Animal physiotherapists help animals recover from medical or surgical treatment through rehabilitation
As an animal therapist, you'll work with domestic pets, farm animals and exotic species, although horses, dogs and cats are the most common. Treatments typically include assessment, massage, ultrasound, electrotherapy, exercise programmes and owner education.
By applying physiotherapy techniques, you'll aim to restore and maintain mobility, function, independence and performance. Common treatments include managing joint or spinal problems and rehabilitation after fractures or injury, often delivered over several sessions.
Animal physiotherapists are also known as veterinary physiotherapists.
Types of animal physiotherapy
You may specialise in an area of animal physiotherapy, such as:
- hydrotherapy
- horse and rider
- large and small animal physiotherapy.
Most animal physiotherapists are self-employed and choose whether to work across all areas or specialise. Further training may be required for specialised procedures.
What does an animal physiotherapist do?
As an animal therapist, you'll:
- assess an animal's movement, posture, gait, muscle strength and physical function
- treat a range of complaints, including spinal and joint problems and injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons
- support rehabilitation following surgery, injury or illness
- develop and deliver individual treatment plans using techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, therapeutic exercise and electrotherapy
- devise exercise programmes for conditions including neurological disorders and obesity, as well as for injury prevention and performance improvement
- monitor the animal's progress and adapt treatment plans where necessary
- provide owners or handlers with advice on exercise, ongoing care and adapting the animal's living environment
- work closely with veterinary surgeons and, where relevant, other professionals such as trainers, farriers and veterinary nurses
- maintain accurate clinical and treatment records.
Animal physiotherapist salary
- Animal physiotherapists usually start on around £24,000.
- With experience, animal therapists (with more than five years' experience) can earn around £30,000 to £40,000.
- Senior, specialist or self-employed veterinary physiotherapists may earn more than this.
Self‑employed practitioners typically charge around £50 to £90 for appointments, depending on type of animal, location, appointment duration and complexity of treatment.
Shorter follow-up appointments, block bookings or multi-animal visits may cost less, while initial assessments, specialist treatments or longer sessions may cost more. Travel or mileage charges may also apply.
Some practitioners offer combined horse and rider assessments or related equine performance services, which can attract higher rates.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
How many hours does an animal physiotherapist work?
Practitioners in full‑time roles usually work around 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Part‑time contracts are common and vary according to the needs of the practice.
How do you become an animal physiotherapist?
Higher education training is required, and several training routes exist, so you have a choice over how you qualify and what level of qualification you pursue. Professional bodies set minimum education prerequisites, and joining them early can provide networking opportunities and job information.
Common routes include:
- an undergraduate degree in human physiotherapy or veterinary nursing, followed by postgraduate training in animal/veterinary physiotherapy.
- an undergraduate degree in veterinary physiotherapy, currently offered by Harper Adams University and Moreton Morrell College.
Postgraduate training is typically at MSc or PGDip level. Opportunities for in‑house roles are rare, so many practitioners become self‑employed. Business training can be helpful if you plan to run your own practice.
Because 'animal physiotherapist' is not a legally protected title in the UK, joining a professional body is important, as it proves your qualifications to vets, secures your insurance and opens up client referrals.
Depending on your study route, you may engage with these organisations:
- ACPAT: The route for chartered human physiotherapists who complete postgraduate animal training.
- NAVP: The main body for graduates of direct, university-level veterinary physiotherapy degrees.
- IRVAP: A wide professional network connecting animal physiotherapists, vet nurses, and surgeons.
- IAAT: An international group supporting professionals across a range of animal therapies.
- RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners): is an industry body register, used by vets to check the safety and competency of animal physiotherapists.
What skills does an animal physiotherapist need?
As well as a strong commitment to animal welfare and an interest in anatomy, physiology and rehabilitation, you'll also need:
- excellent observation and analytical skills to assess an animal's movement, behaviour and response to treatment
- practical problem-solving skills to develop and adapt treatment and exercise plans
- strong communication and interpersonal skills to explain treatment clearly and build trust with owners, handlers and veterinary professionals
- patience, sensitivity and confidence when working with animals that may be anxious, distressed or in pain
- teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with vets, veterinary nurses and other animal care professionals
- attention to detail and good organisational skills for maintaining accurate clinical and business records
- flexibility and adaptability to work with different animals, conditions and environments.
Business, marketing and financial management skills are also important if you plan to become self-employed or run your own practice.
Animal physiotherapy work experience
Relevant work experience is important for entry to many training programmes and can strengthen your applications for your first role. Requirements vary, so check individual course criteria carefully.
Experience may include observing animal physiotherapists, vets, veterinary nurses or other rehabilitation professionals in settings such as veterinary practices, referral centres, rehabilitation clinics, stables or animal charities. Opportunities are often unpaid, and insurance restrictions may limit hands-on involvement, but observation can still provide valuable insight into animal handling, clinical practice and multidisciplinary working.
Formal schemes are uncommon, so contact practices and practitioners directly, attend professional events and use networking opportunities to find placements or work-shadowing experience.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Who do animal physiotherapists work for?
Many animal physiotherapists are self-employed and work independently or as part of a veterinary referral network. They may operate from their own clinic or visit animals at veterinary practices, rehabilitation centres, stables, yards and clients' homes.
Employment opportunities may also be available with:
- animal rehabilitation and hydrotherapy centres
- animal welfare charities and rescue centres
- equine hospitals, studs, racing yards and competition centres
- professional sports organisations and working-animal services
- universities and training providers
- veterinary practices and specialist referral hospitals.
Permanent employed posts are relatively limited, so building relationships with vets and other animal-care professionals can be important for developing a referral base.
Look for vacancies at:
Where can a career in animal physiotherapy lead?
You'll need to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) throughout your career to keep your knowledge and clinical skills up to date. This may involve attending courses, conferences, seminars and webinars or completing training in additional treatment and rehabilitation techniques. Professional organisations such as ACPAT, IRVAP, IAAT and NAVP provide CPD, networking and other membership support, while RAMP maintains a voluntary register for animal musculoskeletal practitioners.
With further training and experience, you could develop expertise in areas such as:
- neurological rehabilitation
- pain management
- myotherapy
- sports rehabilitation.
Additional qualifications may be needed to offer related services such as canine or equine hydrotherapy.
If you're employed, you may progress into a senior, supervisory or practice-management role. Experienced practitioners may also move into teaching, research or consultancy. If you're self-employed, progression may involve developing a specialist reputation, expanding your client and referral network or growing your practice by employing other practitioners.