Our Team
Tamara Young
B.Ed; Dip. Animal Therapeutic Acupuncture; Dip. Equine Sports Therapy; Cert. Reiki (Equine & Canine)
Welcome to the Whiskey River family! I am so glad that you have found us and chosen a natural, non-invasive, drug free rehabilitative path for the animals in your life. Whiskey River Animal Health is a small business with my HQ in Northern NSW at the beautiful ‘Whiskey River Ranch’. I hold qualifications in Therapeutic Animal Acupuncture, Equine Sports Massage, Reiki, a Bachelors degree in Education and am undergoing qualifications in Nutrition and Cranio Sacral Therapy.
Whiskey River has been established for 12 years and I pride myself on the recommendations that we receive from Canine Orthopaedic specialists, Equine and Canine Vets and the reviews and success stories I have from my wonderful, long term clients. I am the referring therapist for multiple progressive veterinary practices in both the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers.
My passion lies in finding a blend between East and West with both medical systems working together to achieve wellness. Being a horse rider my entire life and growing up with a huge passion for animals great and small; I treat all my fuzzy clients as family. On our Ranch we have our beautiful horses (Occy, Whiskey, River & Cash) Our two charismatic minis (Barney and Garry). We also have our pack of gorgeous retrievers (Nashville, Indiana and Austen, Camille, Charlotte, Winnie and Maggie and Smokeshow) as well as our herd of Highland Cattle! Life is busy and wonderful out here and our canine clients love the drive to the farm to have their treatments.
Along with my own animals; Whiskey River Ranch is home to many agisted and spelling horses as well as provides a facility for me to take on long term therapy stay horses which require intensive therapy.
When you come to Whiskey River you are being put in knowledgable and caring hands. Your animal’s health and wellbeing is my first priority and I work very closely with you to create a program where your animal can experience a pain free, mobile life and increased performance. This is a owner-operated business and you will always deal with me for bookings, treatment and follow up.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you feel that you require any further information in order to help your animal reach their wellness goals.
Warmest Regards,
Tamara Young
Owner, Therapist, Animal Lover
Locum Practitioners
Carrie Merchant - Canine Kinesiology and HTMA Testing
My Story
Hi, I’m Carrie. I became a first time dog mum five years ago when I adopted Grace, a beautiful pure bred German Shepherd pup. Just weeks later, she suffered a life-threatening vaccine reaction that led to months of seizures. Then came another close call with a paralysis tick bite, and later, a diagnosis of bilateral hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis at age two.
Each challenge deepened my commitment to her care and called on every tool I had as a Naturopath and Neuroenergetic Kinesiologist. I researched everything I came across, determined to provide her with the best possible health and chance at a long life.
Along the way, I connected with the incredible Tamara Shead from Whiskey River Animal Clinic, who has taught me so much and been instrumental in helping Grace thrive today.
Supporting Grace has been the most meaningful healing work of my life, and it was only a matter of time until I extended that healing work professionally to other dogs. Now, in collaboration with Tam and Whiskey River, I am so excited to be offering Canine HTMA and Canine Kinesiology to other dogs and their devoted humans.
Tork Cowan - Equine and Canine Chiropractic