FAQs
A) Purely the title. Animal physiotherapy and veterinary physiotherapy are essentially the same. Recently people have started to use the title “veterinary physiotherapist” but “animal physiotherapist” is the original title and we choose to stick with it for a number of reasons. The main reason is that we consider the title “veterinary” to be the domain of the vets and vet nurses highly qualified to carry out veterinary medicine. That being said, a graduate of our college has as much right to use the title veterinary physiotherapist as a graduate of any other programme.
A) No. There is not, nor has there ever been, any legal requirement to be a human physiotherapist in order to work as an animal physiotherapist. In the same way that vets do not have to be doctors and vet nurses do not have to be medical nurses, animal physiotherapists do not have to be human physiotherapists. Human physiotherapy is not a prerequisite to our course, however we are happy to train human physiotherapists if their animal background is strong enough.
A) Chartered veterinary physiotherapist? There is no such thing. Although this title has been employed historically, there is no such title as “chartered animal physiotherapist” or “chartered veterinary physiotherapist”. The Charter is purely related to the human physiotherapy field and has no bearing on animal physiotherapy.
A) No. There is no official register for animal/veterinary physiotherapists. If you see an animal physiotherapist use the term “registered” or “regulated” this would be with their own association and not with or by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. We do however encourage our Graduates to apply for membership of the currently voluntary registers, for example the RAMP Register.
A) Yes, in the human field. No, in the animal sector. “Prefixes such as ‘animal’, ‘equine’ or ‘veterinary’ show there is no intention to deceive because the prefix clearly indicates that the person concerned does not treat human beings” (Health and Care Professions Council (HPC)). So, it is true that anyone can use the title “animal physiotherapist or veterinary physiotherapist” regardless of their training.
We hope this answers any questions you may have. If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why train with us?
The College of Animal Physiotherapy is one of the longest running providers of training in animal physiotherapy.
We provide vocational training for students and professionals eager to build their skills in animal massage, animal rehabilitation and animal physiotherapy.
Our courses are delivered through a combination of distance learning and hands-on practical training.
Life as an Animal Physiotherapist
Life as an Animal Physiotherapist involves working under veterinary referral to provide treatment and rehabilitation for animals. Animal Physiotherapy is an exciting and rewarding career. The most essential requirement is that you have a natural affinity with animals.
