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shackletonvetphysio.com

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.

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.

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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).

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.
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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.

The services we offer

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Treatment and assessment of dogs, cats, pet exotics and small animals.

Zoo consultancy and Physiotherapy

Full assessment of environment, behaviour and activity for treatment and prevention.

CPD and training

Training for zookeepers and veterinary professionals.

Book A Free Consultation Call

Happy Clients

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Sophie Armitage profile picture
Sophie Armitage
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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!
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Joanne Smith profile picture
Joanne Smith
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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 recommend
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kate hughes profile picture
kate hughes
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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 Physiotherapists
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Jelly Ellie profile picture
Jelly Ellie
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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 Rue
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Ebony McKay profile picture
Ebony McKay
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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!
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E Hay profile picture
E Hay
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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 program
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Sally Kemp profile picture
Sally Kemp
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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.
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Louise Murtagh profile picture
Louise Murtagh
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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.
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Mallyfairclough Mally22 profile picture
Mallyfairclough Mally22
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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.
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Lisa Lisa profile picture
Lisa Lisa
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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.
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