Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Shackleton - Veterinary Physiotherapy, Physical therapist, Chester.
Small animal veterinary Physiotherapist, Zoo consultant and CPD provider, based in Chester UK, but delivers services to Zoos, universities and colleges, UK wide and worldwide
06/11/2025
I'd like to the thank # .uk and for inviting me to speak at their conferences over the last two years. It was such an honour to speak at all three events, and meeting so many kind passionate and professional individuals from all three associations. Really made me feel very enthusiastic about the future of our industry. I was lucky to speak on a variety of topics including - role of behaviour in pain management, the role of environmental management in rehab, lessons from the zoo, contraindications in exotic Animal treatment, and lessons from the zoo in our domestic cases.
03/11/2025
Had a lovely morning helping Ghosts owners with his wheelchair fitting today. He is a very big chap and required a very big chair, and a lot of adjustment for his large frame. He was a lovely lad and wish them all the luck going forward.
I'd like to thank for inviting me to speak (lessons from the zoo), and run a workshop on environmental modification at this years conference it was a pleasure, and amazing to meet so many passionate therapists from across the UK. I was also great to represent the on their stand, and talk to therapists about the great work th4 VOA is doing.
15/10/2025
A little over 3 weeks to go. Tickets selling fast.
Reptile enrichment - It's back - 4th November 2025 - Crocodiles of the World
'Really good information from angles that are often missed or dismissed towards animals, especially reptiles. Really, really important step in the right direction for animal keeping. 10/10 would come again’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
After a very successful event last year, we will be running the event again this year.
We will be taking a deep dive into contemporary research and looking at enrichment in a way that is rarely considered. – It’s important role in fitness, pain and disease management. whether you have very young or geratric animals, how we present, design and utilise our enrichment can have lasting effects on the animals in our care (the research is starting to highlight its importance). We will also be looking at the highly applicable information of reptile specific disease, pain, physiology and tissue adaptation, and there importance on enrichment for this taxonomic group.
There will be a mix of theory and practical skills, that culminates with us working with a variety of species, such as Galapagos Tortoises, Komodo dragon, Crocodiles and a variety of other lizard species.
'Really good information from angles that are often missed or dismissed towards animals, especially reptiles. Really, really important step in the right direction for animal keeping. 10/10 would come again’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
‘Matthew was really engaging and clearly passionate about the topic. Gained both theoretical and practical skills that I can take back to my role and apply it to more than just behaviour.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
‘Really helpful workshop to connect the dots between the physical health of our animals, and how enrichment can influence joint and muscle usage.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
‘I thought that the workshop was excellent, the information provided was informative and presented well, and I really enjoyed the practical side to it and being able to see the chosen animals interact with the enrichment we made.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
The workshop was hugely informative and has helped me get a better understanding of specific ways to look at enrichment from several angles – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
I thought that the workshop was excellent, the information provided was informative and presented well, and I really enjoyed the practical side to it and being able to see the chosen animals interact with the enrichment we made – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
08/10/2025
Looking forward to supporting/supervising the future phd candidate for this project.
Exciting funded PhD opportunity at Harper University.
Thinking, Playing, Connecting: Evidence-Based Enrichment for Cognitively Advanced Social Species in Zoos
Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Holly Vickery, Matthew Shackleton, Lucy Stratford, Jemma Dias
More information here:
Dr Ellen Williams
03/09/2025
Exotic vet physio workshop – 27th & 28th October – Tickets have sold fast on our last two cohorts.
Hear from one of our past attendees!
'I really enjoyed what felt like just scratching the surface in a massive new field; the application of veterinary physiotherapy for exotic species, and overall the course is very thought provoking. The practical skills that we gained are invaluable and applicable to all species. I have found that in particular the behavioural and environmental considerations - and what we can do with these aspects - have really enhanced my equine and small animal practice allowing me to think outside the constraints of standard practice which can often leave some of our patients, particularly those that won’t tolerate a lot of hands-on treatment and management, overlooked. I highly recommend the course and will be looking out for more to come from Shackleton veterinary Physiotherapy.'
- Ruth C. 2024 - Exotics VP Course 2024
Why enroll on our course:
Shackleton Veterinary Physiotherapy
As well as working as zookeepers and having a wealth of experience in teaching zoo sciences and Veterinary Physiotherapy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, we have delivered zoo consultancy, physiotherapy, and CPD services to several major UK zoos, and beyond. As well as delivering CPD to zoo vets, nurses, Zookeepers and organisation, including Chester ZOO, London Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Singapore Zoo, Crocodiles of the World, Detroit Zoo (USA), The American Association of Zookeepera and Crocodile Bank (India). We regularly treat a variety of exotic species ranging from great apes, rhinos, giraffe, large carnivores and Komodo dragons, to pet exotics such as Parrots, Rabbits, and bearded dragons. We also hold a number of unique memberships and clinical positions in zoological and veterinary organisations such as the BVZS, British Association of Zookeepers, and Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance.
The Venue:
Askham Bryan is considered one of the leading educational zoological collections in the UK, has a passionate team of experienced zookeepers, and welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually. As well as being an educational collection for delivering courses from college to university level, it actively participates in research and conservation projects from the UK and worldwide. It is an active member of The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It boasts a contemporary animal center, with high-quality interpretive/education design, and well-themed enclosures to enhance animal welfare and the visitor experience (that is an expectation of the modern zoological collection).
Guest lecturers and industry experts:
This new course has been a long time in the making, and is delivered by 4 experts from their respective fields, Between them they have worked within major zoological collections, and have been actively involved in research, conservation, veterinary care, training, husbandry, education and the mentorship of zoological and veterinary professionals. Our two guest lecturers were chosen not just because of their reputation and success in their respective industries, but because of their passion and drive for the continued improvement of animal welfare.
