NOW OPEN FOR NEW APPLICATIONS
Membership Application
The IRVAP membership year runs from 31st March 2026 to the 30th March 2027 and this professional membership has an annual renewal window for all current members. Outside this window applications are considered as new and must meet current membership criteria, set for each respective category.
From the 1st April 2026 The Institute of Registered Animal and Veterinary Physiotherapists (IRVAP) will operate as a Company Limited by Guarantee for the mutual benefit of its members.
We are a not-for-profit Limited Company to be registered as IRVAP Ltd.
A Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) is a type of organisation commonly used for charities, clubs, professional bodies and non-profits. Instead of shareholders, it has Guarantor Members.
All members of IRVAP are Guarantor Members.
On joining IRVAP, you will be asked to consent to becoming a Guarantor Member, by signing the Statement of Guarantee.
By accepting the Statement of Guarantee, you will be:
- Opting to become a Member of the Company Limited by Guarantee known as IRVAP Ltd, and having your name added to the register of members filed at Companies House.
- Accepting the legal liability of a maximum of £1 as a guarantor of the Company.
Statement of Guarantee:
As stated within our Articles of Association, the liability of each Member is limited to £1, being the amount that each Member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Company in the event of its being wound up while they are a Member or within one year after they cease to be a Member.
During your membership application, you will have access to the Articles of Association, our Member Terms, Conditions and Member Code of Conduct, our Privacy Notice and the Statement of Guarantee.
You will be asked to accept the Terms and Conditions and Member Code of Conduct, our Privacy Notice, and the Articles of Association.
At the end of your membership application, you will be asked to click “I Agree”, you confirm that you have read and understood the Statement of Guarantee and agree to be legally bound by it.
If you have any questions, please contact membership@irvap.org.uk
Please read review our pre-application advice to ensure a smooth application process. IRVAP have secured an outstanding professional liability policy for just £100 which is available during the application process.
Primary memberships
Veterinary physiotherapist member: MIRVAP (VP)
£100
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)
£100
Holder of a regulated animal therapy qualification at level 4 – 6.
Evidenced by a regulated 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 its specific requirements and accreditation process.
Institute of canine hydrotherapists: MIRVAP (ICH)
£100
Holder of a regulated qualification: Level 3 certificate in canine hydrotherapy, as a minimum. The ICH has members with qualification levels ranging from L3 to L7. *Please note entry requirements change 15th December 2025 to a minimum Level 4 recognised qualification. Those who join prior to 15th December will be assisted via our Grandfathering Process.
Evidence required & verified – 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)
£100
Each application is looked at on an individual basis and you need to submit your equine CPD record and CV, evidencing your equine experience, education level, suitable professional courses, equine hydrotherapy experience and insurance cover (you are entitled to access our Group Insurance plan). Additional evidence includes equine first aid (must be a Level 3 or above regulated course) and a water management course or training.
*Please note entry requirements change 15th December 2025 to a minimum Level 4 recognised qualification. Those who join prior to 15th December will be assisted via our Grandfathering Process.
Free memberships
Student member
Learner on a relevant accredited course, providing evidence of course place.
Non-practising member
Maternity leave, illness, injury, or sabbatical, with approapriate run off insurance.
Council Appointed Memberships
Research Member (RES)
Professional research specialist operating in the interests of the development of the profession.
Hon Fellow / Fellow
Council appointed for outstanding service as part of IRVAP and the animal care industry.