Do I need a referral for a vet physio?

If you're considering physiotherapy for your pet, one of the first questions you might have is: Do I need a referral? The short answer is yes (in most cases), and here we’ll explain why, and how the process works.

Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, it is a legal requirement that a veterinary physiotherapist must have veterinary consent before assessing or treating any animal. This law is in place to ensure that physiotherapy is a safe and appropriate part of your animal’s care plan. Your vet’s oversight helps us work collaboratively and ensures the best outcomes for your pet.

The exception to this is for horses in some instances. If your horse just requires maintenance (such as sports massage), then a referral from a vet isn’t needed, and your vet physio can just go and treat. Referrals for horses are usually only required after an injury.

So how do you go about booking vet physiotherapy?

When you contact us at IP Vet Physiotherapy, we’ll have an initial chat to understand your concerns. Following this, we’ll ask you to get in touch with your vet to request a referral to us.

If your pet has seen their vet in the last 12 months- even for something routine like vaccinations or a check-up- most vets will be happy to approve the referral straight away. If your pet hasn’t been seen in the last year, your vet will usually want to arrange an appointment to ensure they are up to date with your animal’s health before signing the referral.

Once the referral is received, we can book your initial physiotherapy consultation and begin helping your pet feel better, move more comfortably, and live a fuller life.

Which animals can benefit from vet physio?

We work with a range of animals, primarily dogs, cats, and horses, though we can provide physiotherapy for other species on request. Whether your animal is recovering from surgery, suffering from arthritis, struggling with lameness, or dealing with age-related changes, vet physiotherapy can play a vital role in their wellbeing.

Services we offer at IP Vet Physio

At IP Vet Physiotherapy, we provide a tailored approach to each patient, which may include:

• Manual therapy

• Rehabilitation programmes

• Laser therapy

• Electrotherapy

• Therapeutic exercises

• Post-operative recovery support

• Pain management strategies

• Performance optimisation for working and competition animals

Our goal is always to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your animal’s quality of life, working in close partnership with your vet to deliver the best care possible.

If you're unsure whether your animal could benefit from physiotherapy or how to start the referral process, feel free to get in touch with us today. We're happy to help guide you through each step.