Business Details
26 Years
experience
Veterinary Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Services
Established in 2000, Theravet is a leading independent veterinary physiotherapy and hydrotherapy practice dedicated to providing empathetic, high-quality care for equine and small animal patients. Our team of highly qualified professionals works closely with referring veterinary surgeons, offering bespoke treatment plans as part of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. With purpose-built facilities in Chipperfield, Hertfordshire, and Anstruther, Fife, we combine tranquil environments with modern amenities to support rehabilitation. Our commitment to ongoing education ensures our team remains at the forefront of advancements in veterinary physiotherapy. Accredited by professional bodies including NAVP, AHPR, IRVAP, and the ICH, we serve clients across England and Scotland.We prioritise a calm, caring atmosphere for both patients and owners, delivering tailored treatments for conditions ranging from post-operative recovery to performance enhancement. Our services extend to supporting retired service dogs through the K9 Heroes charity, reflecting our dedication to animal welfare beyond clinical practice. With two locations offering easy accessibility and ample parking, we ensure convenience for our clients while maintaining a focus on exceptional care. Our team regularly attends continuing professional development courses to uphold the highest standards of expertise and patient support.
Services
Canine Rehabilitation
Feline Physiotherapy
Equine Hydrotherapy
Laser Therapy
Acupuncture
McTimoney Chiropractic
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Hydrotherapy
Massage Therapy
Veterinary Acupuncture
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer bespoke treatment plans developed by IRVAP-accredited physiotherapists with over 20 years' experience.
- Our purpose-built facilities in Hertfordshire and Fife feature underwater treadmills and modern therapy rooms.
- We maintain accreditation through continuous professional development and adherence to NAVP standards.
- Our team includes specialists in McTimoney chiropractic manipulation and equine performance rehabilitation.
- We pioneered the UK's first charity dedicated to retired service dog rehabilitation.
Associations and certifications
- NAVP
- AHPR
- IRVAP
- ICH
Services
Canine Rehabilitation
Our canine rehabilitation service provides tailored physiotherapy and hydrotherapy programmes for dogs recovering from surgery, injury, or managing chronic conditions. Using underwater treadmills, laser therapy, and manual techniques, we restore mobility and improve quality of life. Our IRVAP-certified therapists create individualised treatment plans focusing on pain management, muscle strengthening, and functional recovery for dogs of all ages and breeds.
Equine Physiotherapy
Specialist equine physiotherapy addresses musculoskeletal issues through manual therapy, McTimoney manipulation, and electrotherapy. Our MRCVS-registered practitioners assess gait abnormalities and performance limitations, delivering targeted interventions to enhance recovery and optimise athletic performance. Treatment plans integrate rehabilitation exercises and environmental modifications to support horses in competitive disciplines or companion roles across Scotland and England.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy utilises controlled water environments to improve mobility and muscle strength with reduced joint stress. Our underwater treadmills allow precise gait analysis while adjustable water levels accommodate varying rehabilitation stages. This service benefits pets recovering from orthopaedic surgery, managing arthritis, or requiring fitness conditioning, delivered by ICH-accredited hydrotherapists in temperature-regulated pools at both UK locations.
Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture involves strategic needle placement to stimulate nerve function and promote natural pain relief. Our certified practitioners use this modality alongside conventional treatments for chronic pain management, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders. This evidence-based approach complements rehabilitation programmes for both small animals and equines, particularly benefiting geriatric patients and performance horses.
McTimoney Chiropractic
McTimoney chiropractic treatment delivers precise, high-velocity adjustments to correct biomechanical imbalances in animals. Our practitioners, holding advanced qualifications in this technique, address spinal misalignments affecting mobility and performance. This service particularly benefits working dogs, agility competitors, and horses through improved joint function and nervous system communication, forming part of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies.
People
Emma Craigie Halkett
Lead Veterinary Physiotherapist & Owner
Founder of Theravet with 25 years' experience, Emma holds advanced qualifications in veterinary physiotherapy and McTimoney chiropractic. She established the UK's first retired service dog rehabilitation charity, K9 Heroes, and provides physiotherapy for GB agility teams.
Jennifer Lucas
Lead Veterinary Physiotherapist and Practice Manager
Jennifer manages the Hertfordshire clinic, bringing expertise in canine kinematics and rehabilitation. With a First Class BSc in Animal Biology and Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Physiotherapy, she oversees clinical operations and treatment planning.
Eleanor Lovejoy
Lead Hydrotherapist
Eleanor specialises in hydrotherapy for neurological and mobility cases, holding a BSc in Canine Hydrotherapy. She manages the underwater treadmill programmes, focusing on fitness conditioning and post-operative recovery for small animals.
Opal Weston
Lead Veterinary Physiotherapist and Manager Fife
Opal leads the Fife clinic with an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy. Her research on canine amputee rehabilitation informs her clinical practice, which includes first aid certification and experience in both canine and equine physiotherapy.
Emma Hedderson
Veterinary Acupuncturist
A Cambridge-qualified veterinary surgeon, Emma integrates acupuncture into rehabilitation plans. With 14 years' experience treating geriatric animals and specialising in complementary therapies, she provides acupuncture services for chronic pain management.
Questions
What veterinary physiotherapy services do you offer?
We provide canine and feline rehabilitation, equine physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and McTimoney chiropractic treatments across our Hertfordshire and Fife clinics.
How do I book an appointment?
Contact your nearest location via phone or email to arrange a consultation. We require veterinary consent before starting treatment and offer flexible scheduling across both clinics.
Are your services covered by pet insurance?
Most major pet insurance providers support our treatments. Check with your insurer for specific coverage details, and we'll coordinate directly with your veterinary surgeon.
Do you treat animals other than dogs and horses?
While our primary focus is canines, felines, and equines, we assess each case individually. Contact our team to discuss specific requirements for other small animals.
What facilities do your clinics have?
Both locations feature underwater treadmills, physiotherapy rooms, and hydrotherapy pools. The Fife clinic includes acupuncture treatment spaces and rehabilitation equipment within the Bowhouse complex.
How does the K9 Heroes charity work?
K9 Heroes funds rehabilitation for retired service dogs from UK emergency services. We provide discounted treatments and collaborate with handlers to ensure these animals receive ongoing care post-retirement.
