A new clinic dedicated to animal physiotherapy has opened in Bathurst, significantly enhancing access to treatment for pets. Horse and Hound Animal Physiotherapy began operations on January 5, 2026, providing essential services that previously required pet owners to travel considerable distances. The clinic is led by Sarah Farraway, a qualified physiotherapist with a passion for both animals and equestrian sports.
With a background in human physiotherapy, Ms. Farraway transitioned to focusing on animals after realizing the demand for such services in her community. While working in Wagga Wagga, she pursued her post-graduate studies in animal physiotherapy at Liverpool University, balancing her education with work at a private practice in Bathurst. Her journey reflects a long-standing dream of integrating her professional skills with her love for animals.
“I always thought that I wanted to do animal physio,” Ms. Farraway stated. “It was always in the back of my head whilst going through uni, but it was first let’s get the skills in humans to then progress down that track.”
The need for animal physiotherapy in Bathurst has become increasingly evident. Prior to the clinic’s opening, pet owners had limited options, often having to travel long distances to receive care. In response to this challenge, Ms. Farraway initiated a mobile service in 2025, primarily catering to larger animals. However, she soon recognized that smaller pets also required assistance.
Driven by the “huge need” in the community, Ms. Farraway sought a suitable location for her clinic. The property at 95 Bentinck Street, which previously functioned as a veterinary clinic, provided the perfect opportunity.
“It took a bit of time to find a premises that was suitable, and this became available and we thought, ‘How good’,” she remarked. After securing the building, renovations transformed the space back into a functional clinic, featuring two consultation rooms and a large area equipped with an underwater treadmill.
Ms. Farraway is equipped to address a variety of conditions, with common issues including cranial cruciate ligament injuries, bulging discs, arthritis, and performance deficits in competition dogs. She also provides weight management services aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life for pets struggling with obesity.
“We can help with the weight management, as well as cardiovascular fitness,” she explained, highlighting the importance of physical health in animals.
While pet owners can choose to access her services independently, Ms. Farraway prefers to work with veterinary referrals. This approach allows her to collaborate with veterinarians, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each animal’s medical history and diagnosis, which informs tailored treatment plans.
By eliminating the need for travel, the new clinic aims to alleviate the stress experienced by both pet owners and their animals. Ms. Farraway noted that previous options in the region were limited, stating, “There are chiropractors and massage therapists in the region that come and visit, but it is limited.”
She emphasized the importance of building collaborations with other animal professionals and veterinarians to provide support for rehabilitation and overall fitness. “Being able to liaise with the veterinarians, we can show that we are here, we’re able to help,” she said.
Horse and Hound Animal Physiotherapy is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday and offers appointments on Saturdays by request. For more details, interested pet owners can visit the clinic’s Facebook page. The opening of this clinic marks an important step in improving animal healthcare accessibility in Bathurst and surrounding areas.
