Dr Siobhan Menzies

BVM&S, GPCert(WVA&CPM), LFHom(Vet), MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon | Pain Management & Rehabilitation Specialist | CCRP

Dr. Siobhan Menzies is an experienced veterinary surgeon with a special interest in pain management, rehabilitation, and complementary therapies. She graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh in 1990 and began her career in mixed practice in Northern Ireland before focusing on small animal medicine.

Her passion for integrative care led her to train in veterinary acupuncture with the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA), where she later served as a council member. In 2007, she became the first veterinary professional in Ireland to achieve the Canine Certified Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) qualification through the University of Tennessee, a gold-standard, RACE-approved certification in canine rehabilitation.

Inspired by her training, Siobhan founded HolisticPet, Northern Ireland’s first dedicated veterinary pain management clinic, introducing the region’s first underwater treadmill to support physical rehabilitation. She holds a GP Certificate in Western Veterinary Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management, with additional training in Canine Sports Medicine under world-renowned specialist Dr. Chris Zink.

Siobhan is committed to a multimodal approach to pain relief, combining advanced techniques such as acupuncture, laser therapy, PEMF, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy. In 2023, she relocated to Kent, where she  launched HolisticPet Veterinary Rehabilitation Clinic in Goudhurst—a multidisciplinary centre dedicated to improving quality of life and mobility in pets.

She is an active member of several professional organisations including the ABVA, BVRSMA, IAVRPT, and BSAVA. She has served on the council of the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI) and is an advisory board member for the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA).

A sought-after speaker, Siobhan regularly lectures on veterinary acupuncture, chronic pain management, rehabilitation, and medicinal cannabinoids for organisations such as VOA, BVNA, BSAVA, Hills, and Longview Veterinary Services. She has developed a practical rehabilitation course for veterinary professionals to help expand access to these vital therapies across the UK and is working with Dr Hannah Capon of Canine Arthritis Management to produce a course for animal professionals.

Brinna Hayes

Chartered Physiotherapist

www.unleashedphysio.co.uk

Brinna Hayes is a Chartered Physiotherapist with a decade of experience. Being a Chartered Physiotherapist means she can work with humans as well as animals!

Originally from Canada, Brinna came to England in 2014 to complete her Master’s of Rehabilitation Sciences (Physiotherapy); she fell in love and has never left! In 2021, Brinna qualified from Hartpury University with a post-graduate diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy.

In addition to her role with HolisticPet Kent Veterinary Rehabilitation Clinic in Goudhurst, she works in the NHS as a Highly Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist with children from 0-19 years and is also employed with The Ralph, a specialist veterinary referral centre where she continues to learn and hone her skills alongside a specialist team. Brinna’s roles are diverse and provide a wealth of experience for her toolkit.

Brinna has a keen interest in sports having competed herself for Team Canada in the sport of Biathlon; and she has worked as a physiotherapist for various college rugby clubs, the Samoan World Cup Rugby team in 2015 and annually at the London Marathon.

Brinna has uniquely, come to the world of rehabilitation following an undergraduate degree (BSc) in Psychology and Environmental Sciences. This led to Brinna living out a vibrant career as a Marine Mammal Specialist working in animal training and husbandry for dolphins and sea turtles in Bermuda and Hawaii. To compliment her physiotherapy practice she offers a breadth of knowledge into animal behaviour which, helps her to flexibly cater and adapt to the needs of all her clients. Her knowledge of positive reinforcement training approaches helps animals to complete their physiotherapy session with precision, consistency and comfort.

In her spare time Brinna enjoys the chaos of family life spending her free time with husband, toddler and baby as well as their cocker spaniel puppy! They are frequently all found camping, hiking, cycling, surfing, paddle boarding and skiing! Brinna also loves yoga and is a certified yoga instructor - it helps to unwind.

Dr Kay Barkley

BVetMed VetMFHom MRCVS

At the beginning of her career, Kay worked as a General and Sick Children's Nurse in Manchester and London, all the while studying in her spare time to achieve the qualifications to apply for a degree in veterinary medicine. Graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2006, she worked at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital in London and then went on to a small animal practice in Kent. She has attained the post graduate VetMFHom qualification and consults in holistic medicine, continuing her lifelong passion for animal care.

Kay’s holistic care journey began when her dog’s suffering of travel’s sickness was resolved using homeopathy where conventional treatments were unsuccessful. This welcomed happy and comfortable trips free from anxiety for her furry companion and all the family.

Today she lives at the seaside of Whitstable in Kent with her husband and two teenage children whom they educate at home. What she enjoys most outside of her professional work, are family holidays in her touring caravan and exploring nature with her energetic spaniel. Alongside training in mixed martial arts, she has begun tap dancing and starting to cultivate a herb, fruit and veg garden at home.

Available for in person consultation at HPet Kent Goudhurst and also remote consultations.

Dr Sarah Bignell-Howse

BVetMed, CertGP(SAM), MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon | Western Herbal Medicine | Integrative Care

Sarah is an experienced veterinary surgeon with a special interest in chronic pain, long-term disease, and integrative care, with a particular focus on Western veterinary herbal medicine.

After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2000, she spent many years in general practice, building a strong foundation in small animal medicine. She later achieved a Certificate in General Practice (Small Animal Medicine), and over time found herself drawn more towards supporting animals with chronic and complex conditions.

For the past six years, she has been running an integrative veterinary clinic, working closely with physiotherapists and other rehabilitation professionals to provide a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to care.

A key part of her work is Western herbal medicine, using plant-based extracts to support health and help manage illness. She uses carefully selected, medical-grade herbal formulations as part of a tailored treatment plan, often alongside conventional and other therapies where appropriate.

Alongside this, she has training in Western and TCVM acupuncture, chronic pain management, and myofascial work, allowing her to take a well-rounded and individualised approach to each patient.

She is a member of the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists, the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists, and the British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association. Her focus is always on thoughtful, compassionate care—supporting each animal as an individual and helping them feel more comfortable, more at ease, and able to enjoy life with the people who love them.

Available for remote consultations.