Zoo Consultancy and Veterinary Physiotherapy for Wild Animals

We are specialist Veterinary Physiotherapists providing expert consultation and treatment for exotic and zoo species worldwide. Drawing on extensive experience in zoo management, animal behaviour, and veterinary physiotherapy, we offer a comprehensive, full-team approach to musculoskeletal and neurological health.

Specialist expertise

Our services are backed by unparalleled credentials in the zoo and veterinary sectors:

Extensive zoological treatment experience: We have worked with a large number of zoo collections both across the UK and internationally
Academic leadership: Matthew is a Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy and Zoo Sciences at Harper Adams University
Published authors: We are co-authors of a specialist book chapter, Physiotherapy and Management of the Musculoskeletal Health of Ageing Wild Animals in Human Care
Research and speaking authority: Active research into identifying lameness and gait in species like the Komodo dragon (supporting major collections worldwide), coupled with Matthew being a regular guest speaker at major veterinary and zoo conferences (e.g., BVZS, RVC)
Industry recognition: Delivers BIAZA certified training and CPD on functional enrichment and lameness identification for professionals (Keepers, Vets, RVNs), and exotics treatment for Veterinary Physiotherapists
Active membership: Associate Member of the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) and Clinical Advisor for the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA)

Our holistic consultation focus

Traditional hands-on treatment alone often fails to address the root cause in exotic species. We offer a tailored approach by collaborating closely with keepers and vets to assess four key variables:

Environment and management: Assessment of enclosure design, substrates, heating, and fixtures to maximise musculoskeletal health and aid recovery (relevant to endotherms and ectotherms).
Behaviour and training: Evaluation of enrichment and training protocols to aid recovery and ensure behaviours are protective, not detrimental.
Activity and functionality: Evaluation of whether physical activity is beneficial or contraindicated based on the animal’s pathology and anatomical adaptations.
Signalment: Considering age, species, social behaviours, and other variables to provide appropriate long-term management advice

What is considered?

Environment and management

Assessment of numerous variables such as enclosure design, fixtures and fittings, seasonal changes, substrates/surfaces. This helps maximise animals’ musculoskeletal and neurological health, and aid recovery from pathology/maintain health in both endothermic and ectothermic species.

Behaviour and training

Evaluation of the animal’s behavioural adaptations and how management/enrichment and training protocols could be utilised to aid recovery or maintain health. For example, the adaptation of enrichment devices or trained behaviours may become protective rather than potentially detrimental.

Signalment

The animal’s condition and other variables (age, sex, species, social behaviours) potentially predispose the animal to secondary conditions, or slowed recovery. We evaluate the management considerations which are important for the maintenance and recovery of the individual animal.

Activity and functionality

Rather than just encouraging activity and movement of the animals in our care, we consider whether the activity we are shaping is beneficial to health, or potentially contraindicated in relation to an animal’s behavioural and anatomical adaptations, or currently pathologies.

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Service options

We provide flexible services tailored to your collection’s location and needs:

On-site consultation and treatment (UK):

Full evaluation, report, environmental adaptation guidance, and on-site treatment (exercise regime/manual therapy if indicated) for current conditions.

Online consultation (Worldwide):

Remote consultation via online platforms to discuss cases, requiring detailed supporting materials (images, protocols, history) for treatment guidance.

Consultancy and education clients:

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Ready to enhance your collection's functional health and welfare?

Whether you require on-site rehabilitation or an immediate online consultation, we are ready to assist.

Contact us today for a free, confidential discussion about your cases, long-term mobility strategy, and the simple veterinary referral process.

Next steps: arranging consultation or treatment

Step one: Initial enquiry and discussion

Please contact us directly via phone or email to discuss your collection's needs, whether you are interested in: An assessment to maintain health or prevent disease. Arranging treatment for a current condition.
Step two: Veterinary referral

For all treatment cases, we will discuss the specific veterinary referral and consent process with you directly during your initial enquiry to ensure compliance and seamless communication with your on-site or registered veterinary team.
Step three: Session confirmation

Once the required paperwork is complete, we will confirm a time and date for your first session. Initial sessions typically last at least two hours to allow for a full initial assessment and treatment.

Professional memberships

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Happy Clients

Sophie Armitage

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!

Joanne Smith

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

kate hughes

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

Jelly Ellie

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

Ebony McKay

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!

E Hay

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

Sally Kemp

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.

Louise Murtagh

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.

Mallyfairclough Mally22

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.

Lisa Lisa

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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