Animal Rehabilitation is the application of Physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques to animal patients. Small animals (dogs, cats, etc.) horses, and even farm animals or exotic animals, benefit from rehabilitation after orthopedic and neurological injuries or surgeries, as well as in the management of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Regulatory oversight for animal physiotherapy / rehabilitation continues to be a goal. To that end, ARAC has been very supportive of the efforts of the Registry of Allied Animal Health Practitioners of Canada (www.raahp.com).
Please refer to Legislative Regime Pertaining To Physical Therapy On Animals In Canada
Provincial Veterinarians Acts
The Veterinarians Act in each province guides the practice of animal health care specific to each province. Although physiotherapists working with animals are not regulated by either Veterinary or Physiotherapy Colleges, the Veterinarians Acts in each province dictate the working parameters for allied animal health practitioners. Some physiotherapists work for vets in veterinary clinics, some rent space in vet clinics, some physiotherapists have mobile practices. There are also a growing number of free-standing canine clinics in the country. Find your provincial veterinary regulatory body to source your provincial Veterinarian Act here:
https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/public-resources/regulatory-bodies/
If you love animals, nothing is more rewarding than using your skills to rehabilitate animal patients. Animals have a unique bond with their owners and also with you as their Animal Rehabilitation Therapist. It is gratifying to be able to have both the patient and owner return to their usual activities. Whether it is a horse and rider connecting, a dog being able to go to an off leash park or agility trial or a paralyzed cat learning to walk again, the Animal Rehabilitation Therapist can play an integral part of recovery!
Become Certified in Animal Rehabilitation
Physiotherapists can pursue certification in Animal Rehabilitation through ARAC’s diploma programs in Canine and Equine Rehabilitation.
Please review the eligibility criteria in our ‘Education’ section
