Non-profit

The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists

IRVAP is a dynamic community of qualified professionals working in animal therapy. Our shared belief is every animal deserves the best available treatment and that their owners are fully supported and informed.

Become a member Find a Therapist

Who we are

Our Members

IRVAP’s diversity and inclusivity is what sets us apart from other professional associations. Our members include a wide range of qualified professionals, from veterinary surgeons, physiotherapists, hydrotherapists and massage therapists, who often hold multi-professional qualifications to offer integrated care that improves the lives of animals and their owners.

We ensure high standards of professionalism and clinical proficiency through our robust registration and admissions process. All IRVAP members are fully insured, work strictly within relevant legislation, and use specific post-nominals (such as MIRVAP (VP)) to clearly display their verified status and areas of expertise.

What drives us

Our Aims

To be a member-centred association for qualified professionals working in the animal neuro-musculoskeletal therapy sector.
To provide a fun, friendly, approachable and supportive community for our members throughout their careers.
To advance animal welfare through the promotion of safe and effective practice of evidence-based animal therapies.
To raise standards of practice and contribute to the development of the industry.
To advocate for our members and represent them to the public, within the industry, and with wider stakeholder groups.
To undertake such other activities as are conducive to the achievement of the above objects.

Membership

At IRVAP, we are proud to be a cohesive and collaborative interdisciplinary team, bringing together professionals from across our diverse disciplines and areas of expertise. While each discipline has its own knowledge, skills and professional identity, we are united by a shared commitment to high standards, professional excellence and the welfare of the animals in our care. By working together, sharing knowledge and learning from one another, we strengthen our professions and ensure that different perspectives contribute to a more holistic approach. We are proud to be an interdisciplinary community where collaboration, mutual respect and a shared purpose are at the heart of everything we do.

What we offer

Member benefits

We aim to make IRVAP a professional association with a difference – friendly, welcoming, supportive and, importantly, fun! We believe that professionalism and enjoyment can go hand in hand, creating a community where members feel valued, connected and able to be themselves. Whether through networking, events, learning opportunities, mentoring or simply sharing experiences, we want IRVAP to be a place where people can build relationships, support one another and celebrate the fantastic work being done across our professions. We are proud to be an association that truly delivers for our members, and where everyone has a voice.

All of our registered members are entitled to these benefits:

Listing on Find a Therapist on this public website
Access to our IRVAP group insurance plan
Access to our IRVAP Personal Accident Insurance
Access to ongoing conferences, events and networking
Exclusive member access to great value CPD
Access to our Mentoring & Support programme
Access to our members-only resources, including many business and practical guides and templates
Recognition by many major insurance companies
Representation at local, regional and national level
Regular communication, briefings and updates
Use of the IRVAP logo and post-nominals
Access to branded merchandise through our “shop”
Student support and access to our Placement Provider Listing
Member discounts and special offers

Join us

Friendly faces

Meet the IRVAP Council

Council Officers (Directors)

Wendy Vaughan, IRVAP Chair

IRVAP(VP), RAMP, AHPR, BSc(Hons), MA, DipAnimalPhys, DipAnimalManipulation, PgCert, PgCert VetEd, FHEA

With an extensive background in the corporate world, education and the MSK industry, Wendy is elected to lead the Council, set the strategy, and ensure the smooth running of IRVAP..

Tracey Body, IRVAP Secretary

Tracey has experience in book-keeping and admin, making her our office whizz!

Alison Udall; IRVAP Treasurer

Susanne Pender, Insurance Coordinator

L3CertHydroSA, BSc(Hons) Phys, PgCertSART, MCSP, FIRVAP(VP) (ICH)

Miranda Cosstick, Communications Officer

MVetPhys MIRVAP(VP)(ICH) MRAMP

Lisa Bartley, Hydrotherapy Working Group

DipVPR, DipESM MIRVAP(VP)

Laura Hackett, Therapist Champion

MScVetPhys, PgDipVetPhys, Cert.ClinEd, BA, MIRVAP(VP)(ICH)

I aim to help our VP & MT categories and support the membership as a whole

Grace Nattrass, Membership Services Officer

AdvCertVPhys, CertClinEd, PGCert, FHEA, MIRVAP(VP) (IEH) RAMP

Liene Viedemane; Membership Coordinator

BSc (Hons) Equine Science, Dip ESM, PGDip (Vet Phys)

Co-opted Officers

Tessa lewis, Mentoring and Support

PgCertSART, L3CertHydroSA, MIRVAP(VP)(ICH)

As the owner of a large canine rehab centre, my role is to support members through our mentoring scheme and the ICH with it's expansion.

Elaine Tragett; Membership Systems

Kate Nichols; CPD Auditor and Advisor

Vicki Potts; Conference Coordinator

Zoe Taylor; Policy & Procedure

Abi Borrill; Education

Affiliate Members

Nicholas Matthews

Account Director at Towergate Insurance, one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the UK. I'm dedicated to customer excellence and have a knack for explaining complex matters in plain English.