Holistic Pet Care

Whether we are trying to ease their chronic pain and improve their mobility, manage a long term health problem or prevent an issue becoming a problem in the first place, the appointments are created in such a way to allow plenty of time to discuss the options and treat accordingly.

A positive experience for you and your pet

The goal is to provide an integrative holistic veterinary approach tailored to your pet's individual needs. What this means in practice is looking at your pet as a whole and creating a treatment plan specific to your pet.

Your Pet's Wellbeing - Our Top Priority

Treatments may include conventional medications as well as western and TCVM acupuncture, herbal medicine, myofascial/massage treatment and laser therapy.

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Accessibility and Inclusivity at Metta Pet Clinic

At Metta Pet Clinic, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our clients and their pets. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible, and we strive to accommodate those with invisible disabilities as well.

We’ve designed our space with comfort in mind: the lighting is gentle, the atmosphere is peaceful, and seating is always available for clients during the consultation. We are also mindful of sensitivities to scents and ensure the clinic remains free of strong fragrances. For clients who are hearing impaired, while I am still in the process of learning sign language, I am more than happy to communicate via text during consultations. Your comfort and ease are my priority. If there’s anything specific we can do to make your visit more comfortable, please don’t hesitate to let us know in advance. At Metta Pet Clinic, we aim to provide care that is accessible, compassionate, and tailored to your needs.

How to Find Us

We are open by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange an appointment. We require a referral from your GP vet and your pet's full clinical history.

Metta is next door to the Wye branch of Cinque Ports vets. Keep an eye out for my sign from the road, park on the roadside then head on up the drive. You will find me tucked in between the two clinics!

Parking

Please note that the parking for the clinic is on the roadside. If you require assistance transporting your pets from the car to the clinic please let me know, I will happily help you.

Our Address

5 Oxenturn Road, Wye, Ashford, TN25 5BH.

Our Services

We offer a range of services in our calm, relaxing clinic.

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Chronic Pain Assessment

There is plenty of time to examine your pet and begin tailoring a plan to help improve the quality of their life. This plan can include guidance about environment, exercise, nutrition and lifestyle, onward referral to physiotherapy/hydrotherapy/behaviourist and adjustments to medications in addition to utilising the treatments at Metta.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, increases circulation and relieves muscle spasms. The needles block some of the pain messages sent and encourage the brain and central nervous system to produce more of the body’s natural painkillers. In conditions that are not painful, acupuncture may help to reset the body’s normal functioning.

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Galen myotherapy

Myotherapy treatments are specifically tailored to the needs of your pet. It aims to help manage chronic muscular and soft tissue pain in a gentle effective manner.

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Sports Massage

Myotherapy massage can benefit canine athletes by soothing post event muscle soreness, restoring flexibility and improving gait and balance.

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Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is a complimentary therapy, it is something that can be used alongside and not instead of conventional medicine. It is used to optimise your pet’s ongoing treatment and promote overall health and balance.

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Laser Treatment

A non invasive technique that offers anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects and promotes repair of soft tissues. Most commonly this is used as an adjunct to other modalities.

Book an Appointment

Our Team

Sarah Bignell-Howse

Veterinary Surgeon

Lorraine

Veterinary Nurse

Testimonials

Fearne

Acupuncture

My ‘old girl’ Fearne is coming up to 17 years old, and began really struggling with urine infections, not wanting to eat, and generally ‘down’. After acupuncture treatment and receiving specific herbs daily she has changed beyond all recognition. Her appetite is ridiculous, she has gained weight, and she hasn’t had any relapses with regards to urine infections. Her whole demeanour has changed for the better, and she is happy, with a lot more energy. Sarah’s caring nature and professionalism is second to none, and I would happily recommend her to any pet owner.

Poppy

Aggression

Sarah has been amazing with my dog Poppy and also me. She is so caring and supportive to both of us and provides a level of care I've never experienced with any other vet. We had been having problems with Poppys aggression and Sarah has managed to find an explanation that has given me so much relief and offers ongoing support and advice. I cannot recommend The Metta Pet Clinic enough and I'm so glad I found Sarah!

Porter

In Depth Assessment

On arrival we were warmly welcomed, our dog was quite keen to go into Sarah’s clinic room it was something positive, he felt comfortable and relaxed about being there. Following an in-depth conversation, Sarah worked on her physical assessment this was choice lead by her fury client and positively reinforced all the way. Sarah is knowledgeable and keen to do what is best for the animals whom she cares for. We felt that Sarah would not advise anything or make unnecessary referrals unless she honestly felt that would be beneficial. Would we recommend this service? -most definitely!

Porkers

Gut & Joint Problems

Having been nursing for the past 20 years, I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Sarah for a number of years. Sarah is one of the most dedicated, knowledgeable and companionate vets I have ever met. She is looking after my 11 year old staffie Porkers who has chronic gut and joint problems and he LOVES coming to see auntie Sarah! Porkers and myself couldn’t recommend Sarah highly enough! Thank you for being you Sarah. Lauren Reid RVN

Belle

Pain Assessment

My anxious, reactive collie now considers Sarah to be one of her best friends EVER. Belle is currently relaxed and snoring instead of pacing and panting.

Ari

Skin Allergies

Sarah is genuine, kind, caring, qualified and incredibly knowledgeable. I visited Metta pet clinic with my 4 year old terrier cross for acupuncture combined with other techniques to assist with the treatment of his skin allergies. My dog generally finds sitting still a challenge and can be anxious about experiences outside of his normal routine. Sarah took time before we started to thoroughly discuss his issues and veterinary history and allow him to adjust to his new surroundings. She worked very patiently to find an approach that worked for him using treats and acupressure points. My dog really enjoyed his four weeks of treatment and dashed straight into Metta to see Sarah at every visit!

