A clinical interest group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) is recognized by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) as the Clinical Interest Group representing the interests of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy.
Animals, like people, respond to physiotherapy. The purpose of physiotherapy is to restore and maintain mobility, function, independence and performance.
ACPAT members are fully qualified Chartered Physiotherapists (MCSP's) who have also trained in physiotherapy and rehabilitation for animals.
ACPAT members are the professionals in Animal Physiotherapy.
Common animal complaints treated include:
- Spinal problems
- Joint problems
- Injuries
- Neurological conditions
- Sports injuries
- Post surgical rehabilitation
Use an ACPAT animal physiotherapist because our members:
- are fully qualified Chartered Physiotherapists
- only work with veterinary referral
- have Professional and Public Liability Insurance
- liaise with other professionals such as vets, farriers, behaviourists
- adhere to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy's Regulations and Standards of Practice
ACPAT was established in 1985.
All members of ACPAT abide by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and work with veterinary referral. 
All animals may receive physiotherapy though mostly horses and companion animals are seen.
Conditions that respond to physiotherapy are musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and certain post operative orthopaedic and neurological cases. Physiotherapy modalities such as manual techniques, electrotherapy and exercise therapy are frequently employed in animal treatment and rehabilitation.
In order to practice animal physiotherapy, members are required to have Professional & Public Liability Indemnity.
ACPAT members work within the CSP’s Scope of Practice and we have produced our own Scope of Practice document. Our members participate in Continuing Professional Development and strive to meet the ACPAT objectives.
ACPAT run many seminars and training courses each year, including the Annual Seminar, AGM and CPD courses. We also produce an annual journal and quarterly newsletters for members.
ACPAT has an active Committee with a Secretary/Treasurer, Education Officer, Administrative Assistant and a Public Relations Officer.
Overview - Categories of Membership
ACPAT has four main categories of membership:
Category A members are Chartered Physiotherapists, resident in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, with 2 years full time post registration clinical experience within the human field, who have then gone on to undertake further study to work with animals.
Category B members are Chartered Physiotherapists, resident in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, who are undertaking further study to work with animals but have not yet qualified for Category A classification.
Category C members are Chartered Physiotherapists not working in the animal field.
Journal members may include other professionals.
There are two routes to upgrade to Category A status:
