You'll usually need to study one of the following qualifications:

• a degree in veterinary physiotherapy
• a degree in human physiotherapy, approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

If you have completed a degree in human physiotherapy, or animal science, you could apply for a place on a postgraduate master's course in animal physiotherapy.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could start your career by doing a Physiotherapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. You could then go on to complete a postgraduate award in veterinary physiotherapy.

This apprenticeship can take around 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship

You could train in animal massage or animal hydrotherapy, if you do not have a degree but want to work in a related area.

You can get more details about training from the:

• Equine Sports Massage Association
• National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists
• Canine Massage Therapy Centre

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• to enjoy working with other people
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• analytical thinking skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of animal musculoskeletal conditions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As an animal physiotherapist, you could:

• learn about an animal's medical history from its owner, keeper or vet
• work with animals in recovery after operations or accidents
• plan exercise programmes
• use manual and electrotherapy methods to reduce pain and help movement
• write reports on an animal's rehabilitation progress
• use massage and hydrotherapy techniques

You could work at a veterinary practice, in a therapy clinic, on a farm, at a wildlife park or at a zoo.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.