Cathy Symons

CVT, CCRP, CHPT

Clinical Focus: Senior pets, hospice care, palliative care, physical rehabilitation

Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP, CHPT, is an accomplished veterinary professional and author with over 35 years of experience dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for animals through veterinary care, canine rehabilitation, and hospice and palliative support.

Cathy began her career at Angell Animal Medical Center. During her time there, she served as Assistant Supervisor of the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, gaining extensive experience in diagnostic imaging and specialized patient care.

After 15 years in clinical practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy pursued advanced education in canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, she became one of the first thirty-six individuals worldwide to earn certification as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP).

Shortly thereafter, she played a key role in establishing the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England, one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States. Cathy also has a special interest in avian medicine, having worked with notable avian and exotic veterinarians.

With a strong interest in end-of-life care, Cathy began her coursework with the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. In August 2024, she earned the title of Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician (CHPT), blending her extensive medical knowledge with rehabilitation and compassionate end-of-life support.

In addition to her clinical work, Cathy is a respected educator and mentor within the veterinary community, sharing her expertise through lectures, workshops, and mentorship programs. She is widely known for her empathy, technical skill, and ability to build strong relationships with both pets and their caregivers, providing guidance during challenging and emotional times.

Cathy is the co-host of the PetAbility Podcast, a highly ranked, must-hear podcast for pet owners seeking access to the latest information on pet quality of life and longevity.

Cathy is also an accomplished author. Her first book, Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs, is a leading resource for owners of dogs with visual loss. She is also the author of the children’s book Watching Out for Digger, which serves as an educational tool to help young children understand life with a blind dog. She is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence, continuing her lifelong mission to improve the lives of aging and special-needs pets.