Pet Nutrition Consultation

Pet physiotherapy (also called animal or veterinary physiotherapy) uses techniques like massage, joint mobilisation, stretching, hydrotherapy and tailored exercises to relieve pain, improve mobility, and speed up recovery from injuries, surgery, arthritis and other musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.

Yes, in the UK it is a legal requirement under the Veterinary Surgeons Act that animal physiotherapists have consent or referral from your vet before treating your pet, so your vet can check for underlying issues and work with the physio on a safe treatment plan.

Costs vary by region and clinic, but a first consultation for dog or cat physiotherapy typically ranges from about £50–£160 for 45–90 minutes, with an average around £90–£95, and follow‑up sessions usually £45–£95 for 30–45 minutes. Many smaller practices list example prices such as £45 for an initial 1–1.5 hour assessment and £40 for 1‑hour follow‑ups for dogs, cats and rabbits.

The physiotherapist reviews your vet’s referral and your pet’s history, observes their movement, palpates joints and muscles, and then uses a combination of hands‑on techniques and specific exercises, often giving you a home exercise programme to continue between visits.

Sessions are designed to be gentle and should not cause pain; therapists work within your pet’s comfort, taking things slowly if they are worried, and many animals relax and enjoy the treatment once they get used to it.

Yes, veterinary physiotherapy is commonly used to manage chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia and spinal issues, helping reduce pain, maintain muscle strength and joint range of motion, and improve quality of life alongside veterinary medication.

Every case is different: some straightforward problems improve in one or two visits, but many pets need a course of treatments, and long‑term conditions may require ongoing sessions every 2–4 weeks plus home exercises.

Human physiotherapists must complete additional postgraduate training in animal or veterinary physiotherapy before treating animals, and are usually registered with a recognised body; always check your therapist’s qualifications and memberships.

Look for practitioners listed with recognised organisations (such as NAVP, ACPAT or similar veterinary physio bodies), check that they work on veterinary referral, and search “animal physiotherapy near me” or “veterinary physiotherapist near me” to find local clinics and mobile services.

To find the best pet or dog physiotherapist near you, use accredited registers and local directories, compare reviews, qualifications and facilities (such as hydrotherapy pools or rehab gyms), and ask your vet which trusted veterinary physiotherapists they regularly refer to in your area.