When asked the vets at the London Vet Show in 2021 told us that they expect the same level of rehabilitation for their animal patients that they would expect for themselves after surgery. In 2016 when the register was launched the ‘Gold Standard’ for MSK practice was recognised as that same level.

As these services have never been regulated before there has not been a place for vets to complain to should an MSK practitioner make mistakes. Human regulators do not cover animal practice and the RCVS do not regulate MSK practitioners, so RAMP has created a complaints and disciplinary procedure to address this. This ‘Gold Standard’ that RAMP has created helps you to find a safe pair of hands to refer to.

To be able to join RAMP, graduates have to meet the high quality standard of training that vets want. To help the higher education institutions meet these standards, RAMP's education department has worked with them to identify areas that need upgrading. This means that more graduates can join the register and the standard of practice higher. This improves animal welfare.

We asked the vets if they thought MSK work should be regulated. Unanimously they said yes and were relieved that RAMP had taken steps to create that independent regulatory body.

We introduce you to the third of our professional associations joining us on stand H50, at this year's London Vet Show: IRVAP.

The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP)

IRVAP is a dynamic community of qualified professionals working in animal therapy. Our shared belief is every animal deserves the best available treatment and that their owners are supported and informed.

Our members hold multi-professional qualifications and offer an integrated service to the animals in their care, leading to improved lives for animals and owners. IRVAP’s diversity is our community’s strength, represented by our different membership categories and subgroups. Our membership community includes Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Physiotherapists, Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners, Veterinary Nurses, Canine Hydrotherapists via the subgroup – Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists, Equine Hydrotherapists via the subgroup – Institute of Equine Hydrotherapists and Animal Massage Therapists who are all holders of thoroughly reviewed animal therapy qualifications. 

Our ethics and values mean that we promote animal safety through safe and effective practice in all aspects of animal therapy, linking underpinning scientific knowledge to current clinical practice, leading to improved lives for both animals and owners.  We support animal healthcare and welfare initiatives and provide clear and useful information for animal owners, veterinary surgeons, professional colleagues and the public.

We can provide an inclusive accreditation service in addition to supporting professional development. Qualifications and training are a career journey not a destination. Animal therapists are always learning and advancing skills and we facilitate research collaborations and scientific based approaches in all aspects of animal therapy and healthcare, across the field of professionals working in animal therapy.

High standards in professionalism and clinical proficiency are assured through our rigorous registration process, guided by our specific category and subgroup admissions policy. All our members agree to abide by our code of practice and fulfil the CPD requirements and are all fully insured and work within the UK legislation requiring a veterinary referral to commence treatment.

Read more at www.irvap.org.uk