Leif Atkins · Animal Physiotherapist
Mobile Animal Physiotherapy
for Dogs & Horses
Movement is Quality of Life
Animal physiotherapy encompasses manual therapy, targeted exercises and physical applications — tailored to your animal's diagnosis, age and condition. Whether after surgery, with arthritis, muscle problems or for performance maintenance: every treatment is individually adapted. I come directly to you — because animals recover best in their familiar environment, without the stress of transport. As a mobile animal physiotherapist, I offer dog physiotherapy and horse physiotherapy across Saarland and neighbouring parts of Rhineland-Palatinate. As an English-speaking animal physiotherapist, I'm also happy to help the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) — including Ramstein, Landstuhl, Baumholder and Kaiserslautern.
Treatment Methods
Every treatment starts with a thorough assessment — followed by an individual therapy plan tailored specifically to your animal.
Dog · Horse
Dog · Horse
Dog · Horse
Dog · Horse
Dog · Horse
Dogs
Mobile physiotherapy directly at your home — stress-free for your dog in a familiar environment.
- Disc herniation & signs of paralysis
- Hip dysplasia (HD) & elbow dysplasia (ED)
- Osteoarthritis / arthritis & chronic pain
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Patellar luxation & ligament injuries
- Stroke, Wobbler & Cauda Equina syndrome
Horses
I come directly to your farm or stable — for relaxed treatment in a familiar environment.
- Back problems & sacroiliac issues
- Lameness & gait disorders
- Rehabilitation after injuries & surgery
- Postural problems & misalignments
- Spinal conditions & osteoarthritis
- General training & preventive therapy
Your Questions — My Answers
Everything you need to know about home visits, costs, process and why animal physiotherapy really works.
Do I need to see a vet first?
No — you can book directly, without a referral or prescription. I'm happy if you bring along any current findings or diagnoses, so I can tailor the therapy from the start. I also recommend letting your vet know about the treatment — for the benefit of your animal.
Does Leif really come to our home?
Yes — always. I work exclusively mobile. No transport stress for your animal, no unfamiliar clinic environment. Whether living room, garden or stable — you just need to make space, I bring everything else.
What does a treatment cost?
For dogs: relaxation massage €30, first treatment €80 (approx. 90 min.), follow-up €50. For horses: first treatment €120 (approx. 120 min.), follow-up from €80. Travel up to 15 km from Ottweiler is free, then €0.50 for each additional kilometre. All prices are listed in full on the website.
Will my pet insurance cover the treatment?
Many supplementary insurance plans cover animal physiotherapy — this depends on your specific tariff. I provide a detailed invoice after each session that you can submit to your insurer. It's best to check in advance whether physiotherapy by a certified therapist is included in your policy.
What happens at the first appointment?
I come directly to you. We begin with a thorough case history — background, symptoms, previous treatments. Then comes the assessment with gait analysis and palpation, before the actual therapy starts. At the end, I'll show you simple exercises you can continue at home. The first appointment takes 90–120 minutes.
Does animal physiotherapy actually work — or is it alternative medicine?
Animal physiotherapy is not alternative medicine. The methods used — manual therapy, electrotherapy, lymphatic drainage, medical flossing, PNF — are the same ones successfully applied in human medicine for decades. I trained at the Nanz Medico Akademie and ATM Bad Bramstedt, and additionally bring my experience as a human physiotherapist.
My animal just had surgery — can I book already?
Yes, and this is often exactly the right time. Physiotherapy during the rehabilitation phase speeds up recovery, prevents compensation patterns and specifically strengthens the surrounding musculature. Briefly check with your surgeon first — then we'll get started together.
How many treatments are needed?
This depends on the condition. Acute complaints often improve significantly after 2–4 sessions. Chronic conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia I support long-term. After the first treatment, we'll discuss a realistic therapy plan together — with no hidden commitments.
What sets Leif apart from other providers in the region?
I combine two qualifications: trained human physiotherapist and certified animal physiotherapist. I work exclusively mobile — no clinic stress for your animal. I treat both dogs and horses at the same professional level. And I'm English-speaking — US military families from the wider Ramstein, Landstuhl and Baumholder area are very welcome.
How do I book an appointment?
You have several options — just pick whichever suits you best:
Online booking: directly via the 'Book appointment' button here on the page — available around the clock, with no phone call needed.
Contact form: in the contact section further down; enter the type of animal and your request, and I'll get back to you promptly.
Email: info@tierphysioatkins.de
WhatsApp: +49 176 57725947
Phone: +49 176 57725947
I reply quickly and without obligation.
Services & Prices
All treatments take place as home visits — at your home, farm or stable. Travel up to 15 km from 66564 Ottweiler is free, then 0.50 € / km (both ways).
DogComprehensive history, assessment and first treatment session.
