The Haslemere Pet Company

Setting out to find a good Complementary Animal Therapist is a bit like taking a stab in the dark.  In as much as the UK government is trying to regulate Human Complementary Therapists (see http://www.cnhc.org.uk for more info), little or no government regulations exist that recognise the qualifications for those of us who work with animals.  There are many associations that claim to represent and monitor therapists, but if you scratch the surface, you may find that membership simply entails buying the “right” to have some letters after your name.  This is not to say that all Complementary Animal Therapists are unqualified, nor does it mean that all associations are meaningless, but it does pay to have your wits about you when looking for one.  

Once you’ve decided on a course of Complementary Therapy, ALWAYS discuss it with your Vet before you go as the law states that only a Veterinary Surgeon is allowed to perform or administer the following Complementary treatments on your pet:  Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicines, Flower Essences (including Bach Flowers) and Schuessler Tissue Salts. 

There are exceptions under The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order 1962 which:

 “Allows for the treatment of animals by physiotherapist, provided that the animal has first been seen by a veterinary surgeon who has diagnosed the condition and decided that it should be treated by physiotherapy under his/her direction.

 'Physiotherapy' is interpreted as including all kinds of manipulative therapy. It therefore includes osteopathy and chiropractic but would not, for example, include acupuncture or aromatherapy”[1]

Once your Vet has approved the treatment, he or she will more than likely furnish you with a list of Therapists which they have used before.  If your Vet does not have any suggestions, but is still willing to approve the treatment, it’s a good idea to ask your chosen Therapist the following questions before you proceed.

1. What are your qualifications in this area?  Courses and qualifications in Complementary Therapy can vary widely, ranging from two day workshops to fully accredited Diploma courses. There is also a big difference between personal interest and practitioner level, so jot down the name of the course as well as the school and then look it up on the Internet.  If you don’t like the nature of the course, or doubt if it fully qualifies the Therapist to help you with your pet’s problem, look elsewhere.  Also, it goes without saying that you should run a mile from a Therapist who refuses, or is unable to provide you with this information.
2. How long have you been practicing?  In many areas of Complementary Therapy experience combined with education is king, so the longer the better.  However, many Therapists who are just coming into the field often “buddy” with someone who is already established so don’t be put off by a newbie as long as they have a proven support network.
3. What experience do you have with treating this problem and do you have any references? Be wary of Therapists with an “I’ll have a go” attitude.  Ask if you can contact former clients who have had treatment for the same problem.  Most Therapists will be only too happy to furnish you with a list of references.
4. How many sessions will my pet need and how soon should I see an improvement? Bear in mind that response rates will vary according to age, breed, and the problem being treated, but a good Therapist should be able to give you a ball park figure or at the very least give you an idea of the industry standard once they have completed their initial assessment. They should also let you know what they plan do if your pet shows no sign of improvement, or takes a turn for the worse.
5. How much will treatment cost? Is this treatment covered under Pet Insurance? Costs per session should be laid out very clearly from the start of therapy.  Initial consultations often cost more as the Therapist will have to take a full history of the pet as well as perform an initial assessment.  Subsequent sessions tend to cost less, with some Therapists offering discounts for long term care. There may also be some additional costs should you require a written report, or if the Therapist has to travel long distances to see your pet. Some pet insurance companies are starting to cover Complementary Therapy, but it’s best to check with your service provider.
6. Are you insured?  All professional Complementary Therapists carry insurance (either personal or are covered under a group scheme if they work out of a clinic/centre) should anything go wrong during or after treatment. Beware of those who do not.
7. Do you provide written reports that I can show my Vet? Again, all professional Complementary Therapists will provide full vet reports upon request although there may be an additional charge (See Q.  5).  In fact, many will insist that you sign a disclaimer saying that you have made your vet aware that you are pursuing this course of Complementary Therapy.
8. What do you think is wrong with my pet? Is the vet right in his diagnoses?  This is a bit of curve ball question I know, but it’s a very important one as it will help you separate the wheat from the chaff.  NO Complementary Therapist will EVER diagnose a medical problem as by law (The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966) only a Vet can do this for your pet. Complementary Therapists are there to do just that – provide a therapy that complements an already diagnosed medical condition and clinical treatment plan.