About

Hello, I’m Issy Riley, the veterinary physiotherapist behind Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy.

My journey into veterinary physiotherapy hasn’t been a straight line — but it’s one I’m incredibly grateful for. I originally trained within the equine industry, completing both a BSc (Hons) and an MSc, with every intention of working across horses and dogs. However, as my education progressed, my interests began to shift. The more I learned about canine rehabilitation, post-operative care and long-term condition management, the more I knew this was where I wanted to focus my career.

Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. Growing up with them — from puppies to rehomed dogs — each brought their own personality and challenges. Two dogs in particular shaped my path into physiotherapy. Buddy, diagnosed with hip dysplasia at just one year old, sparked my curiosity into orthopaedic conditions and long-term management. Not long after, Koda underwent bilateral hip replacements before he was ten months old, introducing me first-hand to the world of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Our most recent dog, Flora, presents with multiple ongoing issues, further deepening my interest in holistic, evidence-based rehabilitation and long-term support.

Alongside my MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, I began working at the Blue Cross Rehoming Centre in Burford as a Pet Welfare Assistant. I initially joined the cattery team — an area I had very little experience in, coming from a dog- and horse-focused background. To my surprise, I quickly developed a strong passion for feline care. This experience opened my eyes to the significant yet often underutilised benefits of physiotherapy for cats, leading me to further research and study feline-specific rehabilitation and ultimately incorporate this into my clinical work.

Although my academic background is rooted in equine studies, many of the skills I developed — biomechanics, movement analysis, rehabilitation planning and hands-on therapy — are highly transferable to small animal practice. Over time, I made the decision to step away from working in the equine sector. While I still own my horse, Mac, and remain engaged with the equine world, I realised my true passion lies within small animal medicine and rehabilitation, where I now dedicate my full professional focus.

I am currently in the research year of my MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, with qualification due in September 2025, and I am also undertaking a Level 4 qualification in Small Animal Hydrotherapy at Hartpury, working towards RAMP accreditation. I am proud to be:

A member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP)
Registered with the Animal Health Professionals Register (AHPR)
Level 3 Fear Free Certified
An International Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional (ICatCare)

Ten years ago, I never imagined I would be here — but I can say with complete confidence that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. Supporting dogs and cats through recovery, improving comfort, mobility and quality of life, and working collaboratively with veterinary teams is not just my career — it’s what I genuinely love doing.