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Whether your animal has suffered an injury, degenerative condition or recovering post surgery, an NZAVPA Animal & Veterinary Physiotherapist can help relieve pain, improve function & optimise rehabilitation,
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Our NZAVPA Animal & Veterinary Physiotherapists are post graduate professionals who treat humans & many different musculoskeletal & neurological conditions that afflict dogs, horses, cats, farm & other animals. They are Physiotherapy NZ Board registered & maintain annual professional development
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Apart from our treatments, we also work with veterinarians & animal owners to assist in the rehabilitation process​ for precious fur family members
Welcome to the New Zealand Animal & Veterinary Physiotherapy Association (NZAVPA) website.
We are a group of New Zealand Board Registered Physiotherapists with postgraduate qualifications in veterinary or animal physiotherapy.
We provide physiotherapy for horses, dog, cats and other animals
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NZAVPA has three main objectives;
1. To actively support, promote & provide professional development & continuing education for both our members & veterinary physiotherapy postgraduate students
2. To advocate the benefits of our profession to dog/cat/horse owners & stakeholders, as well as to equestrian riders
3. To advocate the benefits of our profession to the wider veterinary industry.
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A little about us....The NZAVPA was founded in 2007 by vet physios, Sarah Cruickshank & Lindsey Skinner. Whilst working in the UK & being a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), Sarah realised NZ would need an equivalent organisation for support, recognition & advocacy of the profession.
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On Sarah's permanent return to NZ in late 2008, there were only 4 qualified animal & veterinary physiotherapists in the entire country... & there are now over 25+.
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Currently the NZAVPA has 26 members & is growing. We invite suitably qualified animal & veterinary physiotherapists to join us.
OUR MISSION
To positively promote animal & veterinary physiotherapy in NZ to veterinarians, veterinary specialists, clients/owners, Physiotherapy NZ (PNZ), NZ Physiotherapy Board, hydrotherapists, veterinary nurses, Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council NZ (AVPRC) & the wider physiotherapy & veterinary industry.
