3 answers
S
Student
Lexington, Kentucky
1
Question
3 answers
Dr. Toolittle
Veterinarian
1
Answer
Johnstown, Colorado
Updated
Dr.’s Answer
Hello! Great question! And one right up my alley since that is my particular passion and niche in veterinary medicine.
First off, just a little note about the jargon needed. We use the term "rehabilitation" for animals instead of "physical therapy" as the latter is a reserved term for humans although the work is pretty similar between the two.
There are a couple of ways to become a rehabilitation therapist for animals. First, you can either become a veterinarian if you want to work with animals from the start OR you can become a physical therapist if your interests lie primarily with human medicine. If you choose the veterinarian route, you'll get a lot of the courses you need in veterinary school (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, etc.) and you're able to pick rotations during your last couple of years that will focus your attention on this route (such as a rehabilitation rotation if your school offers that, anesthesia/ pain medicine, orthopedics, neurology, etc.). I can't speak to the requirements for physical therapist school as I went the veterinarian route but I'm sure someone else can!
Either route you choose (but ESPECIALLY if you become a physical therapist as you can't work on animals without it!!) can choose to become a certified rehabilitation therapist. To my knowledge, three main schools supply this need for small animals: Canine Rehabilitation Institute CRI), North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (offers the Certified Companion Animal Therapist (CCAT) program through Northeast Seminars), and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (offers the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) certificate through the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning [VAHL]). For equine rehabilitation, there are a couple of other schools, Animal Rehab Institute (ARI) and the Academy of Animal Sports Sciences (AASS). There may be some other schools that provide this type of education but those are the big ones I know about. For more information on their programs, entry requirements, etc. I encourage you to visit their websites.
The big differences in the routes you can take are if you want to work with only animals from the start (i.e. go the veterinarian route) versus if you want to work on humans first and then get certified to work on animals (i.e. go the physical therapist route).
Hope that helps and good luck with all your future endeavors!!
First off, just a little note about the jargon needed. We use the term "rehabilitation" for animals instead of "physical therapy" as the latter is a reserved term for humans although the work is pretty similar between the two.
There are a couple of ways to become a rehabilitation therapist for animals. First, you can either become a veterinarian if you want to work with animals from the start OR you can become a physical therapist if your interests lie primarily with human medicine. If you choose the veterinarian route, you'll get a lot of the courses you need in veterinary school (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, etc.) and you're able to pick rotations during your last couple of years that will focus your attention on this route (such as a rehabilitation rotation if your school offers that, anesthesia/ pain medicine, orthopedics, neurology, etc.). I can't speak to the requirements for physical therapist school as I went the veterinarian route but I'm sure someone else can!
Either route you choose (but ESPECIALLY if you become a physical therapist as you can't work on animals without it!!) can choose to become a certified rehabilitation therapist. To my knowledge, three main schools supply this need for small animals: Canine Rehabilitation Institute CRI), North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (offers the Certified Companion Animal Therapist (CCAT) program through Northeast Seminars), and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (offers the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) certificate through the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning [VAHL]). For equine rehabilitation, there are a couple of other schools, Animal Rehab Institute (ARI) and the Academy of Animal Sports Sciences (AASS). There may be some other schools that provide this type of education but those are the big ones I know about. For more information on their programs, entry requirements, etc. I encourage you to visit their websites.
The big differences in the routes you can take are if you want to work with only animals from the start (i.e. go the veterinarian route) versus if you want to work on humans first and then get certified to work on animals (i.e. go the physical therapist route).
Hope that helps and good luck with all your future endeavors!!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey, S! So, you want to become a PT for animals? That’s like being a superhero... but for pets! 🦸♀️🐶🐱 Imagine a world where you're helping animals stretch their paws, roll around pain-free, and walk again after an injury. Totally awesome, right? Let's break it down, step-by-step, and add some fun along the way because I havent had fun for almost a few minutes now🤔🙄.
Anyways.
Step 1: Get That Degree!
To become an animal physical therapist, you’ll need a degree in veterinary medicine or animal science, followed by a physical therapy degree for humans (yes, you’ll start with humans, but don’t worry—you’re just getting warmed up!). You’ll need a deep understanding of how muscles, joints, and bones work—on both humans and animals. So yes, prepare for some serious science classes. But think of it as learning the secret language of muscles and movement. 🤓💪
Step 2: Learn the Skills, Animal Edition
Once you’ve got your basic PT knowledge, you’ll want to take some specialized courses in animal rehabilitation. This will teach you the ropes of working with critters—whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery or a horse who needs a little extra leg work after an injury. You’ll get to learn things like canine massage, stretching techniques, and rehab exercises that will get your furry clients back to their happy selves. 🐕🦴
Step 3: Get Some Hands-On Experience
Animals aren’t just going to walk into your office asking for rehab—you gotta get your hands dirty. Volunteer or intern at an animal rehab facility, or work with a vet who offers rehabilitation services. It’s all about getting comfortable with animals—whether that means gently massaging a dog’s sore muscles or learning how to handle a feisty cat who’s not feeling so cooperative. 🙀💆♂️
Step 4: Certification Time!
