The Law
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.
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.