Veterinary Surgeons Exemptions Order 2015 (UK)
The Veterinary Surgeons Exemptions Order 2015 is a law in the UK that explains who can treat animals and under what conditions. When it comes to veterinary physiotherapy, this order sets out the rules for when an animal physiotherapist (who is not a vet) can treat an animal.
Who Can Treat Animals?
-
-
Only qualified veterinary surgeons (vets) are allowed to diagnose animals.
-
The Exemptions Order allows non-vets (like animal physiotherapists, chiropractors and massage therapists) to treat animals under certain conditions.
-
Animal physiotherapists should be adequately qualified with either a degree, diploma or masters.
-
Registers such as IRVAP, ACPAT and NAVP can point you in the direction of a registered animal physiotherapist.
-
The animal physiotherapist must be over the age of 18.
-
-
When Can an Animal Physiotherapist Treat an Animal?
-
The animal must be referred by a vet – A veterinary physiotherapist cannot treat an animal without the vet’s permission.
-
The vet needs to have examined the animal first and decided that physiotherapy is suitable.
-
The animal physiotherapist must be properly qualified and work within their area of expertise.
-
-
What Types of Treatments Are Allowed?
-
Manual therapy (e.g., massage, joint mobilization)
-
Electrotherapy (e.g., ultrasound, TENS)
-
Exercise therapy (e.g., strength training, proprioception, stretching)
-
-
Exceptions (No Vet Referral Needed):
-
If the animal is healthy and needs routine maintenance only, a referral from a vet is not needed however the animal still needs to be registered with a vet (e.g., performance horses and agility dogs)
-
For injury treatment, rehab or chronic condition management – a vet referral is always required.
-
Why It Matters:
-
This law protects animal welfare by ensuring that only qualified professionals treat animals.
-
It makes sure that physiotherapy is done safely by an appropriately qualified professional, with the awareness and guidance of the vet.