Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission from my vet?
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 states that Veterinary physiotherapists are required to assess and treat an animal under veterinary referral. Therefore all clients must have a referral or veterinary consent gained from their veterinarian prior to their pet’s first physiotherapy appointment. See veterinary referral/consent form.
Why choose an ACAPT registered Physiotherapist?
The title Animal or Veterinary Physiotherapist is not a protected title meaning that anyone can use this title regardless of their qualifications.
ACPAT is an organisation developed within the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, which aims to lead the field and standards of animal Physiotherapy. The title “Chartered Physiotherapist” is protected by law and can only be used by physiotherapists who have achieved a high level of academic and practical training in all aspects of physiotherapy and are consequently qualified and registered to practice. ACPAT members are fully qualified Chartered Physiotherapists who have then undergone further rigorous training in the rehabilitation of animals and have specialist knowledge in anatomy, biomechanics, physiology and pathology. They gave spent a minimum of five years training, and the considerable experience gained in the human field develops skills which are largely transferable to animal physiotherapy. Their experience and specialities are diverse and therefore treatment programmes can be highly specialised. Members of ACPAT adhere to strict standards of care and professional codes of conduct. They must participate in continuous professional development, use evidence based practice, work only with veterinary referral, and have correct and sufficient insurance cover. (ACPAT)
How much do you charge?
The initial consultation fee is £65, please allow up to an hour. Follow up appointment sessions are priced at £50, please allow up to 45 minutes for the session.
Will my pet insurance pay for physiotherapy?
As an ACPAT registered veterinary physiotherapist I am recognised by pet insurance companies. Please bear in mind that all insurance policies are different, so it is worth checking your policy or calling your provider to check that your insurance covers physiotherapy treatment.
All physiotherapy sessions must be paid for on the day of the appointment, as unfortunately I cannot do direct claims with your insurance company, but you will be provided with receipts to claim back the costs from your insurance company.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made with more than 24 hours in advance of the booked appointment time in order to avoid incurring a charge of the total cost of the appointment. However, in some emergency circumstances and situations and at the discretion of Vet Physio Norfolk, some cancellation charges may be waived.
What animals do you treat?
I am qualified to treat humans, horses dogs and other small animals, however I primarily treat dogs and cats.
Do you provide hydrotherapy?
Due to time and being busy with veterinary physiotherapy and my work as an NHS physiotherapist, I don’t personally provide hydrotherapy, however I work closely with all of the main hydrotherapy centres in the area and am always happy to discuss joint cases or share my physiotherapy notes with owners consent, to canine hydrotherapists. I feel passionately that an interprofessional collaborative working approach leads to the best outcome for your pet. I have worked on site completing physiotherapy assessments prior to hydrotherapy at Aquavet , Taverham vets for the past 4 years.
Do you have a privacy policy?
Vet Physio Norfolk Complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and client information is strictly bound by confidentiality law within the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) and the ACPAT code of conduct.