Passionate then, passionate now…

When we started in 2011, our vision was simple: to create a unique veterinary rehabilitation service with excellence and quality at its heart… and to be recognised as one of the leading providers of veterinary rehabilitation services in the UK.

Today, nothing has changed – and we remain as passionate and dedicated as ever. Our mission is to treat each and every pet (and their owner) with the utmost care and compassion throughout the entire veterinary process. What else we focus on: minimising pain, and restoring the animals we treat to their maximum physical and mental wellbeing.

Every member of our team is committed and motivated to working together. To that end, we encourage excellent levels of communication and create a working environment which allows each team member to contribute to their full potential.

New centre, dedicated people

Based in beautiful rural Hertfordshire, the Davies Therapy and Fitness Centre opened in November 2016, and is an exciting new addition to our existing specialist veterinary services.

Our dedicated team of caring Chartered Physiotherapists, Hydrotherapists and Anaesthetists are here to provide help and support in the effective and speedy recovery of your pet after injury or surgery. They’ll work with your general practice vet and specialist where appropriate to provide all of your pet’s care under one roof.

Reception

Hydrotherapy suite

Therapeutic exercise area / gym

Consultation / treatment rooms

Sarah Conley, MCSP, HCPC, ACPAT Cat A, BSc Equine Science and Management, MSc(Pre-reg) Physiotherapy, PGDip Veterinary Physiotherapy, PGCE

Chartered Physiotherapist

Following five years lecturing in equine studies and then working as Assistant Head of Department for Further Education at Myerscough College in Lancashire, Sarah became a Chartered Human Physiotherapist in 2012. Since then, she has worked as a human physiotherapist in both acute and primary care settings, before specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. After completing a post graduate diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool, Sarah now works as a Veterinary Physiotherapist working with small animals at Davies Veterinary Specialists and freelance in equine practice.

 

Diane Messum, MCSP, HCPC, ACPAT Cat A, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy, MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy, RAMP

Head of Physiotherapy
Chartered Physiotherapist

Diane has been a Chartered Human Physiotherapist for over 14 years, qualifying from the University of Birmingham in 2002. She went on to specialise in musculoskeletal outpatients and hand therapy where she developed knowledge and skills that were key to her current practice within the small animal field. Diane completed her Masters Degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy in 2007, awarded by the Royal Veterinary College, London. Diane now leads a growing team of passionate individuals with diverse experiences from within physiotherapy and rehabilitation.    

Louise Clark, BVMS, CertVA, DipECVAA, MSc (Clinical Management of Pain), FRCVS

RCVS and EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

Louise is a European and RCVS-recognised Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. She was awarded her Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in 2003 and moved to Davies Veterinary Specialists to Head the Anaesthesia team in 2007. In 2014, Louise was awarded an MSc (Distinction) in the Clinical Management of Pain from Edinburgh University. She is currently the Honorary Treasurer of the Pain Council at the Royal Society of Medicine, an invited examiner on the European Diploma examination and a past Treasurer of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists.    

Fran Downing, BVSc MSc DipECVAA MAcadMEd MRCVS

Head of Anaesthesia
RCVS and EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

After graduating from Liverpool University in 2007, Fran spent two years working in a busy mixed practice in Lancashire. She then returned to Liverpool University to undertake an internship in small animal anaesthesia. Since then, Fran has completed a residency in Veterinary Anaesthesia and spent time as a Lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. She joined the anaesthesia team at Davies in 2013, gaining her European Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia the same year. She became an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia in 2015 and was appointed Head of Anaesthesia in 2022.

Dionne Reay-Parish

Rehabilitation Technician

Eminay Evans-Hadi

Hydrotherapist

After graduating from Writtle University College in 2018 Eminay went on to continue her studies in Canine Hydrotherapy, gaining clinical experience and volunteering in different sections of the animal industry. She has also completed a wide variety of CPD. From 2019 to 2022 she worked in Canine Hydrotherapy at two different canine hydrotherapy centres. She is currently working towards becoming a P1 Practitioner Specialist in Canine Body Language and a Specialist in Canine Reactivity. With hope of continuing her knowledge and experience to give the best care to clients. Eminay joined Davies in June 2022.

Hollie Baxter, MCSP, HCPC, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, PGDip Veterinary Physiotherapy, ACPAT

Chartered Physiotherapist

Hollie graduated in 2011 from the University of Brighton and started her human physiotherapy career working in a busy London NHS trust.  She gained experience working in both acute and primary settings before specialising in pelvic health physiotherapy. Hollie has completed a postgraduate diploma in veterinary Physiotherapy at Hartpury University and now works as a chartered physiotherapist working with animals at Davies and in human pelvic health for the NHS.

Jade Chandler, Animal Care Level 2 diploma

Therapy Assistant

Jade was previously a supervisor in Dog Daycare before joining Davies.