Assess and plan the physical therapy of animals

1. work in accordance with the current Veterinary Surgeons Act, the current Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience

2. work professionally and ethically and within the requirements of the relevant professional organisation

3. comply with the relevant animal health and welfare and other animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice

4. assess how the needs of animals may best be provided while under your duty of care

5. assess the potential risks to health and safety in this area of work

6. develop a plan for the handling of animals undergoing physical therapy treatment

7. carry out an initial visual assessment of the animal

8. select a method of handling and control that is required for the animal concerned in order to minimise the risks to the animal, yourself and all those involved in, or affected by your work

9. assess the animal’s therapy requirements in relation to their presenting condition and referral from a veterinary surgeon, taking into account pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy and medication

10. set short-term and long-term goals for animal physical therapy

11. formulate a physical therapy treatment plan following referral from a veterinary surgeon

12. check that informed consent to handle and carry out physical therapy procedures on the animal is obtained from the owner or keeper

13. clarify and confirm the treatment that is to be carried out, the estimated cost and the method of payment

14. agree any actions to be carried by the owner or keeper following the physical therapy

15. check that the owner/keeper understands the role and importance of the veterinary referral, and the communication between the referring practice and therapist or rehabilitation centre

16. set up the required records, including the required veterinary feedback reports

17. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy

18. communicate professionally with veterinary surgeons and other animal-related professionals and paraprofessionals

19. plan, record and evaluate your Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

1. the requirements of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act and the current Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order in relation to your role and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience

2. your professional responsibilities and the importance of Continuing Professional Development to maintain professional competence

3. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

4. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and other animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice

5. how to assess the needs of animals in your duty of care and how these should be addressed

6. why it is important to verify the condition of the animal and its requirements for treatment from the referral by a veterinary surgeon

7. the conditions and disorders commonly presented for physical therapy in terms of their aetiology, common signs, veterinary treatment and possible complications

8. the range of methods for animal handling and control and the factors to be considered when selecting the method

9. how different factors may affect the planning of handling and therapy

10. how to assess the risks inherent in handling and controlling different types of animals

11. the anatomy and physiology of the animal species you are working with

12. the physiological and physical effects of the therapy treatment on the animal you are working with

13. how the therapy can affect animal behaviour

14. how to formulate a treatment plan for an animal, taking into account specific medical or post-surgical conditions and how to administer these

15. how to assess the animal’s suitability for the treatment plan and identify any potential contra-indications

16. the importance of obtaining informed consent and explaining the treatment plan to the owner or keeper

17. the pre-treatment preparation that is required prior to physical therapy of animals

18. the post-treatment procedures that need to be completed before an animal is returned to its accommodation or owner or keeper

19. the possible post-treatment reactions and how to advise the owner or keeper on how to recognise and address these

20. the post-treatment actions to be carried out by the owner or keeper in their own time

21. the importance of assessing the response to treatment and when to refer back to the veterinary surgeon

22. the role and importance of veterinary referral and communication between the therapy centre, the referring veterinary practice and other animal-related professionals and paraprofessionals

23. how your actions, the actions of other animals, or the actions of those involved in or effected by your work may affect the behaviour, welfare and progress during physical therapy

24. the records that need to be kept in relation to the physical therapy of animals and the importance of completing these in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy

25. your legal and professional liability when providing physical therapy to animals and the importance of suitable insurance cover

Factors that may affect the planning of handling and therapy:

1. age
2. species
3. breed
4. temperament
5. surroundings
6. prior experiences
7. owner's influence
8. current health status
9. clinical history
10. prescribed drugs and their effects
11. reason for referral for therapy
12. presence and activity of other people/animals in the therapy environment
13. welfare requirements
14. intended use or role of the animal

• Veterinary Surgeons Act

• The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 

• England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act

• Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act

• Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)