An Animal Physiotherapist? There’s No Such Thing

The Case

The College learned that a physiotherapist was using their protected title in connection to work they were doing with animals.

The physiotherapist worked in animal rehabilitation at a veterinary clinic and was listed on the clinic’s website as a registered physiotherapist.

It would have been easy for someone looking at the website to assume that their pet could receive “physiotherapy” services at the clinic.

The Rules

In Ontario, “physiotherapist”, “physical therapist” and “PT” are protected titles. That means someone must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to call themselves a physiotherapist. The title can also only be used when doing work that falls within the physiotherapy scope of practice.   

This maintains public trust. When a patient goes to see a physiotherapist, they know their care will be provided by someone with extensive education and who is responsible for meeting certain standards. They can also be assured the care will be evidence-informed.

The physiotherapy scope of practice does not include treating animals.

That’s why, even if you are a registered physiotherapist, you can’t use your protected title when providing care to animals.

Similarly, you can’t use your protected title when doing other activities outside the physiotherapy scope of practice like:

• Leading general fitness or wellness programs where participants have not been individually assessed
• Practicing under a different professional scope, such as a massage therapist

Using your title correctly helps prevent confusion and protects the public.

The Outcome

The College contacted the physiotherapist and informed them that physiotherapists cannot suggest – directly or indirectly – that they provide physiotherapy to animals.

The physiotherapist made sure their employer updated the clinic website to remove their protected title from their profile. They also updated their business cards, email signature and anywhere else their title appeared.

Details of this case have been changed to maintain anonymity.

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