How To Find the Right Vet Physio

It starts with a simple search on Google "vet physio near me" and suddenly there's a long list of people who can come out to your animal to treat them with physiotherapy.

But, how do you know if they really are appropriately qualified to treat your beloved pet?

Unlike the titles Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Nurse, the title Veterinary Physiotherapist is not protected under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. This means that anyone could call themselves an animal physiotherapist!

But, they might not have the full knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, or the contraindications of each physiotherapy technique, which can cause more harm than good!

There are several voluntary regulatory registers in the UK:

• Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP)

• Institute of Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP)

• National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP)

• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT)

Accreditation but regulatory bodies ensures high standards of training, safety and accountability, whilst these accredited professionals are recognised by vets and insurance companies. This makes sure that animals receive safe, evidence-based care whilst practioners comply with the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

So, how should owners find a physiotherapist for their animal?

The most reliable method to find an appropriately qualifed vet physio is by searching the directories of the asssociations (RAMP, IRVAP, NAVP & ACPAT). Each association verifies qualifications, insurance and adheres to strict code of conducts.

Physiotherapists who are accredited by these registers are required to renew their accreditation each year and need to complete a certain number of hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Members of these regulatory bodies will always be very open about what recognised professional bodies they are registered with and will never deny providing information regarding this and whether or not they are insured.

So, in conclusion, when looking for a vet physio near you, please make sure that they are appropriately qualfied, insured and registed under a regulatory body!

My RAMP accreditation renewed in April 2026

I renewed my accreditation with IRVAP in March 2026