As an Alternative Animal Therapist, you will need to master following:

• advise on animal welfare
• anatomy of animals
• animal behaviour
• apply animal hygiene practices
• apply safe work practices in a veterinary setting
• assess the animal’s rehabilitation requirements
• biosecurity related to animals
• control animal movement
• environmental enrichment for animals
• manage animal biosecurity
• physiology of animals
• plan physical rehabilitation of animals
• prepare animal therapy equipment
• protect health and safety when handling animals
• signs of animal illness
• treat animals ethically

More generally, an alternative animal therapist is also versed in:

• animal welfare
• animal welfare legislation
• deal with challenging people
• handle veterinary emergencies
• manage personal professional development
• monitor the welfare of animals

It also helps to know the following:

• advise on long-term care for animals
• animal production science
• assess animal behaviour
• assess animal nutrition
• assess animal's condition
• collaborate with animal related professionals
• cope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sector
• design plans to address undesirable behaviour in animals
• develop an animal handling strategy
• maintain veterinary clinical records
• make decisions regarding the animal's welfare
• manage animal welfare
• perform massage techniques on animals
• prescribe physical therapy to animals
• provide osteopathic treatment to animals
• provide support to veterinary clients
• safe work practices in a veterinary setting
• safely interact with animals
• understand the animal's situation
• use animal chiropractic techniques
• use physiotherapy for treatment of animals
• veterinary terminology
• communicate with customers
• use different communication channels