Who are the NAVP?
The National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) is the professional body for graduates of validated university BSc/MVetPhys and PgDip/MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy courses. The association was formed over 30 years ago, with the aim to promote the welfare of animals and professional practice for those working as veterinary physiotherapists and who had not necessarily completed a human physiotherapy degree before training on animals.
The role of the NAVP is to further the profession, the interests of individuals engaged in the profession, and the public interest by setting professional standards for its members. We promote excellence in veterinary physiotherapy with the primary aim being the welfare of the animal in our care.
With stringent professional guidelines for CPD, ethics and conduct in place, the NAVP and its members have become well known within the industry as an association of trusted professionals.
The role of the NAVP is to further the profession, the interests of individuals engaged in the profession, and the public interest by setting professional standards for its members. We promote excellence in veterinary physiotherapy with the primary aim being the welfare of the animal in our care.
With stringent professional guidelines for CPD, ethics and conduct in place, the NAVP and its members have become well known within the industry as an association of trusted professionals.
Who can apply to join the NAVP?
Any graduate of a university validated veterinary physiotherapy degree course can apply for full membership of NAVP. NAVP also has a student membership category that is open to students studying on veterinary physiotherapy degree courses before they have graduated. For further information on either category or to make an application, please take a look at our membership page.
Are members of the association regulated?
The NAVP regulates its members and requires all members to adhere to sections 19 and 20 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) and exemptions order (2015), and to the association's conditions of membership and the code of conduct. All members must carry professional and public liability insurance, complete annual CPD (continued professional development), and at all times practice in line with the association's regulations and standards of practice.
We have a complaints procedure and robust disciplinary measures.
The NAVP has played an active role in the industry discussions around the establishment of a formal register for animal musculoskeletal therapists. Currently practitioners may join a voluntary register and the aim of the industry is that in the future this register will become mandatory.
We have a complaints procedure and robust disciplinary measures.
The NAVP has played an active role in the industry discussions around the establishment of a formal register for animal musculoskeletal therapists. Currently practitioners may join a voluntary register and the aim of the industry is that in the future this register will become mandatory.
What training do NAVP members have?
Each education provider will deliver their course slightly differently, but content across all courses includes a mix of practical and theory, and will include clinical placements, assignments and exams.
Members will have covered topics such as in-depth anatomy, professional practice, neurology, orthopaedics, and physiotherapy techniques, including static and dynamic observation, assessment, manual techniques and electrotherapies. They are skilled in clinical reasoning and the application of a treatment programme designed for the individual and therefore do not just use prescriptive programmes.
For further information on course content, you should contact the universities delivering a veterinary physiotherapy degree course directly.
Members will have covered topics such as in-depth anatomy, professional practice, neurology, orthopaedics, and physiotherapy techniques, including static and dynamic observation, assessment, manual techniques and electrotherapies. They are skilled in clinical reasoning and the application of a treatment programme designed for the individual and therefore do not just use prescriptive programmes.
For further information on course content, you should contact the universities delivering a veterinary physiotherapy degree course directly.
Do you have to be a human trained physiotherapist first to treat animals?
There is no requirement in law to be human trained. The only legal requirement is that those who offer animal musculoskeletal treatment have been referred or been given permission by that animal's vet. A veterinary surgeon can refer an animal for treatment to any appropriately qualified, competent and insured practitioner.
How do I find an NAVP veterinary physiotherapist?
Find your nearest NAVP physiotherapist by visiting our 'find a member' pages.
There are so many different associations. Is there one register where I can find a physiotherapist who is trained to the correct level?
Each different association will have a register of their own members. There is no single definitive register at the moment although discussions are ongoing to bring about one inclusive register of animal practitioners who are qualified to agreed minimum standards in providing animal musculoskeletal treatment regardless of their background (whether animal only or human trained first). All NAVP graduates hold a university qualification (either a BSc/MVetPhys or PgDip/MSc) in veterinary physiotherapy. You can also be confident that NAVP members are required to have adequate insurance cover, work within a code of ethics and professional standards, and also are required to keep their skills up-to-date by completing appropriate hours of continued professional development (CPD) training annually.
Is there a Charter for veterinary physiotherapists?
There is no charter for veterinary physiotherapists. Whilst there is a charter for those who have trained and are qualified to treat only human patients, there is currently no charter covering the treatment of animals in any capacity.
What happens if I have a complaint?
NAVP has a robust code of conduct and disciplinary procedure in the event of a complaint. Any complaints should be sent to our secretary in the first instance using the form below.
| navp_complaints_form.docx |