Non-Profit
The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists
WHO WE ARE
Our Members
Our full veterinary physiotherapy members use the post nominals MIRVAP (VP). Other category and subgroup members use specific post nominals, as indicated at the bottom of this page. Members with multiple qualifications have the respective bracketed post nominals to clarify their status.
Our membership community includes; veterinary surgeons, veterinary physiotherapists, animal musculoskeletal practitioners, veterinary nurses, canine hydrotherapists, animal massage therapists and TTouch practitioners who are holders of animal therapy qualifications.
High standards in professionalism and clinical proficiency are assured through our accredited registration process, guided by our specific category and sub group admissions policy. All our members are fully insured and work within the UK legislation requiring a veterinary referral to commence treatment.
What we do
Our Ethics & Values

ANIMAL SAFETY

Animal Welfare

INCLUSIVITY

RESEARCH & SCIENCE
What Drives Us
Our Mission
IRVAP is a caring community of qualified professionals working in animal therapy and celebrates its diversity, animal focused ethics and inclusive opportunities.
We aim to raise standards of practice and provide informed representation for our valued members. We believe in sharing our dynamic information and resource hub with all those who work with, care for and own animals.
What we OFFER
Member Benefits
Representation at local, regional and national level
Listing on Find a Therapist area of our website
Access to learning and professional resources
Access to a group insurance plan
Members Area for updates, free CPD and discounts
IRVAP Conference with high profile industry speakers
Recognition by major insurance companies
Research collaborations
Office hours and conversations with Chair
Access to online journals
Mentor and support programme
Discount for IRVAP approved courses
Regular email updates
Use of branded merchandise
Get Involved
Upcoming Events
2022 IRVAP AGM
STAY UP TO DATE
Resources
APPROVED COURSES
IRVAP’s comprehensive service to approve animal courses and CPD, raises standards and provides the very best quality assurance.
Our course approval board works closely with the IRVAP Council to support the needs of all animal therapists. The IRVAP Resource Hub offers inclusive information for animal owners, members of the public and professional colleagues.
IRVAP’s robust quality assurance safeguards standards and we actively support our members practice and advancement.
friendly faces
Meet the IRVAP Council

Barbara Houlding, IRVAP + ICH Chair
GradDipPhys, MScVetPhys, MCSP, FIRVAP(VP)(ICH), MRAMP
I aim to bring choices of accessible and approved CPD options for busy therapists in practice. Developing our friendly Open Office Hours scheme is about building a diverse membership community that are connected and supported.

sarah ward, Membership Secretary
PgCertSART, L3CertHydroSA, RVN, MBVNA, MIRVAP(VP)(ICH)
In a rapidly evolving industry I believe it's important for qualified therapists to have support and mentoring to advance their practice. I aim to offer effective communications and efficient systems of practice to optimise their membership experience for our current and new members.

Deborah Winchester, VICE Chair, Treasurer & IEH moderator
I enjoy supporting all our members at events and conferences. Let me know if you wish to use our PR banners and stand and we can support you and your business.

Michelle luck, Communication & PR Officer
I look forward to delivering regular broadcasts to the membership to advise on the workings of the IRVAP Council, important industry events, announcements and interesting CPD opportunities.

Grainne Ni Chaba-Byrne, IEH CHAIR, Marketing & social media
I aim to actively promote IRVAP members by highlighting their profile and using marketing and digital media, alongside my role as IEH Chair.

Avril Coleman, Mentor Officer
I strive to support and encourage new and existing members and offer guidance to assist in their professional and personal development within the industry sector.

Ellie Cooke, council officer
BSc, AdvCertVPhys, L3CertCanHydro, MIRVAP(VP)(ICH)
I aim to build and strengthen networks across the membership and offer support and communications to all our members.
Co-opted members
Co-opted members assist and work closely with the IRVAP Council.
WAYS TO JOIN
Membership Categories

Full veterinary physiotherapist member: MIRVAP (VP)
Veterinary physiotherapist: Holder of an accredited university qualification at level 6 – 7.
Evidenced by qualification certificate, course transcripts, CV, CPD record and insurance certification if not accessing the IRVAP group insurance scheme. Free second listing in another IRVAP category / sub group with appropriate evidence to meet it’s specific requirements and accreditation process.

Manual Therapist member: MIRVAP (MT)
Evidence by qualification certificate, course transcripts, CV, CPD record and insurance certification if not accessing the IRVAP group insurance scheme. Free second listing in another IRVAP category / sub group with appropriate evidence to meet it’s specific requirements and accreditation process.

Institute of canine hydrotherapists: MIRVAP (ICH)
Evidence required includes qualification certificate, course transcripts, CV, CPD record, first aid certificate, water management requirements and insurance certification if not accessing the IRVAP group insurance scheme.

Institute of Equine hydrotherapists: MIRVAP (IEH)

Student member

Non Practising member

Hon Fellow / Fellow
Get Involved
Join our friendly community of professionals with a shared vision of delivering best practice and supporting each other along their animal therapy career journey.
CONTACT
ICH enquiries irvapchair@irvap.org.uk
IEH enquiries: webmaster@irvap.org.uk
Membership enquiries: membership@irvap.org.uk