ABOUT PAWS4PAWS
We offer a wide range of therapies through private home consults and a personalised treatment plan designed to your dog’s individual needs.
We work closely with veterinarians in order to ensure the best possible care for your dog!
Sandra’s Story
Sandra’s journey into canine rehabilitation began with her dog, Chito. In 2012, Chito inspired her to leave a career in academia as an anthropologist and pursue her passion for helping dogs live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Chito lived to the remarkable age of 15 years and 3 months despite facing significant spinal disease, including spondylosis, multiple intervertebral disc herniations and lumbosacral disease. His resilience reflected the long-term benefits of a multimodal management approach consisting of pain medication, manual therapy, targeted therapeutic exercise, laser therapy, and a carefully adapted home environment. Together, these strategies helped preserve his mobility, manage pain and maintain an excellent quality of life well into his senior years.
Chito’s story continues to shape Sandra’s approach to patient care. It reinforces her belief that thoughtful, evidence-based rehabilitation can make a meaningful difference, not only after injury or surgery, but also in supporting dogs with chronic conditions and age-related changes. Her goal is to help every patient move more comfortably, maintain function and enjoy the best possible quality of life for as long as possible.
For more about Sandra’s professional qualifications, please see her bio below.
Our Team
Sandra Bader, CCRP, CVN, CMT, Phd (Anthropology)
Owner and Therapist
Sandra’s journey into canine rehabilitation combines an academic background with a strong commitment to clinical practice and lifelong learning. Before entering the veterinary profession, she completed a PhD in Anthropology at Monash University and held teaching positions at both Monash University and the University of Melbourne.
Sandra is a Certified Canine Myofunctional Therapist (CMT), Certified Veterinary Nurse (CVN), and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee. She continues to advance her expertise through ongoing education in veterinary rehabilitation, pain management and canine conditioning, ensuring her patients benefit from current, evidence-based rehabilitation approaches.
To maintain her connection with general practice and continue developing her clinical skills, she also works one day each month as a veterinary nurse on the Mornington Peninsula.
Jan Harrison, CMT, CBT
Therapist
Jan brings extensive expertise to the team, with a strong foundation in therapeutic care for both humans and animals. As a qualified remedial massage therapist for humans, she spent many years working in an osteopathic clinic in Melbourne, developing advanced skills in musculoskeletal therapy.
Six years ago, Jan expanded her practice to include canine rehabilitation, earning certifications as a canine myotherapist from the National College of Traditional Medicine and a canine bowen therapist from the International School of Bowen Therapy.
Jan continues to enhance her knowledge through ongoing professional development, ensuring her techniques remain evidence-based and effective. Her dual experience with human and canine therapy allows her to bring a well-rounded and skilled approach to the team.
Michael Yeo, CMT, CCKTP, CBT, SAAP, CVN
Therapist
Michael brings a wealth of expertise to our team, driven by his passion for canine rehabilitation, sports injury management, and conditioning. His journey into this field was inspired by his experience training, trialing, and showing his Weimaraners, as well as serving as a judge in the field. In addition to his work with animals, Michael has over 25 years of professional experience as a registered architect.
Michael holds certifications across multiple modalities, including conditioning, cupping, kinesio-taping, laser therapy, myo-functional therapy, veterinary nursing, accupressure and bowen therapy. He is currently in the final stages of completing the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) program at the University of Tennessee, further strengthening his expertise in advanced rehab techniques. He is also completing additional training in nutrition and cranio-sacral therapy.
Committed to continuous professional growth, Michael actively participates in international development programs with My Lame Dog/Vet, Onlinepethealth.com, Optimal Pet Vitality, and VAHL. His ongoing involvement in both small animal and human rehabilitation initiatives ensures he remains at the forefront of advancements in the field.