Do I need a vet referral for physiotherapy?

In most cases, yes, we require veterinary referral or consent. But why?

Its law: The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemptions Order 2015

In the UK veterinary physiotherapy is regulated under the veterinary surgeons act 1966 and the exemptions orders of 2015. It is therefore a legal requirement that any professional treating an animal for injury, illness of pathology must have veterinary consent. This law actually work in the owners, pets and physiotherapists favour as it helps to safeguard the health and welfare of your horse/dog, which fundamentally is the most import thing.

this veterinary consent allows the physiotherapist and the vet to collaborate giving your pet the best possible care. The vets provide a diagnosis and initial treatment whilst the physiotherapist helps with the treatment and rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system based on the vets diagnosis and treatment.

Exception: This does not apply to maintenance cases

If your horse/dog is perfectly healthy and has no diagnosed injuries or pathologies, they do not require veterinary consent or referral however if the physiotherapist spots any signs of pain or injury during the session, they legally must stop and refer you back to your vet.

Any practitioners who work without veterinary consent on injured animals are operating outside the law. This invalidates their professional insurance and fundamentally can place your horse/dog at risk.

Referrals process with Chandler’s Veterinary Physiotherapy:

We know you are busy, so we make the referral process as simple as possible:

• Get in touch: we will have a quick discussion about your horse/dog, I will send you 2 short forms to complete (one for us and one for your vet)

• We send the form to your vet (or you can): We send the completed veterinary consent form to your vet for them to sign and ask for any medical history.

• Signature and booking: Once your vet signs the form we can book your animals initial assessment!

Want to get your animal moving comfortably again? Contact Chandler’s Veterinary Physiotherapy to discuss their needs.

Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1966/36 (Accessed: 8 September 2026).