Animal rehabilitation has transformed from a niche extension of human physiotherapy into a vital component of veterinary care in Canada. This field, which applies principles of physiotherapy to help animals recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions, owes its growth to dedicated professionals who bridged the gap between human and animal health. In this exposé, we’ll trace the history of key organizations—The Canadian Horse and Animal Physical Therapists’ Association (CHAP), the Animal Rehab Division (ARD) of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), and the newly formed Animal Rehabilitation Association of Canada (ARAC)—highlighting important milestones and events that have shaped this compassionate and innovative discipline.
Roots in Human Physical Therapy: The Foundation (1916–1970s)
The story of animal rehabilitation in Canada begins with the development of human physical therapy, which provided the scientific and professional backbone for treating animals. During World War I, as wounded servicemen returned home unable to fully reintegrate into society, Canada established intensive one-year physical therapy training courses in 1916. These early programs focused on therapies like light and heat treatments, hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation, massage, and exercises to restore function.
By 1929, the University of Toronto opened the first school of physiotherapy, offering a two-year diploma. In 1954, McGill University introduced the first baccalaureate degree in the field. The 1970s marked a significant upgrade, establishing a three- to four-year baccalaureate as the minimum requirement for practicing physiotherapy on humans. Today, entry-level education requires a 2.5-year Master’s degree following a Bachelor’s, with a shift toward a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) in other countries such as the United States.
These advancements equipped physiotherapists with expertise in anatomy, biomechanics, orthopedics, neurology, and exercise prescription—skills that would later transfer to animals. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), evolved from the Canadian Association of Massage and Remedial Gymnastics, ensured high standards through licensure, competency exams, and continuing education.
The Emergence of Animal Rehabilitation: Meeting Growing Demands (1980s–1990s)
As pet ownership evolved and animals participated in demanding sports like agility, flyball, dressage, and barrel racing, the risk of injuries increased. Owners demanded advanced, alternative care options beyond traditional veterinary medicine, leading to the rise of animal rehabilitation. This field drew heavily from human physiotherapy, adapting techniques for faster, pain-free recovery.
Internationally, Great Britain led the way in 1984 with the first organized group of animal physiotherapists, followed by the Netherlands in 1989. Canada joined this movement in 1994 with the formation of CHAP, making it the third such group worldwide. Founded by physiotherapists eager to apply their skills to animals (primarily canines and equines), CHAP focused on anatomy, biomechanics, pathology, veterinary interventions, and species-specific handling and treatments.
This milestone reflected a broader trend: by the early 2000s, 13 countries—including South Africa, Sweden, Australia, and the U.S.—had similar groups under their national physiotherapy associations.
Becoming a Formal Division: ARD's Recognition and Growth (2004–2010s)
In 2004, CHAP transitioned into the Animal Rehab Division (ARD) of the CPA, gaining official recognition as a special interest group. This integration allowed ARD to leverage CPA’s backing while advocating for animal rehabilitation. ARD emphasized that physiotherapists needed additional training to competently treat animals, offering diploma programs in canine and equine rehabilitation exclusively for physiotherapists.
Education became a cornerstone. Unlike U.S. programs (which trained veterinarians, physiotherapists, and technicians simultaneously), ARD’s curriculum focused on adapting human techniques to animal needs. Internationally, the Royal Veterinary College along with the University of London, then later the University of Liverpool in England offered the world’s first Master’s in Veterinary Physiotherapy in the 2000s, a two-year program with a research thesis requirement—highlighting a gap in North American university-level offerings.
ARD promoted collaborative models, advocating for veterinary referrals for lame, injured, or post-surgical animals. Physiotherapists worked in diverse settings: veterinary clinics, home/barn calls, or standalone centers. Professional liability insurance for animal treatment was made available, and direct communication between physiotherapists and veterinarians was encouraged.
Challenges and Advocacy: Navigating Regulation and Collaboration (2000s–2020s)
ARD faced internal and external hurdles. Physiotherapy practice acts typically applied only to humans, prompting advocacy for scope expansion. In the U.S., states like Colorado, Nevada, and Nebraska amended laws to regulate animal physical therapy. In Canada, ARD pushed for regulation by provincial physiotherapy colleges to protect titles and distinguish trained professionals from lay practitioners (e.g., those offering massage or modality treatments under the unprotected term “animal rehabilitation”). As of this writing in 2025, no Canadian provincial physiotherapy regulatory body officially recognizes the practice of animal rehabilitation / physiotherapy.
Collaborations with veterinary bodies were crucial. In Alberta, the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA) deemed animal rehab outside its scope in the 2010s, advising compliance with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The Veterinary Practice Act allowed exemptions for gait and stance modifications, enabling physiotherapists to practice with referrals for certain cases. Similar discussions occurred with bodies like the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. The Veterinary Professionals Act in Ontario will further open the practice of animal rehabilitation into the public domain, thus allowing animal physios direct access to patient care with some restrictions. Other provincial Veterinary Practice Acts are far more restrictive. Physical therapists wishing to engage in animal rehabilitation should be aware of the practice acts in their province to determine if or how they can practice.
ARD networked internationally to share knowledge and models, aiding CPA and veterinary associations in developing best practices. Despite challenges, ARD highlighted physiotherapists’ advantages: extensive rehabilitation education, science-based approaches, and teamwork ethos.
Milestones in recognition included 2020 awards: CPA Medals of Distinction to ARD members Sandra Oxtoby and Laurie Edge-Hughes for advancing physiotherapy via animal rehab. Edge-Hughes also received the inaugural Veterinary Rehabilitation Therapist of the Year from the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy that same year.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested resilience; ARD adapted and expanded educational offerings with virtual courses on platforms like Embodia.As well, in response to veterinary regulatory discussions, a formalcertification process for acupuncture and dry needling for small animals was created in 2021, with substantial prerequisites and adherence to safety protocols as a focus.
A New Chapter: Transition to ARAC (2023–2025)
In 2023, CPA launched the Division Transformation Project to better utilize divisions’ expertise amid changing healthcare needs. By 2026, a single membership fee for all divisions was planned, with funding tied to association priorities. Recognizing that animal health often ranked below human issues, CPA and ARD agreed separation would allow better advocacy.
On October 1, 2025, ARD became the independent Animal Rehabilitation Association of Canada (ARAC), a proud strategic partner of CPA. This shift enabled ARAC to respond nimbly to animal health issues, allocate resources freely, and grow the field. Ties remain strong: CPA collects ARAC dues, provides insurance via BMS Group, and collaborates on student engagement, promoting physiotherapy, and events like Congress. ARAC attends CPA meetings and works with other divisions on mutual projects.
Looking Forward: ARAC's Role in Advancing Animal Care
From CHAP’s founding in 1994 to ARAC’s independence in 2025, this journey reflects dedication to enhancing animal well-being through evidence-based rehabilitation. Milestones such as educational certification programs and awards underscore Canada’s leadership in the field of animal rehabilitation. As animal owners invest more in their companions’ health, ARAC continues to foster collaboration, innovation, and professional standards—ensuring animals enjoy longer, pain-free lives.
For more information, visit the ARAC website – www.animalrehabcanada.caor contact admin@animalrehabcanada.ca. Whether you’re a pet owner, veterinarian, or aspiring physiotherapist, the future of animal rehabilitation in Canada is brighter than ever.
