Training in animal physiotherapy can take different lengths of time depending on the training provider. The course in dog therapy listed here lasts five semesters, i.e. two and a half years.

The continuing education, further training in animal physiotherapy with an internal diploma includes basic training in veterinary medicine with anatomy, pathology and physiology and a total of 189 hours. In addition, there is physiotherapy training with topics such as behavioural science, classical massage, behavioural psychology, physiotherapy, methods of examination, deep oscillation, energetic therapy, lymph drainage, ultrasound therapy, surgical procedures, communication, practice organization, hydrotherapy and many more. For detailed information about the training, please contact the school directly using our contact form and we will send you all the training documents simply and without obligation.

Depending on the school or training institute, different requirements are placed on participants in animal physiotherapy training. Completed vocational training and a good physical condition are often basic requirements, as is safe handling of the animal or animals in question and an interest in veterinary and physiotherapy topics.

A degree in veterinary medicine, a doctor with additional training in manual medicine or a degree in human physiotherapy are considered mandatory for admission to the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) in animal physiotherapy with a federal diploma. Three years of professional experience and four independently prepared protocols of examination and treatment according to SVTPT guidelines (2 of the dog, 2 of the horse) are also required before the AFPE in animal physiotherapy.

The animal physiotherapy training is very comprehensive and concludes with a diploma thesis, a presentation and defense of this as well as a practical examination. The course prepares students in detail for the examination and covers all the important content. The topics are Behavior (behavior and handling of dogs and horses); anatomy (orientation of the animal, skeleton, musculature, lymphatic system, nervous system); physiology (muscle contraction, nerve conduction, pain sensation); neurology (segmental innervation, neurostatus), biomechanics (gaits, exterior, range of motion back, lateral gaits, hoof, teeth, loading for different purposes); Pathology (physiotherapy-relevant clinical pictures of the extremities and back); findings (anamnesis, inspection, palpation, joint mobility, clinical reasoning, functional problem analysis, neurodynamics); clinical principles (passive movement); Treatment techniques (classical massage, manual techniques, treatment options using equipment); saddle science (saddle construction, saddle fit, influence on mobility); riding, lunging, possible uses (training scale, correct posture under the rider, correct lunging, possible uses for horse and dog); Active therapies and rehabilitation (aids, off-road use, rehabilitation program, PNF / functional muscle chains); Management (quality management, financial management, personnel management); Leadership and self-employment (self-employment, marketing, communication, interdisciplinary cooperation, insurance issues).