All accreditations

Association of Animal Osteopaths

AAO Registered Animal Osteopath

Est. 2015 (predecessor SOAP founded 2004)

What this means for your pet

AAO registration indicates completion of a recognised animal osteopathy course, current insurance, and adherence to a Code of Practice.

About this accreditation

The AAO supports practitioners who use osteopathic techniques on animals. Full membership requires a recognised course in animal osteopathy with face-to-face practical classes, validated by an external body. Membership is by voluntary donation since 2019.

Who can hold this accreditation

Must hold a recognised qualification in animal osteopathy from a professional educational establishment (with face-to-face practical classes and external validation). Must hold current insurance.

Referral requirement

Yes — legally mandated under the Veterinary Surgeons (Exemptions) Order 2015 as osteopathy falls under 'manipulative therapy'.

Title protection

The title 'osteopath' IS legally protected under the Osteopaths Act 1993 for human practice (GOsC registration required). Whether this applies to 'Animal Osteopath' is contested and unresolved. The AAO recommends non-GOsC-registered practitioners use 'Animal Manual Therapist' instead.

Professional oversight

Continuing Professional Development

25 hours per year strongly recommended but not currently mandatory

Complaints process

Code of Practice; members must inform AAO of complaints

Insurance

Required

Legal basis

Veterinary Surgeons (Exemptions) Order 2015

Accredited providers (30)

Quick facts

Abbreviation

AAO

Issuing body

Association of Animal Osteopaths

Type

professional body

Protected title

No

Practitioner is a vet

No

Providers listed

30

External links

Association of Animal Osteopaths website