3 answers
Bridget
Student
Elberta, Alabama
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Are Animal Physical Therapists needed all over the world?
I want to be an Animal Physical Therapist and I want to know where my options for work would be. #veterinarian #physical-therapist #animal-physical-therapist #veterinary #physical-therapy #career-choice
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Nirah Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM
Senior leader in laboratory animal science, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance
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Nirah’s Answer
Animal care professionals such as veterinarians and veterinary technicians are used and needed in many places in the world. However, animal physical therapy is a specialty accessible only to the extremely rich. Most people all over the world, and in our own country, cannot even afford physical therapy for themselves and their children, let alone for companion or working animals. Someone in an animal physical therapy-only practice would have to seek their clientele amongst rich owners of horses and other companion animals, Some large veterinary hospitals may employ a veterinary technician who specializes in animal physical therapy for postoperative patients. Equine practices specializing in sports medicine for racing or riding horses are the only other place where physical therapy would be a routine part of veterinary care. Pet massage, which I see as non-therapeutic and not quite the same as physical therapy, is sometimes bundled with pet sitting and pet grooming services.
If you are interested in pursuing this career, I suggest you first seek training as a veterinary technician, as you will need to know pet anatomy, and pet behavior in order to be an effective pet physical therapist.
If you are interested in pursuing this career, I suggest you first seek training as a veterinary technician, as you will need to know pet anatomy, and pet behavior in order to be an effective pet physical therapist.
Rozalyn Moore
Physical Therapist at Kimbrough ACC
4
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Rozalyn’s Answer
Hello. I would suggest husbandry sciences., The only pace I wold think this wold be a general occpation would be Walt Disney or a major zoo.
Deborah R. Brandt, PT, DPT
Good Moves Physical Therapy, mindful movement
41
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New York, New York
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Deborah R.’s Answer
https://www.naturalhealers.com/alternative-medicine/animal-therapy/
http://www.caninerehabinstitute.com/overview.html
There are at least two ways to become trained to work with animals, mostly dogs: as a veterinary technician, or as a physical therapist. Above are two websites that offer these two options. There are also other options you should look at.
Physical therapists currently cannot legally do animal physical therapy in every state, for example not in New York State, unless something has changed in the last several years. But, veterinary technicians can do animal physical rehabilitation in New York State. It all depends on the state laws.
Just because you read "animal physical therapy," does not necessarily mean it can be done by a physical therapist or PTA. All sort of professionals like to say they do "physical therapy." It does not necessarily mean that "physical therapy" is being done by a physical therapist.
So, do your research carefully and look into what kind of certification will be most likely to meet your needs. It is always helpful to talk to people in the field you would like to enter. Go to your local veterinary hospital and talk to the people there, call the professional organizations <apta.org>, and the veterinary technician organization, and talk to anyone you think is in the field you might like to enter.
If you would like to work with wild animals, or horses, or elephants, etc. or travel around the work helping hurt animals that need rehabilitation, search widely. You might be better off becoming a veterinarian. Consider all your options and search widely before you make a decision.
Good luck.
http://www.caninerehabinstitute.com/overview.html
There are at least two ways to become trained to work with animals, mostly dogs: as a veterinary technician, or as a physical therapist. Above are two websites that offer these two options. There are also other options you should look at.
Physical therapists currently cannot legally do animal physical therapy in every state, for example not in New York State, unless something has changed in the last several years. But, veterinary technicians can do animal physical rehabilitation in New York State. It all depends on the state laws.
Just because you read "animal physical therapy," does not necessarily mean it can be done by a physical therapist or PTA. All sort of professionals like to say they do "physical therapy." It does not necessarily mean that "physical therapy" is being done by a physical therapist.
So, do your research carefully and look into what kind of certification will be most likely to meet your needs. It is always helpful to talk to people in the field you would like to enter. Go to your local veterinary hospital and talk to the people there, call the professional organizations <apta.org>, and the veterinary technician organization, and talk to anyone you think is in the field you might like to enter.
If you would like to work with wild animals, or horses, or elephants, etc. or travel around the work helping hurt animals that need rehabilitation, search widely. You might be better off becoming a veterinarian. Consider all your options and search widely before you make a decision.
Good luck.