The
Law
The title 'Animal or Veterinary Physiotherapist' is not
protected by law which means that anyone can in theory call
themselves an animal or veterinary physiotherapist
regardless of their qualifications. However, the
title 'Chartered Physiotherapist' is protected by law and
can only be used by physiotherapists who have achieved a
high level of academic and practical training in all
aspects of physiotherapy.
An animal physiotherapist should work alongside your
veterinary surgeon to provide the best possible treatment
for your animal. Members of the ACPAT will always
work in co-operation with the Veterinary Surgeon. (NB: It
is illegal for anyone other than the owner to treat a horse
without the veterinary surgeon's consent).
Veterinary
Surgeons Act 1966
The
Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Section 19) provides, subject
to a number of exceptions, that only registered members of
the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons may practice
veterinary surgery. 'Veterinary surgery' is defined within
the Act as encompassing the 'art and science of veterinary
surgery and medicine' which includes the diagnosis of
diseases and injuries in animals, tests performed on
animals for diagnostic purposes, advice based upon a
diagnosis and surgical operations which may not necessarily
form part of a treatment. These restrictions are in the
interests of ensuring that animals are treated only by
people qualified to do so.(PDF Copy of Veterinary Act - Click here)
The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order
states: -
1. The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 allows
for the treatment of animals by 'physiotherapy', provided
that the animal has first been seen by a veterinary surgeon
who has diagnosed the condition and decided that it should
be treated by physiotherapy under his/her direction.
2. 'Physiotherapy' is interpreted as including all kinds of
manipulative therapy. It therefore includes osteopathy and
chiropractic but would not, for example, include
acupuncture or aromatherapy.
