THE LEGAL ASPECT

The treatment of animals in the UK is controlled by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
This Acts main aim is to prevent lay persons from practising veterinary surgery which is defined as:
a) The diagnosis of diseases in, and injuries to, animals including tests performed on animals for diagnostic purposes;
b) The giving of advice based upon such a diagnosis;
c) The medical or surgical treatment of animals;
d) The performance of surgical operations upon animals.

Massage is covered under the Exemption Order 1962 as a manipulative therapy. We abide by a, b, c, & d and always work with veterinary approval, only address minor ailments or behavioral problems, DO NOT diagnose and treat.

The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology (Complementary and Alternative Medicine November 2000) defined Massage and Aromatherapy as complementary because they do not purport to embrace diagnostic skills.
By embarking upon its courses ICAT requires all its members to respect the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemption Order 1962 by never working upon an animal without gaining prior veterinary approval.

The veterinary permission form is also required to cover Insurance.
All  clients must have veterinary approval before treatment can commence. 

It is illegal for any therapist to work on your horse without prior veterinary approval.

This document will cover future treatments.
Please download or e mail the veterinary form on this page and ask your vet to sign the form alternatively you can contact your vet and get verbal agreement. 

Vet Permission form 2017