About Holistic Vet Care
We understand how worrying, overwhelming and emotionally exhausting it can be when your pet is unwell. Many owners come to us feeling unsure of what to do next or simply wanting a more gentle and individualised approach to care.
At Holistic Vet Care, our fully qualified vets are here to support both you and your pet. Our aim is to provide thoughtful, compassionate veterinary care that considers the whole animal — not just their symptoms. We take the time to listen, understand, and create personalised treatment plans that align with your pet’s unique needs.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic care may be appropriate for your pet.
Our mission
Our aim is to make high-quality holistic veterinary care more accessible to pet owners. We believe that the key to achieving this is to work compassion and enthusiasm for every cat and dog we treat, and to strive for the highest possible level of training in holistic veterinary medicine.
Our approach
At Holistic Vet Care, our qualified vets look at the bigger picture. We consider factors such as nutrition, lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, and the natural healing ability of the body.
Our approach is integrative rather than alternative. We do not replace conventional veterinary care, but work alongside it. We provide evidence-based holistic therapies, and work with your primary vets to incorporate conventional care where it is needed.
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual to support your pet’s health safely and responsibly — with a strong focus on comfort, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
Our vets
Holistic Vet Care is led by fully qualified veterinary surgeons with additional training and experience in holistic and integrative therapies, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, laser therapy, and food therapy.
We chose this path because we believe that veterinary care should be medically sound and address underlying causes of disease where possible, while remaining deeply compassionate. Taking the time to listen, understand the big picture, and tailor individual treatment plans is central to how we work.
Dr. Rinnert van den Bergh
(MRCVS, CVA, CVCHM)
Rinnert is a fully qualified veterinary surgeon with advanced certification in veterinary acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
After many years in conventional practice, Rinnert became increasingly frustrated by the limitations of Western medicine, especially for pets with chronic or complex conditions. This led him to explore holistic alternatives, where he discovered the remarkable potential of holistic treatments such as acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Inspired by the positive outcomes he saw, Rinnert committed to practicing holistic veterinary medicine.
Today, he brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and experience to every patient he treats, helping pets thrive when standard approaches fall short.
Dr. Catherine Nothling
(MRCVS)
Catherine is a fully qualified veterinary surgeon with a strong interest in holistic and integrative veterinary medicine. She has worked closely with Dr Rinnert van den Bergh for the past three years, during which time he has been her mentor and has played a key role in shaping her clinical approach.
Through this long-term mentorship, Catherine has developed a deep understanding of the practice’s holistic philosophy and the use of therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She combines up-to-date veterinary knowledge with a calm, thoughtful, and compassionate approach to each patient.
Catherine is passionate about helping pets feel comfortable while ensuring owners feel informed, reassured, and actively involved in their pet’s care.
Our values
At the heart of Holistic Vet Care are a few simple but important principles:
- Every pet is an individual
- Treatment should be gentle, thoughtful, and appropriate
- Owners deserve to be listened to and supported
- Quality of life is always a priority
- Collaboration leads to the best outcomes
We take time to understand not only your pet’s medical history, but also their lifestyle, personality, and your goals for their care.
Who we support
We often work with pets who:
- Have chronic, complex, or long-term conditions
- Are not responding as hoped to conventional treatment alone
- Are older and need comfort-focused, supportive care
- Would benefit from complementary therapies alongside veterinary treatment
We also support owners who are looking for a calm, considered approach and value open discussion about treatment options.
For more detailed information about the conditions we support, please navigate to our holistic services.
Our clinic
Our clinic is based at Blisworth Marina, just outside Northampton. Located less than 15 minutes from the M1, we have regular clients from Leicester, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Warwickshire.
Our practice is designed to help pets feel safe and relaxed, without a strong clinical feel, while still maintaining a professional and welcoming environment. Just outside the clinic is plenty of space to park and there are plenty of walks along the towpaths of the canal.
We believe that a calm environment and unhurried appointments can make a meaningful difference — for both pets and their owners. Appointments are designed to allow time for discussion, questions, and personalised care, without feeling rushed.
Claiming insurance
Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Must I leave my current vets to seek treatment at Holistic Vet Care?
No – we work alongside your conventional vet. We don’t replace conventional or emergency treatment. Our aim is to support your pet’s whole body and to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.
Many complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to improve patient welfare and can help improve prognosis. While adverse herbal-drug interactions (HDIs) can occur, they are uncommon when therapies are prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully.
When interactions do occur, the most common scenario is the herb enhancing the effect of the drug – which may allow conventional treatment plans to be adjusted by the prescribing vet.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether holistic support may be appropriate for your pet.
Can I fully replace conventional treatment with holistic treatment?
No, holistic treatment should not replace conventional diagnosis or medical care.
At Holistic Vet Care, we work alongside your regular veterinarian. Conventional treatment is essential for diagnosing the condition, assessing severity, and managing emergencies or complications. Our role is to support your pet’s comfort, overall health, resilience, recovery and long-term wellbeing.
We always encourage open communication between you, your primary vet, and our team to ensure your pet receives safe, balanced, and well-coordinated care.
Do I need a referral from my vets?
Yes – your primary vet signs the “Vet Care Agreement” and sends your pet’s history to us. This ensures your pet receives safe, coordinated care before your first appointment.
How Long Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Take to Show Results?
The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.
Are There Any Risks with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is generally safe when prescribed by a qualified person. Certain herbs may have side-effects and may have the ability to interact with conventional medications. Therefore, it is imperative that TCM is only used under professional guidance.
Will acupuncture hurt my pet?
It is unlikely. We find that most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, many end up falling asleep! Some points can be painful on some patients, but we take steps to minimise discomfort in these cases.
Can holistic treatments help older pets?
Absolutely! We see many geriatric patients, and they often demonstrate notable improvements (it may require several treatments before the benefits can be obviously appreciated). Some clients report that their older animals appear brighter, more comfortable, or more engaged again.
How do I know which holistic treatments are suitable for my pet?
Talk to your vet before trialling any new treatments.
Once registered with us, you can also ask our holistic vet.
Can I claim through my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover/contribute towards our services. However, we always advise checking with your insurance company regarding your individual policy.
Get in touch
Where are we located?
Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.
We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.