Amber & Bodhi

Myotherapy

Sarah has been treating my two rescue German Shepherds who both have orthopaedic problems. As a behaviourist I am only too aware of the link between pain and behaviour. But with her vast knowledge and gentle handling techniques we have seen some fantastic results. One of my shepherds who was particularly resistant to being touched due to pain is now enjoying her myotherapy sessions. Sarah is a true professional and delight to work with. I highly recommend her services.

Jocie

Arthritis

Sarah has been invaluable with her knowledge of chronic pain for my dog who suffers with arthritis in most of her joints and spine at the age of only 8. She was quick to respond to my initial enquiry and make contact with my vets for a referral. She is totally professional, really good value for money and always goes the extra mile to offer advice and other treatments to help reduce my dog’s pain. Not to mention the fact she has been so flexible in offering appointment times to fit in with my busy schedule. I was at a bit of loss with our traditional veterinary practice and I’m so glad I found Sarah when I did.

Buster

Pain and Muscle Soreness

Buster suffered with his cruciate ligaments in both of his back legs so he carried a lot of his body weight on his front and his neck was always very tense and tight. Sarah worked on both his back legs and his neck and chest so that she eased the pain all over. Sarah uses a therapy bed and once the dog leaves the bed she will not chase them to come back she just allows them to have a wander round and come back in their own time so they are not forced to have anything done they do not wish. Such a friendly, bubbly lady who we would definitely recommend for your pets. referred from Toachim House Veterinary Surgery.

Mollie

Arthritis

I first met Sarah in 2018 after a referral from my vet at Cinque Ports to help treat my collie Mollie, who was suffering with bad arthritic joints. I was very impressed with her high level of specialist knowledge, behavioural understanding and canine anatomy in terms of movement. It was obvious that Mollies welfare was her primary concern and took priority over everything. Her painful stiff body became more flexible and she was like a puppy on her walks. Sarah is an amazing, lovely, genuine and sincere person and my only regret is that we hadn’t met her sooner.

Billy

Complex Back Problem

Sarah was completely wonderful for a number of reasons. Firstly she went over and above to clarify what exactly was happening for my dog. Secondly, she delivered a secure and friendly treatment programme. Thirdly, Sarah consistently followed up each session with total care and commitment. Finally, Sarah ensured we had a clear and comprehensive plan to move forward with and has always made herself available to us at any time afterwards. My dog loved her, and her care and control in her treatment was invaluable to His current stable and healthy state. Referred from Toachim House Veterinary Surgery

Saffi

Myotherapy

Sarah has been treating my 13 year old Border Collie for 4 months now on a monthly basis. She is a retired agility dog. I am totally amazed as to how the massage has changed Saffi's life. She is a much happier dog and gives my young pup a run for his money now. I took to Sarah straight away. Her friendly manner and love for animals was apparent. Sarah treats her on a large foam mat on the floor and she is free to get off and stop treatment at any time. Saffi is nice and relaxed on the mat now and loves being treated. I will definitely carry on with the massages. Referred from Medivet in Tenterden

Hugo

Lameness

Sarah was recommended to us by our local vet at Cinque Ports Vets. Hugo, our Golden Retriever puppy, had been suffering from a lameness in one leg from very early on in his life. Hugo took to Sarah quickly and responded well to the treatment. Sarah was brilliant at giving feedback and gave me some tips to help him at home. She was also happy to refer him on to other treatments when needed. Between Sarah’s work and his physio we have seen great improvement. Highly recommended.

Associations

More Info

Insurance

Most insurance companies cover chronic pain consultations, acupuncture, laser treatment and myotherapy but it is advisable to give them a call to confirm.

Referral Services

All patients must have written consent from their primary care Veterinary Surgeon before attending their first appointment. I will contact your Vet directly to attain this but due to the General Data Protection Regulation, you will need to call your Vet to give them permission to send any relevant history to me.

Opening Hours

Tuesday - Wednesday

By Appointment

Friday

By Appointment

Saturday

By Appointment

Consultation and treatment fees

In Depth Chronic Pain Assessment

Part One – Telephone consultation plus pain score, photo and video assessment, reviewing medical history including blood tests, radiographs, physiotherapist reports – £100

Part Two – In person assessment at Clinic (60 mins) including posture, gait evaluation, examination and developing a multimodal treatment plan including lifestyle, exercise and environment advice. Email summary and notes to your vet and yourself. E-mail/Whats app support where necessary – £175

Cost can vary depending on time required- please get in touch to discuss your needs

Acupuncture

First consultation – £90

First treatment – £50

Repeat consultation – £50

Repeat treatment – £40

Galen Myotherapy

Assessment (if not seen in chronic pain clinic initially) – £90

Myotherapy treatment sessions – £60

Canine athlete treatments – £60

Integrative (herbal) medicine

First consultation – £195

Follow up – £60 per 30mins

Herbal prescription varies depending on herbs used and size of pet

Laser treatment

£30 per treatment

Home visits – Price on request

Charity Discounts

Service dogs including Canine Partners, Guide dogs, Hearing dogs and Search and Rescue dogs receive a discount to acknowledge the amazing work that they do – please ask for more details.

Insurance

Most insurance companies cover chronic pain assessments, acupuncture and myotherapy but it is always advisable to give them a call to confirm. There is a £10 charge for completing insurance claim forms. I am unable to do direct claims.