Some more of our amazing feedback from our 2024 cohort:
"This was an amazing course! I have learnt so much and it was a perfect mix of practical and theory. The lecturers were exceptionally knowledgeable. I only wish it could have been longer. I’ll be back for the next instalments!!"
"This was an incredible course, never heard off and full of interesting and mind-blowing information. Matthew and the whole team (Louise, Lauren and Caitlin) were incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. We managed to work with a great variety of species who all had different needs and requirements. I cannot wait till I am able to come to another course with the Shackleton team!!!! Such an exciting CPD!!!! Many thanks Greta C."
"Great introduction into the implementation of physio and its uses for exotic animals. Was informative and interesting. Also has a great element into widening how to address physiotherapeutic techniques in potentially more nervous animals that require more outside the box thinking. Would love to attend further courses!"
17/08/2025
Well deserved, just one of the reasons I chose this as a venue, the amazing staff and their passionate approach to education and conservation.
Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park has won a gold award from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, for its hosting of a…
23/07/2025
Thank you to the UKACT council for inviting me to deliver a talk to the conference on the importance of pain and lameness in animal sciences teaching. As well as a workshop on lameness to a number of attendees. Thank you to all those who came, and look forward to seeing UKACT continue to grow and be a force for good in the FE and HE sectors.
18/07/2025
Reptile enrichment - It's back - 4th November 2025 - Crocodiles of the World
'Really good information from angles that are often missed or dismissed towards animals, especially reptiles. Really, really important step in the right direction for animal keeping. 10/10 would come again’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
After a very successful event last year, we will be running the event again this year.
We will be taking a deep dive into contemporary research and looking at enrichment in a way that is rarely considered. – It’s important role in fitness, pain and disease management. whether you have very young or geratric animals, how we present, design and utilise our enrichment can have lasting effects on the animals in our care (the research is starting to highlight its importance). We will also be looking at the highly applicable information of reptile specific disease, pain, physiology and tissue adaptation, and there importance on enrichment for this taxonomic group.
There will be a mix of theory and practical skills, that culminates with us working with a variety of species, such as Galapagos Tortoises, Komodo dragon, Crocodiles and a variety of other lizard species.
'Really good information from angles that are often missed or dismissed towards animals, especially reptiles. Really, really important step in the right direction for animal keeping. 10/10 would come again’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
‘Matthew was really engaging and clearly passionate about the topic. Gained both theoretical and practical skills that I can take back to my role and apply it to more than just behaviour.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
‘Really helpful workshop to connect the dots between the physical health of our animals, and how enrichment can influence joint and muscle usage.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
‘I thought that the workshop was excellent, the information provided was informative and presented well, and I really enjoyed the practical side to it and being able to see the chosen animals interact with the enrichment we made.’ – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
The workshop was hugely informative and has helped me get a better understanding of specific ways to look at enrichment from several angles – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
I thought that the workshop was excellent, the information provided was informative and presented well, and I really enjoyed the practical side to it and being able to see the chosen animals interact with the enrichment we made – Anon – Reptile enrichment workshop – 2024
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Experience and qualifications
- A postgrad in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the University of Nottingham's school of veterinary science, currently completing my Master’s year
- 6 years of teaching experience, in animal sciences at college and University level – at a leading land-based institution.
- Undergraduate and post-grad in animal behaviour/zoo science and veterinary science/conservation from the University of Liverpool – School of vet science
- A variety of experience working with zoo animals, horses and livestock.
- Registered with The Institute for Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP - VP) - Fully insured as a practitioner
Specialist areas of interest;
- How behaviour and its management can affect pain and healing.
- Completing research into how environmental parameters can affect the musculoskeletal health of reptiles, birds and mammals and their rehabilitation.
What is a Veterinary Physiotherapist (VP)?
People often become confused when hearing the term due to the 'veterinary' prefix, but a VP is simply an animal-based physical therapist.
What does a VP do?
The role of a VP is to identify dysfunction within movement, or anatomical abnormalities (such as asymmetries within muscle, tendon, ligament and bone). A VP will also apply manual techniques to treat tissues that might be causing these abnormalities or utilise exercise prescription to build strength and aid the return of function.
Can a VP diagnose? No, due to the Veterinary surgeon's act 1966. Only a Vet is allowed to diagnose and treat an animal. So other para-professionals such as VP's must gain permission from the registered vet to treat an animal.
When should Veterinary Physiotherapy be used?:
• General pets – Aims include assessment of health and application of preventative treatment/exercise to delay age-related pain.
• Injured or post-operative animal – Whether an animal has received an injury or is recovering from an operation, a VP can in conjunction with vets provide pain relief and aid the healing process with a variety of manual and electronic therapies.
• Paralysed animals – Depending on the case a variety of mental and physical stimulation can be applied to maintain body function and muscle tone, and hopefully return some degree of function.
• Elderly Animal – Maintain function and hopefully improve locomotion, relief of arthritis and improve circulation.
• Competing/sporting animals – Treat related injury, maintain or build fitness levels, to minimise injury.
Exotic species
After working with, studying and teaching the care of exotic species and their behaviour, I have come to believe that rehabilitation is rarely used to its fullest extent in zoological collections. The few examples of its use with captive species are usually carried out by therapists with a background in domestic animals, and rarely understand the husbandry and training protocols of exotic species. Because of this I try to incorporate as much behavioural management and training into my treatment of exotics as possible. I am also currently completing my research into the use of rehab with reptile species.
