Meet the Graduate: Donna Wills | The College of Animal Physiotherapy

Donna Wills graduated from TCAP as an animal physiotherapist back in 2005 at a time when there were just two choices of study pathway for aspiring animal physiotherapists – training on humans first – or vocational training with TCAP.

So for Donna, the choice was simple. Having no desire to get ‘hands on’ with humans, she chose to train with TCAP and embarked on a whirlwind journey which has seen her write and publish her first book, create training courses for puppy massage and physiotherapy & rehabilitation for exotic animals; demonstrate her work live in the Harrods window and just this month, be interviewed for Crufts Radio!

We caught up with Donna to find out more …

Q: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO TRAIN AS AN ANIMAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST AND ESTABLISH YOUR PRACTICE?

A: I qualified as a vet nurse 25 years ago and trained as an animal physiotherapist 20 years ago now, because I really wanted to do rehabilitation work. At the time there were only two training routes open to me and the option to train on humans first, really didn’t appeal, so I embarked on my training with TCAP.

When I qualified, I became an emergency and critical care nurse, and later moved to Battersea Dogs Home, which was tough, and I considered buying into a vet practice. The business model didn’t appeal, so I bit the bullet, put on my brave pants and set up on my own.

I recognised early-on the need to build a network of contacts to generate referrals, so I reached out to as many people as I could and set up clinics in four veterinary practices in my area.

Q: WHERE DID THE HARRODS OPPORTUNITY COME FROM?

A: I reached out to them, coincidentally, just as they were about to open a Pet Spa – and the manager, Stephanie Mehanna (who I’d previously connected with at Crufts), had me on her list to call too. I wanted to pitch a luxury dog massage service and they were delighted to sign me up as their one and only animal physiotherapist.

The ‘world of Harrods’ unlocked all sorts of bonkers opportunities, not least TV opportunities such as Alan Titchmarsh, Sunday Brunch and GMTV.

I’m incredibly proud of my work there – both as the only pet physio ever working for Harrods – and for our ‘working’ window display where my beloved dog Logan joined me for demonstrations.

Q: HOW DID COVID-19 IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS?

Prior to the pandemic – parenthood pushed me in the direction of bricks and mortar and fulfilling my dream of building a home clinic. The business grew and grew, so when Covid-19 hit, I wanted to do something positive and started a podcast as I had more time available.

I created a podcast called ‘Cuppa Tea with the Vet’ – interviewing vets from all over the UK and in fact, the world. It was a great opportunity to talk about ‘being human’ at a time when pet owners were angry with the profession. Just brilliant.

Q: HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE SUCCESS?
Since my business hit the 10 year marker, I’ve challenged myself to celebrate a new achievement (academic or fun) every year.

While I was on maternity leave, I produced a puppy massage DVD, crowdfunded as a kickstarter campaign, and got involved in podcasting, connecting with Dr Megan Kelly of Online Pet Health who has been really supportive.

More recently. I’ve been delivering a CALM clinic lecture, at the request of Emily Ashdown of Precision Lasers Academy and I’ve been invited to join a working group at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) tasked with producing a national audit for post operative outcomes (NAPO). I’m really proud of that.

One of my biggest achievements was writing my first book, ‘The Best Goodbye’.

It’s about my dog, Logan, who died at the age of 16 and was part of my training from the very start. I realised two years after losing him that I was still desperately sad about it and, putting the butterflies to one side, put pen to paper.

A month later, the book was written, but it took 10 months for me to get it ‘out there’: it was such a personal journey and I worried what it would look like and how I would cope with rejection, if and when it came. But I knew it could help people and I’m thrilled to say that it’s had nothing but huge support – people love it and the fact it’s openly emotional, helps people process their own loss.

Q: SO WHAT’S NEXT?

A: There’s lots more to come! Since the book, I’ve connected with T.V. Vet Paul Manktelow BVMS MSc MRCV, who has been really supportive of both my puppy massage DVD and the book, and I’ve had really positive reviews from the President of the BVNA too. I’m also working with Anna Webb (presenter of BBC Radio London’s ‘Barking at the Moon’ and host of the ‘A Dog’s Life’ podcast.

Plus I’ve been Invited to be a panelist on the main stage at the London Pet Show Live in September, talking about animal physiotherapy. That’s huge.

I’m a mentor too, both for TCAP students and for online pet health and have provided over 100 hours of help for practitioners over the past three years.

Basically it’s crazy busy but I love it.

And we need to acknowledge life outside of work too. I’m a mum but also a competitive gymnast and proud of it! Two years ago I represented the UK for adult gymnastics and I’m hoping to compete for GB again this year as an individual.

Q: AND FINALLY, WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE TCAP STUDENTS?

“Follow your passion and make it happen. Be bold. Be cheeky.”

If animal physiotherapy is your passion, definitely go for it. You have to walk the path you want to walk and make it work. Do your work experience – try lots of places and be flexible – if someone can’t offer you a week but can offer you a day, make it work and aim to secure more days with other practitioners. Find someone with a passion to shadow and really do your research.