The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians’
Model Standards for Practice of Veterinary RehabilitationUpdated May 2026
This document is intended to serve as a model set of guiding principles for the ideal practice of veterinary rehabilitation. The Board of Directors of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) developed this model. Its publication is in accordance with the goals and mission statement of the AARV.
Definitions
For the purpose of these model standards of practice, the following terms have the respective meanings:
- “Scope of practice” - The actions an individual is authorized to perform under their professional license or credential in accordance with their education, training, clinical experience, competence, and applicable state laws and regulations.
- “Rehabilitation team” - The group of medical professionals caring for an animal, which may include one or multiple of the following: a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) and/or any of the following rehabilitation certified professionals: veterinarian, physical therapist, veterinary technician, physical therapist assistant, or veterinary assistant. All members of the rehabilitation team must practice in accordance with the laws and regulations of the state in which services are provided, and within their respective professional scopes of practice, education, training, and demonstrated competence. Support personnel may also be members of the rehabilitation team and assist in the delivery of rehabilitation services under appropriate supervision and delegation, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
- “Rehabilitation provider” - A rehabilitation team member who is licensed or otherwise authorized under applicable state law to perform rehabilitation evaluation, develop and implement a plan of care, and progress rehabilitation interventions within their professional scope of practice.
- “Patient” - An animal that is examined or treated within the context of veterinary care and rehabilitation services by a member of the rehabilitation team. Care is provided in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations, within each provider’s scope of practice, and, where required, under a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and veterinary referral or medical clearance.
- “Client” - The individual or entity that has entered into an agreement with the rehabilitation provider for the purposes of obtaining services for the patient.
- “Supervising veterinarian” - A licensed veterinarian that has established a valid VCPR and is responsible for medical oversight of a patient, which may include a diplomate of the ACVSMR, a veterinarian with rehabilitation certification, or a referring or primary care veterinarian.
- "Practice of veterinary rehabilitation” - The implementation of rehabilitative care and therapeutic interventions for animals, with medical oversight by a supervising veterinarian, to address functional limitations and impairments, and relieve pain, restore function, maintain or improve condition, prevent injury, and enhance quality of life.
- “General supervision” - The supervising veterinarian has established a valid VCPR, has provided oversight including medical diagnosis and clearance for rehabilitation, and is available for consultation as needed, but is not required to be physically present at the location where services are delivered, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
- “Indirect supervision” - The supervising veterinarian is not physically present but is readily available for timely consultation and direction by telecommunication or other means, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
- "Direct supervision" - The supervising veterinarian is readily available on the premises or immediately accessible for in-person consultation and intervention, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.
- “Collaborative care models” - Referral-based, integrated, and specialist-led care models in which rehabilitation services are delivered among participating rehabilitation providers and rehabilitation team members, with appropriate medical oversight by a supervising veterinarian, and supported by effective communication and documentation.
Model Standards of Practice for Veterinary Rehabilitation
- Patient care shall be provided under the medical oversight of a supervising veterinarian.
- Veterinary rehabilitation may be delivered within a collaborative care model by rehabilitation team members practicing within their respective scopes of practice.
- Veterinary rehabilitation shall be delivered under the appropriate level of supervision. Supervision level shall be determined by the supervising veterinarian based on medical status and acuity of the patient.
- The patient’s response to rehabilitation shall be regularly monitored at every visit by all members of the rehabilitation team. If the patient is not performing or progressing as expected, the rehabilitation provider shall reassess the patient and modify the plan of care, as indicated.
- The patient’s pain level shall be regularly monitored at every visit by all members of the rehabilitation team.
- The rehabilitation team shall provide ongoing communication with the supervising veterinarian.
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- A summary of the initial evaluation and relevant updates to the plan of care shall be communicated in a timely manner.
- All evaluations, communications, and changes in the treatment plan must be documented in the patient record.
- Veterinary medical evaluation shall be pursued if a new or concurrent condition is identified during the initial evaluation or course of rehabilitation. Referral to the supervising veterinarian, primary care veterinarian, or appropriate veterinary specialist shall be made when further medical evaluation or treatment is indicated.
Rehabilitation evaluation
- Following veterinary medical diagnosis and referral or medical clearance, a rehabilitation provider shall perform a comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation and develop a rehabilitation plan based on the findings.
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- This rehabilitation evaluation, resulting in a rehabilitation assessment, identifies the primary problems to be addressed through rehabilitation.
- These findings are distinct from a veterinary medical diagnosis and do not replace or modify the medical diagnosis.
- Factors to consider in a rehabilitation evaluation:
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- Medical diagnoses
- Patient history
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- Previous diagnostics and treatments
- Current diet, supplements, and medications
- Behavior
- Activity level
- Home environment
- Client goals and expectations
- Pain assessment
- Observation and/or analysis of movement and function
Rehabilitation plan
- The rehabilitation provider is responsible for developing, implementing, and progressing the individualized rehabilitation plan based on evaluation findings and the patient’s response to treatment.
- The rehabilitation provider shall include recommendations regarding rehabilitation-specific precautions, contraindications, and progression.
- Once the rehabilitation provider has created the rehabilitation plan, implementation of the plan may involve any member of the rehabilitation team.
- Rehabilitation providers shall regularly address patient pain throughout the course of care using non-pharmacologic strategies. Pharmacological pain management shall be coordinated with the supervising veterinarian.
Client Education
Client education is essential to achieving favorable clinical outcomes. When communicating with clients, the following topics shall be considered:
- Rehabilitation evaluation findings
- Recommended rehabilitation plan
- Home care instructions
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- Activity restrictions/modifications
- Environmental modifications
- Home exercise program
Continuing Education
- The AARV acknowledges the continual growth and development within the field of veterinary rehabilitation and recommends that every rehabilitation team member pursue continuing education relevant to their role on the rehabilitation practice. Continuing education must remain consistent with each provider’s professional licensure requirements and applicable state laws and regulations.
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