Vet Referrals & Professional Collaboration

Because your animal’s health deserves safe, ethical, and expert care.

Veterinary physiotherapy is a regulated paraprofessional service, and as such, it is essential that we work in partnership with veterinary surgeons to ensure the highest standard of care. This not only ensures safety and transparency for your animal, but it’s also a legal requirement under UK legislation.

Why Do I Need a Vet Referral?

According to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, only a qualified veterinary surgeon may diagnose medical conditions or prescribe treatments. For this reason, physiotherapists must receive consent from your vet before beginning any treatment — whether for injury rehabilitation, post-operative care, or ongoing management of chronic conditions.

This vet referral process helps to:

• Ensure the animal has received a correct diagnosis.
• Rule out any underlying issues that need veterinary attention.
• Promote a joined-up approach between physiotherapist, vet, and owner.

However, new guidance from RCVS in Chapter 19 of the supporting guidance sets out that healthy animals for maintenance care do not require a veterinary referral but still must be registered with a veterinary practice, see more at Chapter 19. Treatment of animals by unqualified persons - Professionals. 

Working as a Team for Your Animal.

Veterinary physiotherapy works best when it's part of a multi-disciplinary approach. I regularly work alongside:

• Veterinary surgeons
• Hydrotherapists
• Farriers and saddle fitters
• Trainers, behaviourists, and chiropractors

This team-based approach ensures that your animal receives the most holistic and effective care possible. By sharing insights and working collaboratively, we can develop treatment and management plans that truly address the needs of each individual animal — whether that’s returning to competition, recovering from surgery, or managing long-term conditions.

My Professional Commitment

As a fully qualified veterinary physiotherapist, I am:

• Committed to ethical, evidence-based practice
• Trained in professional communication and referral protocols
• Knowledgeable in relevant legislation and professional boundaries
• Insured and compliant with current animal welfare and treatment standards

You can trust that every treatment I offer is safe, legal, and in the best interest of your animal.

If you’re unsure how to obtain a referral or need support speaking to your vet, I’m always happy to help with the process. Let’s work together to give your animal the very best care.