After you’ve gotten your degree and gained experience, you’ll need to get certified. There are professional certifications for animal physical therapy, like the Canine Rehabilitation Institute or the American Physical Therapy Association's Animal Rehabilitation Certification. These certifications will show the world that you know your stuff and are officially ready to work with furry patients. 🐾🏅
Step 5: Start Helping Pets Live Their Best Lives!
Now for the fun part—actually working with animals! Whether you're doing exercises with a dog recovering from surgery or helping a horse regain full mobility, you’ll get to see your four-legged friends thrive thanks to your hard work. Plus, you’ll be the hero who helps animals feel better—and you get to work with adorable animals every day. How awesome is that?! 🐴🐶🐱
Some Fun Tips:
Be patient—Animals don’t always have the same level of patience as humans, so be prepared for some quirky moments!
Keep things positive—You’re not just helping them physically; you’re also helping them mentally by creating a relaxed, happy environment.
Stay calm and confident—Animals pick up on your energy. If you’re calm, they’re more likely to be calm too!
And remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Working with animals takes time and persistence—but those moments of progress will make it all worth it. 🏃♀️🐾
In a nutshell: It takes hard work and a lot of love for animals to become a physical therapist for pets, but trust me, if you’re passionate about helping animals feel better, there’s no better career path. Keep your heart in it and your paws on the prize—you’re going to do great! 🙌🐾
I know you will succeed if you beleieve and keep going forward. I believe in you S!
Anyways.
Step 1: Get That Degree!
To become an animal physical therapist, you’ll need a degree in veterinary medicine or animal science, followed by a physical therapy degree for humans (yes, you’ll start with humans, but don’t worry—you’re just getting warmed up!). You’ll need a deep understanding of how muscles, joints, and bones work—on both humans and animals. So yes, prepare for some serious science classes. But think of it as learning the secret language of muscles and movement. 🤓💪
Step 2: Learn the Skills, Animal Edition
Once you’ve got your basic PT knowledge, you’ll want to take some specialized courses in animal rehabilitation. This will teach you the ropes of working with critters—whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery or a horse who needs a little extra leg work after an injury. You’ll get to learn things like canine massage, stretching techniques, and rehab exercises that will get your furry clients back to their happy selves. 🐕🦴
Step 3: Get Some Hands-On Experience
Animals aren’t just going to walk into your office asking for rehab—you gotta get your hands dirty. Volunteer or intern at an animal rehab facility, or work with a vet who offers rehabilitation services. It’s all about getting comfortable with animals—whether that means gently massaging a dog’s sore muscles or learning how to handle a feisty cat who’s not feeling so cooperative. 🙀💆♂️
Step 4: Certification Time!
After you’ve gotten your degree and gained experience, you’ll need to get certified. There are professional certifications for animal physical therapy, like the Canine Rehabilitation Institute or the American Physical Therapy Association's Animal Rehabilitation Certification. These certifications will show the world that you know your stuff and are officially ready to work with furry patients. 🐾🏅
Step 5: Start Helping Pets Live Their Best Lives!
Now for the fun part—actually working with animals! Whether you're doing exercises with a dog recovering from surgery or helping a horse regain full mobility, you’ll get to see your four-legged friends thrive thanks to your hard work. Plus, you’ll be the hero who helps animals feel better—and you get to work with adorable animals every day. How awesome is that?! 🐴🐶🐱
Some Fun Tips:
Be patient—Animals don’t always have the same level of patience as humans, so be prepared for some quirky moments!
Keep things positive—You’re not just helping them physically; you’re also helping them mentally by creating a relaxed, happy environment.
Stay calm and confident—Animals pick up on your energy. If you’re calm, they’re more likely to be calm too!
And remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Working with animals takes time and persistence—but those moments of progress will make it all worth it. 🏃♀️🐾
In a nutshell: It takes hard work and a lot of love for animals to become a physical therapist for pets, but trust me, if you’re passionate about helping animals feel better, there’s no better career path. Keep your heart in it and your paws on the prize—you’re going to do great! 🙌🐾
I know you will succeed if you beleieve and keep going forward. I believe in you S!
sounds interesting
Chad
can you tell me a little more about how can i get more information on the muscles, joints and bones. I am in 12th class about to finish but i really love being around animals.
Chad
Hey Chad,
That’s awesome! If you love animals and want to learn about muscles, joints, and bones, check out anatomy books, vet science courses, or even YouTube dissections (if you’ve got the stomach for it!).
For hands-on experience, try volunteering at an animal shelter or shadowing a vet—because nothing beats learning while dodging an excited dog's zoomies!
Stay curious, future animal whisperer! 🐾😆
Dr H
Oanh Tran
Manufacturing engineer
34
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Oanh’s Answer
Hi, Animal physical therapists are licensed as human physical therapists and treat animals. A minimum of a master's degree in physical therapy is required for this.
Oh so a pt is a physical therapist so they just threat animals like veterans? What's their difference
Chad
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