Manage an animal therapy centre

This standard is about the management of an animal therapy centre. This will include developing and implementing policies and procedures and checking compliance with the current animal health and welfare legislation.

The current Veterinary Surgeons Act limits the activities that may be carried out by those who are not qualified veterinary surgeons. All activities should be carried out within the constraints of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act and the current Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order.

Users of the standard will need to confirm that their practice uses scientifically robust data, humane standards and policies, and that they work within the limits of their authority, expertise, training, competence and experience.

This standard is suitable for those working in the animal care sector with responsibility for the management of an animal therapy centre.

1. work in accordance with the current Veterinary Surgeons Act, the current Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. work professionally and ethically and within the requirements of the relevant professional organisation
3. comply with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice
4. develop and implement policies for the handling of animals when managing an animal therapy centre
5. develop and implement a plan for the provision of animal therapy with clearly defined aims and policies
6. develop, apply and monitor the hygiene and biosecurity policies for the therapy centre to minimise the risk of infection to animals and humans
7. implement and manage a record system in accordance with the relevant legal requirements
8. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy
9. confirm that the required resources, including staffing are available
10. check that all those involved in the provision of animal therapy have the skills and knowledge required to carry out the activities safely
11. manage facilities, supplies, equipment and any other resources required for the physical therapy of animals
12. develop and implement policies for the checking, servicing, maintenance and disposal of equipment and resources
13. confirm that risks to the health and safety of personnel or animals are identified and minimised
14. outline contingency plans for dealing with problems that might arise e.g. health issues, emergencies, animal escapes or equipment failure
15. maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, clients, veterinary surgeons and other animal health and welfare professionals

1. the requirements of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act and the current Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order in relation to your role and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. your professional responsibilities and the importance of Continuing Professional Development to maintain professional competence
3. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
4. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice
5. the importance of site hygiene and biosecurity when managing an animal therapy centre and how to produce procedures and protocols
6. the importance of maintaining client and patient confidentiality and the requirements of current data protection legislation
7. how to develop and manage a plan for the provision of animal therapy with clearly defined aims and policies
8. how to implement and manage a record system in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and organisational policy
9. the resources required, including staff, to provide physical therapy for animals within an animal therapy centre
10. how to assess and minimise risks to personnel or other animals
11. the requirements for the facilities, supplies, equipment and resources used for various animal rehabilitation treatments
12. where to obtain professional advice and guidance
13. the role of professional bodies and associations allied to animal therapy
14. the role and importance of communication with other animal-related professionals and paraprofessionals
15. your legal and professional liability when working as an animal health and welfare para-professional, and the importance of insurance cover
16. the records and reports that need to be kept in relation to managing an animal therapy centre and the importance of completing them in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy

Aims and policies covering:

1. the range of therapy services provided and how the plan may vary by the service and requirements of individual animals and their owners
2. species included
3. the health and welfare needs of the animal are assessed and addressed
4. access and handling by people
5. interaction with other animals
6. safety and security requirements
7. emergency arrangements
8. access to and provision of veterinary attention
9. legislation and licensing requirements
10. appropriate insurances and liabilities
11. any special requirements or restrictions

Current animal welfare legislation:

• Veterinary Surgeons Act
• The Veterinary Surgery (Exemptions) Order
• England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
• Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
• Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)

Equipment and resources could include:

• water quality and levels
• use, storage and disposal of chemicals
• disposal of waste
• treadmills and exercise equipment
• electrotherapy equipment
• restraining and control equipment e.g. headcollars, collars, leads