In accordance with ‘The Veterinary Surgeon’s Act, 1966’, animals can only be treated by a physiotherapist following referral by a veterinary surgeon. This is to safeguard the health and welfare of animals and ensures the vet is aware of all treatment an animal is receiving. It also ensures all relevant veterinary assessment and diagnostic investigations into an animal’s condition have been done prior to being referred for physiotherapy.
A very recent change to this occurred in 2021 whereby an animal requiring musculoskeletal maintenance physiotherapy for competition or working purposes can be seen by a physiotherapist without veterinary referral. The animal must, however, be registered with a veterinarian. If you are unsure whether it is maintenance physiotherapy your animal requires, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Veterinary referral forms can be found here and must be completed prior to your first appointment. Your veterinarian may have already done this for you or, with your consent, The Animal Physiotherapist can liaise with your veterinarian on your behalf if you prefer.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like further information or assistance regarding veterinary referral.