About me
How did I become an Animal Physiotherapist?
Hello, I’m Aude
I’m the founder of La Forme à 4 Pattes, a passionate animal lover and animal physiotherapist, and the happy owner of a horse, a donkey, and a cat.
Animals have always played a central role in my life. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but after an internship in a veterinary clinic, I realized it wasn’t the right path for me.
What I did know for sure was that I wanted to help animals feel better and live better.
A mix of French and German cultures and a globetrotter’s life
Born in France into a French-German family, I had the privilege of growing up immersed in two cultures. Travel, languages, and animals have always been part of my life. I started horse riding at the age of 8, my parents thought it would be just a passing phase like dance or judo, but they were wrong.
By the time I turned 18, my passion for horses and animals in general was stronger than ever. With a love for foreign languages, travel, and discovering new cultures, I had the chance to live in four countries outside of France: Germany, the United States, Chile, and England.
Today, I speak four languages fluently: French, German, English, and Spanish.
Finding my path (with a few detours)
My journey has not always been straightforward. After all my travels, I had to seriously think about my studies. Without really knowing what to do, I started with a year of study at the Sorbonne University, then an apprenticeship in event management in Berlin. Why those choices? Because I was told there were no jobs working with animals. But very quickly, I realized it wasn’t for me. Working with animals was always on my mind.
Thanks to the advice of my friend Margaux, who saw that I wasn’t on the right path, I decided to explore careers related to animals. After a lot of research online, I discovered that it was possible to study horses in England. Without really knowing where it would lead, but convinced it was the right direction, I enrolled at Hartpury University for a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science. At 23 years old, I was off again for three years of study in a new country with my cat and horse in my luggages (I didn’t have the donkey at the time).
The Bachelor that changed everything
My years at Hartpury University were amazing (despite the food, which was not so great). The courses were fascinating. I learned a lot about horses and it was there that I discovered canine and equine rehabilitation. The campus had a rehabilitation center for dogs and horses where I spent hours watching and helping caregivers and physiotherapists with animal rehabilitation.
Seeing animals improve, regain their comfort, mobility, and even their joy for life was magical. This experience was a revelation. I had finally found my path.
Back to school for a Master Animal Physiotherapy
So I set off again for three years to pursue a Master’s degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Nottingham. Three years to learn all the skills of an animal physiotherapist by combining scientific research, theory, and practice. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding period with one constant goal: to finally be able to treat and relieve animals.
And because I wasn’t busy enough, at the same time I decided to spend a year at the Cadre Noir in Saumur as a training rider to deepen my knowledge of horse training. I also worked for nine months as a veterinary assistant in a small animal clinic, which was a great way to refine my practice and better understand the needs of my four-legged patients.
What I do today for your dogs and horses
After all these years of study, I finally decided to return to France and settle in the Alps, having always been a big fan of the mountains.
But I quickly realized that practicing my profession in France was difficult because animal physiotherapy is only allowed for veterinarians. Rather than giving up on helping and supporting animals, I chose to move my practice to Switzerland where my work is recognized and where I can care for them, which has been my goal for years.
With La Forme à 4 Pattes, I do everything I can to help your companions regain comfort and mobility. My goal is for you to give the best to your animals while feeling guided and supported.
My qualifications
My Masters in Science (MSc) in Animal Physiotherapy Animale at the University of Nottingham in the UK
My Bachelor in Science (BSc) in Equine Science and Management at the University of Hartpury in the UK