Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT)
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) is the UK’s professional body representing chartered physiotherapists who specialise in animal physiotherapy. ACPAT operates as a recognised clinical interest group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and sets professional, educational, and ethical standards for physiotherapy delivered to animals.
ACPAT is widely regarded as the gold standard organisation for animal physiotherapy in the United Kingdom and is internationally respected within veterinary and rehabilitation communities.
Overview
ACPAT provides a formal framework for physiotherapists who apply human physiotherapy principles to animals, most commonly dogs, horses, and companion animals. Members are fully qualified HCPC-registered chartered physiotherapists who have undertaken additional, accredited postgraduate training in veterinary and animal physiotherapy.
The organisation works closely with veterinary professionals to ensure that physiotherapy interventions are safe, evidence-based, and appropriately integrated into animal healthcare.
Role and Purpose
The primary aims of ACPAT are to:
- Maintain high clinical and ethical standards in animal physiotherapy
- Ensure members are appropriately trained and regulated
- Promote evidence-based practice in animal rehabilitation
- Protect animal welfare through professional accountability
- Support collaboration between physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons
ACPAT also provides public guidance on what constitutes safe and appropriate animal physiotherapy.
Scope of Practice
ACPAT members may work with animals requiring physiotherapy for:
- Orthopaedic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation
- Neurological conditions
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Age-related mobility issues
- Performance and sporting injuries
- Chronic pain management
- Injury prevention and conditioning
Treatment plans are typically delivered only with veterinary referral or consent, in line with UK legislation.
Training and Membership Requirements
To become an ACPAT member, practitioners must:
- Be a Chartered Physiotherapist
- Be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Complete ACPAT-approved postgraduate training in animal physiotherapy
- Demonstrate ongoing continuing professional development (CPD)
- Adhere to ACPAT’s professional code of conduct
ACPAT membership is tiered, reflecting training level and experience.
Regulation and Legal Context (UK)
Animal physiotherapy in the UK is governed by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which requires that physiotherapy treatment of animals is carried out:
- By a qualified professional
- With veterinary referral, consent, or direction
ACPAT members operate within this legal framework, ensuring treatments are clinically appropriate and ethically delivered.
ACPAT and Animal Welfare
ACPAT places strong emphasis on animal welfare, ethical practice, and informed consent. Its standards aim to protect animals from inappropriate or unqualified treatment and to ensure physiotherapy is used as part of a broader veterinary-led care plan.
ACPAT on Check a Treatment
Within Check a Treatment’s Animal / Pet category, ACPAT is referenced as:
- A recognised professional body for animal physiotherapists
- A marker of advanced training and clinical governance
- A trusted framework parents, owners, and carers may wish to look for when researching animal physiotherapy
Check a Treatment does not verify practitioners or confirm ACPAT membership.
Users are encouraged to review practitioner credentials directly.
Cultural and Industry Context
As demand for advanced animal rehabilitation, sports conditioning, and longevity care increases, animal physiotherapy has become an integral part of modern veterinary practice. ACPAT has played a central role in professionalising and standardising this field in the UK.
See Also
References
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). (2025). ACPAT Clinical Interest Group.
https://www.csp.org.uk/groups/acpat
(Accessed: 19 December 2025) - Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT). (2025). Professional standards and membership framework.
https://www.acpat.org/membership
(Accessed: 19 December 2025) - UK Government. (1966). Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1966/36/contents
(Accessed: 19 December 2025) - Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). (2025). Guidance on physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/
(Accessed: 19 December 2025)