DogTargeted therapy based on the existing treatment plan.
DogSoothing massage for muscle relaxation and stress relief.
HorseComprehensive history, assessment and first treatment session.
HorseTargeted therapy based on the existing treatment plan.
HorseSoothing massage for muscle relaxation and stress relief.
Choose date, time and service — I come to you, at home or at the stable. Within approx. 30 km around Ottweiler (Saarland) and into neighbouring Rhineland-Palatinate.
| Tierart | → | Species (dog / horse) |
| Rasse | → | Breed |
| Grund des Besuchs | → | Reason for the visit |
| Vorerkrankungen / OPs | → | Pre-existing conditions |
| Tierarzt / Tierklinik | → | Your vet (optional) |
Leif Atkins — Your Mobile Animal Physiotherapist
My name is Leif Atkins, I am 35 years old and I live in Ottweiler in the Saarland. Animals have fascinated me since childhood — our dogs and horses were always by my side. Even during my school years, I wanted to work with animals.
After my A-levels, I chose medicine and trained as a human physiotherapist at the Nanz Medico Academy in Landstuhl. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the wide range of possibilities — from movement and exercise therapy to sensory training, massage and physical therapies.
During my training I discovered the possibility of applying these skills to animals — and was immediately enthusiastic. I completed my training as a human physiotherapist in 2014.
From 2015 to the end of 2020 I worked as a physiotherapist at the Reha-Klinik Montafon in Schruns, Austria — gaining and deepening my experience across many areas. In early 2021 I returned to Germany and worked at the Elisabethstiftung in Birkenfeld until August 2024. Since September 2024 I have been working as a physiotherapist at the Kreiskrankenhaus St. Ingbert.
My passion for animal physiotherapy never left me — in 2020 I decided to begin my training as an animal physiotherapist at ATM in Bad Bramstedt alongside my regular work. In October 2022 I successfully completed my training as an animal physiotherapist for dogs and horses. I work exclusively mobile — I come to you, because animals are most relaxed in their familiar environment.
Dual-qualified – with proof
Dogs and horses differ fundamentally in their anatomy. I completed each specialisation with a separate examination.
Tap a certificate to view it in full size.
Original German diplomas from ATM Bad Bramstedt (Academy of Animal Naturopathy). In English: “Final Certificate — Leif Atkins has successfully passed the final examination of the training as an Animal Physiotherapist, specialising in Dog and Horse.”
Contact
I look forward to hearing from you — in German or in English.
Tell me briefly about your animal – I'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Thank you – your inquiry is on its way!
I'll get back to you within 24 hours. For urgent cases you can also reach me directly by phone.
Service Area
I come directly to you — within about 30 km of Ottweiler: including Neunkirchen, St. Wendel, Illingen, Merchweiler, Lebach, Tholey, Eppelborn, Sulzbach, Bexbach, Homburg, St. Ingbert, Freisen and Nohfelden. I also travel further afield — including Kusel, Waldmohr, Baumholder, Birkenfeld, Zweibrücken, Ramstein, Landstuhl and Kaiserslautern. Longer distances gladly on request.
For Vets & Clinics, Dog Schools & Trainers, Studs, Breeders & Clubs
You work with animals and want to offer your clients mobile physiotherapy too? I welcome every kind of collaboration — from a single referral to an ongoing partnership.
Vets & Clinics
Close support throughout rehab: I take over physiotherapeutic aftercare following surgery and diagnoses — and report progress back to your practice.
Dog Schools & Trainers
Many movement and behavioural issues have a physical cause. We complement each other: you train, I treat the musculoskeletal system.
Studs, Breeders & Clubs
Early detection, conditioning and prevention for your animals — from foal to sport horse, from puppy to senior dog.
Google Reviews
Herr Atkins hat sich sehr viel Zeit für unsere Sunny genommen und sie äußerst einfühlsam, geduldig und fachlich kompetent behandelt. Sie konnte ihr linkes Bein schon seit einiger Zeit kaum noch belasten. Nach der gründlichen Untersuchung und der gezielten Behandlung ging es ihr deutlich besser, sie konnte den Fuß direkt wieder belasten und auch der Spaziergang am nächsten Tag verlief viel entspannter. Wir fühlen uns bei Herrn Atkins bestens aufgehoben und haben direkt einen Folgetermin für Sunny vereinbart. Vielen Dank für die tolle Betreuung, wir können Herrn Atkins uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen!
After our Golden Retriever Finn started limping at age 9, the vet prescribed pain medication for arthritis as permanent medication. Luckily we then found Leif. He has been treating Finn at irregular intervals ever since, and our dog rarely needs pain medication. What a gain in quality of life for Finn! Leif is patient, empathetic with the animals and happy to share his knowledge, so you can do a few techniques yourself.