Terms and Conditions

Vet Physio Ireland – ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist

Effective Date: 24/02/26

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern the referral and treatment process for animals receiving physiotherapy with Vet Physio Ireland – ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist.

By booking an appointment or proceeding with treatment, the client agrees to comply with these Terms and Conditions.

Veterinary physiotherapy services are provided in accordance with professional standards set by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and relevant veterinary legislation.

2. Definitions

Vet Physio Ireland: The ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist providing treatment
Client: The legal owner or authorised keeper of the animal receiving treatment
Referring Veterinarian: The registered veterinary surgeon providing formal referral and consent
Animal: The patient receiving physiotherapy treatment

3. Veterinary Referral & Legal Compliance

3.1 Veterinary physiotherapy is carried out under veterinary referral in accordance with applicable veterinary legislation and ACPAT professional standards.

3.2 Treatment will not commence without appropriate veterinary consent where required.

3.3 Physiotherapy does not replace veterinary diagnosis, prescription, or medical treatment.

3.4 Vet Physio Ireland reserves the right to refuse or discontinue treatment if:

Veterinary consent is withdrawn
The animal’s condition changes
Treatment is deemed inappropriate
Safety concerns arise

4. Client Assessment and Treatment

4.1 Initial Assessment

A comprehensive initial assessment will be conducted to establish the animal’s current condition and determine the most appropriate physiotherapy approach.

4.2 Treatment Plan

Following assessment, a tailored treatment plan will be created and discussed with the client and, where relevant, the referring veterinarian.

Treatment will proceed only once veterinary consent and client agreement have been received.

4.3 Client Consent

Written consent from the client is required prior to treatment.

Clients will be informed of:

Proposed interventions
Potential risks
Expected benefits
Likely treatment progression

No guarantee of specific outcomes can be provided, as response to treatment varies between individuals.

5. Communication and Professional Collaboration

5.1 Where clinically appropriate, progress updates may be provided to the referring veterinary surgeon.

5.2 Collaboration with veterinary surgeons and other animal health professionals is prioritised to ensure the best possible outcomes for each animal.

6. Medical Disclaimer

Physiotherapy treatment is provided under veterinary referral and does not replace veterinary diagnosis or ongoing veterinary care.

Advice provided during consultations is specific to the individual animal assessed.

7. Fees and Payment

7.1 Fee Structure

Fees for physiotherapy services will be clearly communicated prior to treatment commencing.

7.2 Payment Responsibility

The client is responsible for all treatment fees unless a prior written agreement exists between the veterinary practice and the client.

Payment is due at the time of treatment unless otherwise agreed.

8. Cancellation Policy

Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Appointments cancelled on the day of the appointment will incur the full appointment fee.
Failure to attend an appointment without notice will be charged at the full rate.
Cancellation fees may be waived in exceptional unavoidable circumstances, at the discretion of Vet Physio Ireland.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Treatment is delivered with reasonable professional skill and care in accordance with ACPAT standards.

9.2 Vet Physio Ireland shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from:

Failure to follow prescribed home exercise or management advice
Undisclosed medical history
Pre-existing or underlying conditions

9.3 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where it cannot legally be excluded.

10. Confidentiality and Data Protection

10.1 Confidential Information: All client, animal, and veterinary information will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without appropriate consent.

10.2 Data Protection: We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 when handling client data. Details of how personal data is managed are set out in our Privacy Notice.

11. Termination of Treatment

11.1 Either party may terminate the referral at any time by providing written notice.

11.2 Upon termination, a summary of treatment and recommendations for ongoing care may be provided.

Outstanding fees remain payable.

12. Amendments

Vet Physio Ireland reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions. The most current version will be provided to clients upon request.

13. Acceptance

By booking an appointment or proceeding with treatment, the client confirms that they:

Have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
Agree to the cancellation policy
Provide informed consent for physiotherapy treatment

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Section 19). Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the professional guidance and jurisdiction of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT).