Dr Alison Shen
Dr Alison graduated as a Veterinarian in 2005 from the University of Sydney. With a keen interest in complementary therapies, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Alison completed her Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2008. Alison has also received her Certificate in Clinical Integrative Canine Rehabilitation from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.
As a Fear Free Certified Veterinarian, Dr Alison ensures that all her patients are stress and fear-free. Veterinary procedures and practices are performed in a way to reduce anxiety and to build a positive association with vet visits.
A large proportion of her patients suffer from chronic musculoskeletal conditions, such as hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament disease, intervertebral disc disease, or are recovering after injury or orthopaedic surgery. These patients require regular treatment, monitoring and pain relief during their recovery, rehabilitation period or even long term. Being able to offer a Fear Free service, is helpful as many of these pets are scared of vet clinics, stressed, old aged or are immobile. Alison offers other rehabilitation treatment modalities such as laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound, moxibustion, electroacupuncture and TENS to help speed up the healing process, rehabilitation and recovery as well as assist with pain relief and improve their general quality of life.
Alison believes that having a pet become pain-free, maintain muscle mass, core strength, mobility and rehabilitate in a stress-free environment is the goal. Although she is a small animal veterinarian at heart, her patients don’t see her as “the vet” but rather the “aunty” that visits with the treats and “recharges their batteries”. You will often find amongst her vast array of equipment, Lickimats, enrichment toys, peanut butter and many many treats!
Alison practices in Brisbane, Queensland and once a month in Sydney, New South Wales. She is also involved in the wildlife rehabilitation at the Possumwood Wildlife hospital that was set up after the 2020 devastating bushfires.
Alison and her identical twin sister (also a veterinarian) run the popular Future Vet Kids Camp in various locations in Australia which helps to inspire animal loving kids with all the wonders of the veterinary and animal profession.
The identical twins are also part of the team of veterinarians on Channel Nine’s TV show – Bondi Vet, featuring vets from across the state. The show features the Dr Alison and Dr Audrey’s lives as veterinarians in Sydney and Brisbane.