10/07/2026
Its been a long time coming, and still a long way to go, but this will be massive step forward for our industry.
There has been a significant milestone for Veterinary Physiotherapy today.
Earlier today, DEFRA published “Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector” – proposals for the biggest reform of veterinary regulation since 1966. Veterinary Physiotherapists are named explicitly within the plans, alongside veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and other allied veterinary professionals, as part of a new statutory licence to practise framework.
This is a direct response to the consultation NAVP, and our colleagues at other representative bodies, submitted evidence to earlier this year. It reflects years of work across our profession to build the standards, governance and clinical rigour that regulation demands.
There is more detail to follow, and more work ahead as the framework takes shape. NAVP will be engaging closely with RAMP, AHPR, DEFRA and the new regulator throughout this process, and we will keep our members informed at every stage.
For now, this is a moment to recognise how far Veterinary Physiotherapy has come, and how much further we can go with the statutory recognition our members’ training has always deserved.
National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists
