutes of arriving Matthew diagnosed the issues and we started our rehabilitation programme. A couple of months in and she's made such good progress. She's acting like a giddy puppy in the training arena and it looks like her pain has subsided. Can't wait to start strengthening exercises soon.Posted on Google![]()
Mallyfairclough Mally22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
12 weeks ago we thought our dog would never walk again after a spinal stroke, now he is walking on his lead and running round the garden. Matthew was recommended to us by a friend and his guidence and advice has been the catalist for Stans recovery. Matthew has provided a physio schedule for Stan that had delivered results that we didnt dream possible and his friendly and polite manner is second to none. I would highly recommend Matthews physio services to anybody who has a loved pet that is struggling with mobility.Posted on Google![]()
Lisa LisaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely fantastic. The work both Matt and Louise have done with my dogs is outstanding. It’s rare to find people truly passionate about what they do and they genuinely care about their clients. I can’t thank them enough for the continued support for Toby koda and Rosie and I’m sure the others will have their turn too. I truly can’t recommend Shackleton veterinary physiotherapy enough.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified that these reviews were published on Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy's Google Business Profile. Learn more