Animals treated by musculoskeletal therapists must be registered with a veterinary surgeon, and therapists must work under the direction of a qualified vet who has examined the animal and prescribed physiotherapy, as stated by the Veterinary Surgeons Exemptions Order 2015.

Therapists must be over 18 and should be members of a voluntary register with recognized education and conduct standards, supported by a disciplinary process.

Musculoskeletal maintenance care for healthy animals does not require veterinary delegation but the animal must still be registered with a vet. Maintenance care should stop and the animal referred back to the vet at the first sign of injury, disease, or pathology, as stated by the Veterinary Surgeons Exemptions Order 2015.

The client must consent to allow the therapist to share concerns with the animal's vet.

A musculoskeletal assessment does not require a referral, but treatment of an existing condition does. If a new abnormality or condition is identified during treatment, the therapist will stop and refer the animal back to the vet.

• Contact Animal Rehab Partners for a free phone consultation to discuss your animal's needs and how we can help.

• Check your insurance documents to see if veterinary physiotherapy is covered under vet fees or as a complementary treatment.

• Speak with your vet about physiotherapy and the referral process. Most veterinary practices may charge a small referral fee to cover administrative time.

• Complete the owner referral form and direct your vet to the vet referral form link below to complete.

If your animal does not have any musculoskeletal conditions requiring rehabilitation and only needs maintenance treatment, a referral is not necessary. However, your animal must still be registered and have been seen by a vet, and you will need to complete an owner consent form. This confirms that you're happy for the practitioner to share any findings with your vet if they believe a vet visit is needed.

If, at any point during treatment, your animal presents with a new lameness, injury, or pathology, it is required by law for your animal to see a vet before any further treatment can take place. The practitioner will need an email from your vet confirming they are comfortable with treatment continuing.

If your animal undergoes musculoskeletal surgery, the practitioner will require a new referral from your vet, including details of the procedure, the vet’s plan, and any relevant images or notes. The first session after surgery may require an initial consultation, regardless of previous treatments.