When Siobhan Menzies transitioned from general practice to establish HolisticPet, her vision was to provide safe and effective complementary therapies for pets—therapies that avoided the undesirable side effects often associated with conventional medication. It quickly became evident that the animals most in need were those suffering from painful conditions, often presenting with reduced mobility and limited exercise tolerance.
Many of these pets had already undergone conventional treatments with limited success or experienced adverse effects. Siobhan observed that incorporating acupuncture into the treatment plan frequently resulted in significant improvements. Over time, acupuncture became central to HolisticPet’s approach, with the majority of patients seeking relief from pain-related conditions.
Driven by a continued commitment to pain management and functional recovery, Siobhan expanded HolisticPet’s therapeutic offerings to include laser therapy, physiotherapy, physical rehabilitation, the Emmett Technique, and hydrotherapy using an underwater treadmill.
HolisticPet is now an independent veterinary practice offering specialist pain management and rehabilitation clinics in collaboration with partner veterinary practices across Northern Ireland. We accept referrals from veterinary surgeons both locally and further afield, working closely with your primary vet to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care.
At Earlswood Veterinary, we see outpatient referrals and also support many inpatients recovering from spinal or orthopaedic surgery. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is witnessing the recovery journey of animals who arrive immobile and gradually regain their ability to walk. You can follow some of these inspiring stories on our Facebook page: HolisticPet Vet Rehab and Pain Management.
Referral clinics are also held at Clare Vets (Ballyclare), Flynn Vets, and Vets for Pets Newtownards, offering greater accessibility for clients across the region.
In June 2015, Siobhan welcomed Elsa Izaguirre to the team. Elsa brought with her a background in veterinary physiotherapy, hands-on experience from a pet rehabilitation clinic in Spain, and a deep passion for helping animals. Her ongoing studies in chronic pain management, rehabilitation, and herbal medicine continue to enhance the care we offer.
In 2022, we were joined by Emma Freeman, an experienced veterinary nurse well known for her compassion and dedication. Formerly head nurse at a local clinic, Emma’s skills in veterinary acupuncture and rehabilitation have made her an invaluable member of the HolisticPet team.
In January 2023, Siobhan relocated from Northern Ireland to Kent, where she established a multimodal pain clinic at the Holistic Vet Medicine Centre in East Hoathley. In addition, she launched HolisticPet Kent Veterinary Rehabilitation Clinic in Goudhurst, Kent—a multidisciplinary centre offering a comprehensive range of pain management therapies including acupuncture, laser therapy, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy), therapeutic exercise and physiotherapy.
Today, HolisticPet and HolisticPet Kent Veterinary Rehabilitation Clinic are unique veterinary practices dedicated to reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and promoting the highest possible quality of life for our four-legged patients. Our team of veterinary professionals works in partnership with your primary veterinary surgeon to deliver individualised, multimodal pain management plans tailored specifically to your pet’s needs.