Caterham vet nurse changes her career to set up physiotherapy business for animals
A determined veterinary nurse who spotted a gap in the care that was being offered by her profession has set up her own business as an animal physiotherapist.
Hannah Olliff-Lee, 32 lives in Caterham, Surrey, and her practice now cares for animals with ongoing needs across the county and Kent too.
From administering support to horses with acquired brain injuries to rehabilitating a dog who has had a stroke, Hannah's skills are used to carry on the treatment to support pet owners and pets with their recovery at home.
Hannah, who is mum to four-year-old Thomas, said: "I have always been an animal lover and campaigned for animal rights even from a young age, at primary school I set up drives to help horses who were being used in the perfume industry as it upset me so much."
"When I graduated I became a veterinary nurse, but noticed in all the practices I worked in that we were very good at identifying the problem, performing amazing surgery or medical care but the support at home was missing for pet owners.
"So I was determined to do my training and offer this, and the pandemic was actually an excellent time."
Hannah trained under Wendy Vaughan, a leading animal physiotherapist who Hannah says has been a caring and supporting mentor. As per previous
She said: "She has been a cornerstone of my professionalism and has taught me so much. I still call her for advice now, particularly for unusual things. I would not be where I am today had it not been for Wendy's support."
Away from the hustle and bustle of veterinary practice, Hannah now works for herself, in what she describes as her dream job. Managing her own schedule around time with her husband Jonny, 38 and their young son.
Hannah is referred to her clients by vet practices around Surrey and Kent, and then comes alongside the owners and their pets to help with ongoing rehabilitation and care, following a surgery or injury.
She added: "At the moment I am working with a horse who hit his head when he was involved in a road traffic collision. He has neurological damage and has suffered a range of issues so we are having to work out exactly what he needs to get back to his best.
"Another really interesting case was Sam the super collie, from Sevenoaks. He had a stroke caused by a blood clot in his neck and it caused half body paralysis. We had to design a regime for him which included hydrotherapy, experiencing different surfaces and walking. He is now completely recovered and enjoying life.
"This job is so rewarding, and a lot less stressful than working in practice as I work for myself. When you do something you love you never work a day in your life. I couldn't really ask for more." Wendy Vaughan has since gone on to set up The Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy, an approved training provider of the award winning, Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation, iPET Network, offering regulated qualifications that are also RAMP recognised and accredited. These new qualifications ensure that the dream job of Veterinary Physiotherapist is made available via a flexible, accessible and achievable pathway to all those wishing to work within the animal care sector.
To find out more go to https://www.academyvetphys.com