All accreditations

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy

ACPAT Category A — Registered Physiotherapist

Est. 1985

What this means for your pet

An ACPAT Category A member has dual qualifications — they are fully trained human physiotherapists (regulated by the HCPC) who have then completed additional university-level postgraduate training specifically in animal physiotherapy. This dual training provides a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation science.

About this accreditation

ACPAT is a clinical interest group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Category A members are chartered (human-qualified) physiotherapists who have completed an ACPAT-approved Master's degree or Postgraduate Diploma in veterinary physiotherapy. They hold dual qualifications — fully trained human physiotherapists regulated by the HCPC, with additional university-level postgraduate training in animal physiotherapy.

Who can hold this accreditation

Must be a Chartered Physiotherapist (MCSP), registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), AND must have completed an ACPAT-approved Master's degree or Postgraduate Diploma in veterinary physiotherapy.

Referral requirement

Yes — legally required under the Veterinary Surgeons (Exemptions) Order 2015. Your vet must examine your animal and prescribe physiotherapy treatment before an ACPAT member can treat.

Title protection

'Chartered Physiotherapist' is a protected title regulated by the HCPC. 'ACPAT' itself is a professional membership designation.

Professional oversight

Continuing Professional Development

Annual CPD required

Revalidation

Dual regulation by HCPC (statutory) and CSP

Complaints process

Can be made through the HCPC fitness-to-practise process (statutory), the CSP, or ACPAT's own procedures

Insurance

Professional indemnity and public liability insurance required

Legal basis

Veterinary Surgeons (Exemptions) Order 2015 — veterinary referral is a legal requirement

Accredited providers (268)

Showing 200 of 268 providers. Use the Explorer to search and filter all providers.

Quick facts

Abbreviation

ACPAT Cat A

Issuing body

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy

Type

professional body

Protected title

No

Practitioner is a vet

No

Providers listed

268

External links

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy websiteOfficial register