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About Us
Why Choose Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy? Experience That Matters.
We bring industry-leading knowledge, built from advanced university teaching, zoo consultancy, and lecturing experience, directly into the treatment room. This ensures your dog, cat, or exotic animal receives the most professional, evidence-based, and effective care available, always working closely with your vet.
Our Personal and Effective Approach
Our mission at Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy is to deliver a personal approach for every animal, owner, and environment, because no two patients are ever alike.
Individualised Care and Trust
We use a comprehensive, individualised approach to assessment and treatment. We typically work on veterinary referral, ensuring our physiotherapy seamlessly supports your animal’s existing medical care.
Following a thorough review of your animal’s health, environment, activity levels, and management, we tailor a unique rehabilitation or prevention plan to suit both your needs and your animal’s lifestyle. This ensures effective results for all our patients, from domestic dogs and cats to specialist zoo species.
- Meet the Team
Shared Expertise & Education
Both Matthew and Louise have undergraduate degrees in Animal Behaviour, and are published authors on physiotherapy for captive geriatric animals.
They also collaborate to run specialist CPD courses for other Veterinary Physiotherapists and animal industry professionals, covering key topics like zoo animal lameness, functional animal enrichment, and exotic animal physiotherapy treatment.
- Meet The Experts
Matthew Shackleton BSc (Hons) PGCert MScVetPhys PTLLS MIRVAP(VP)
Matthew holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy and is currently a Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy and Zoo Sciences at Harper Adams University. He has a strong background in zoo-keeping and animal behaviour science.
- Matthew serves as a Clinical Advisor for the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance and treats domestic pets as well as wild and zoo species.
- He delivers BIAZA accredited CPD and is a regular guest speaker at major veterinary conferences (including BVZS, IRVAP, NAVP, RAMP, and VOACON).
- Meet The Experts
Louise Shackleton BSc (Hons) PGDipVetPhys PGCE PGCert MIRVAP(VP)
Louise qualified with a Distinction from the University of Nottingham’s Veterinary Physiotherapy programme, building on her foundation of a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour from the University of Liverpool.
- Louise has many years’ experience using positive reinforcement training techniques, prioritising calm behaviour during all treatments: a major benefit for anxious pets.
- As a qualified lecturer, she excels at empowering owners with the knowledge and skills for home care. She is fully insured and registered (MIRVAP(VP)) to treat both pets and zoo species.
Professional memberships
At Home
Matthew and Louise share their home with two dogs: Border Collie Poppy and Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Zac, Doona the cat, and their daughter Sophie.
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