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.
NOW OPEN FOR NEW APPLICATIONS
Who we are
Our Members
Many of our members hold multi professional qualifications and offer an integrated service to the animals in their care, leading to improved lives for animals and owners. IRVAP’s diversity is our community strength, represented by our different membership categories and sub groups.
Our veterinary physiotherapy members use the post nominals MIRVAP (VP). Other categories use specific post nominals, as listed at the bottom of the page. Members who hold 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, equine and canine hydrotherapists, animal massage therapists and TTouch practitioners who hold 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.
What we do
Our Ethics and Values
Animal Safety
Promote safe and effective practice in animal therapy, linking underpinning scientific knowledge to current clinical practice, leading to improved lives for animals and owners.
Inclusivity
Provide an inclusive accreditation service in addition to supporting professional development. Qualifications and training are a career journey, not a destination.
Animal Welfare
Support animal health care and welfare initiatives and provide clear and useful information for animal owners, veterinary surgeons, professional colleagues and the public.
Research & Science
Facilitate research collaborations and scientific based approaches in all aspects of animal therapy and health care, across the field of professionals working in animal therapy.
What drives us
Our Mission
IRVAP is a caring, interactive community of qualified professionals working in animal therapy. We celebrate our diversity, animal focused ethics and inclusive opportunities.
We aim to raise standards of practice and provide informed representation for our members and information and resources for all those who work with animals.
What we offer
Member benefits
All of our registered members are entitled to these benefits:
- Representation at local, regional and national level
- Listing on Find a Therapist on this public website
- Access to our IRVAP group insurance plan
- Access to our exclusive member's only website
- IRVAP conferences, events and CPD
- Recognition by major insurance companies
- Open office hours with IRVAP Chair and Council
- Members mentor and support programme
- Regular email updates
- Use of branded merchandise
Friendly faces
Meet the IRVAP Council
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!
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
Council Officers
Lisa Bartley, ICH and IEH Chair and Student Support
DipVPR, DipESM, MIRVAP(VP)
I believe it's important for qualified therapists to have ongoing support to advance their practice and clinical skills.
Susanne Pender, Insurance Coordinator
L3CertHydroSA, BSc(Hons)Phys, PgCertSART, MCSP, FIRVAP(VP)(ICH)
My experiences as a past IRVAP Chair supports my role to verify insurance policies and organise the Group Insurance Scheme.
Wendy Vaughan, Education and Endorsements
IRVAP, RAMP, AHPR, PgCert Vet Ed, FHEA
My role is to support the IRVAP Council with all matters relating to education and accreditation, bringing my combined experience across business, therapy and education to hep develop clear standards, processes and procedures to support IRVAPs strategy
Miranda Cosstick, Social Media and Marketing
MScVetPhys, PgDipVetPhys, Cert.ClinEd, BA, L4DipSAHydro, MIRVAP(VP)(ICH)
I promote the work of IRVAP and its members throughout the industry, to highlight best practices and our expanding member benefits and opportunities.
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.
Jess Moreton, CPD Coordinator
DipVPhys, RVN, CertEd, MRAMP, MIRVAP (VP)(ICH)
IEH Board
Lisa Bartley, IEH Chair
DipVPR, DipESM, MIRVAP(VP)
I believe it's important for qualified therapists to have ongoing support to advance their practice and clinical skills.
Grace Nattrass, Board Member
AdvCertVPhys, CertClinEd, PGCert, FHEA, MIRVAP(VP)(IEH) RAMP
With experience in clinical practice and education, I aim to develop training for both our membership and the industry that raises standards of practice and enhances animal welfare.
Hannah Simpson, Board Member
MSc, BSc (Hons), RAMP, MIRVAP (VP)
With a passion for equine hydrotherapy and continued learning, I hope to facilitate the development of new resources for our members.
Co-opted Officers
Liene Viedemane; Membership Coordinator
BSc (Hons) Equine Science, Dip ESM, PGDip (Vet Phys)
My responsibilities include helping with communications, renewals and all things membership
Kate Nichols; CPD Auditor and Advisor
"as a qualified auditor, I will be taking a lead in managing the process and supporting our members through the annual CPD audit"
Elaine Tragett; Membership Systems Project
"My role is to support IRVAP in ensuring the Membership systems run smoohtly and ensure the best function for members"
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.