Dr. Kristina Shish

Clinical experience

I began working in veterinary clinics during my second year of university, alongside my studies.

Over the years, I gained experience in general practice, surgery, orthopaedics and neurology. In 2017, my clinical work turned towards veterinary rehabilitation.

I was among the first veterinary professionals to actively develop veterinary rehabilitation and canine fitness in Russia, helping to establish this field as an important part of modern veterinary care.

With internationally recognised qualifications in veterinary rehabilitation (CCRT) and canine fitness (CCFT), I have become one of the leading voices in veterinary rehabilitation and canine fitness in Russia. I am currently the only specialist in Russia holding these particular international certifications.

My work has involved not only treating patients but also developing new services, educating veterinary professionals and building a professional community.

Rehabilitation and fitness, for me, start with the individual animal: understanding its clinical condition, movement, physical abilities and what can help improve its function and quality of life.

Sport injury and rehabilitation

Sport and physical training have been part of my life for a long time. My own sports injuries, and meniscus surgery, brought me into human sports medicine and rehabilitation.

That experience changed how I looked at veterinary medicine. I asked why animals should not have the same careful approach to recovery, rehabilitation and physical conditioning.

I wanted to contribute to veterinary rehabilitation and sports medicine. At that time those fields were still developing in Russia, and specialised training was limited. I looked for training abroad, including in the United States and Germany, and I also learned from people working in human rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

Movement Sport & Canine Fitness

Sport and physical training have been part of my life since childhood. My experience in swimming and physical training has given me a deep appreciation of the importance of movement, strength, endurance and proper conditioning.

This passion has naturally become part of my veterinary career. I combine my knowledge of physical training with veterinary experience to help dogs develop strength, balance, coordination and body awareness.

I believe canine fitness is important not only for sporting dogs but also for family pets. The right training can help dogs stay active, improve their physical condition and enjoy a healthier, more active life.

Building VRehab

I started my journey in veterinary rehabilitation as the only specialist in a large veterinary clinic. At that time, I was building something new, often working independently and taking every opportunity to gain experience.

I worked in veterinary clinics, canine training centres and made home visits. I travelled to see patients, worked long hours, including weekends, and constantly looked for opportunities to learn and develop my skills.

As the number of patients grew, a dedicated rehabilitation department was established in the clinic, and I became responsible for its development. Over time, my work expanded, and I realised that veterinary rehabilitation needed more than one specialist.

I wanted to build a team and create a professional environment where veterinarians could share knowledge, support each other and provide better care for animals.

This is how VRehab grew from my individual clinical practice into a team of veterinary professionals in Saint Petersburg.

Today, I continue to develop my own independent international practice, working with patients in different countries, providing online consultations, teaching and sharing my experience with veterinary professionals and animal owners.