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Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy

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Ofqual code 610/4655/3
Qualification Level 3
Award Type Certificate - Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment. All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
Guided Learning Hours 233
Study mode Online and 4 Day Practicals
Practical Placement (Mandatory) This course includes 4 days of practical training. Placement dates can be chosen to suit the learner once the threshold has been met.
Start Date Anytime
Enrolment will be valid for You have 24 months to complete your course.
Entry Criteria Learners must be age 16+ to enrol.
Assessment Method You will be assessed via a combination of video and photo submissions, your supervisor will also need to provide witness testimonies.
Awarding Organisation .
Post Completion .
This course meets the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) membership requirements.

Unit 1

1. Introduction to small animal hydrotherapy

This unit provides an introduction to Hydrotherapy. It looks at the properties of water and familiarises the learner with the types of equipment used in hydrotherapy before concluding with the intended outcomes of hydrotherapy along with the legal requirements.

Unit 2

2. Animal Behaviour

This unit looks specifically at small animal behaviour in the context of hydrotherapy. Gain insight into body language in small animals and the correct methods for safe handling.

Unit 3

3. Assessing suitability of animals for hydrotherapy

Understand the importance of the veterinary referral process and discover how to perform a small animal health check. Find out about the members of the Multidisciplinary team (MDT) and understand how to assess the suitability of patients for hydrotherapy.

Unit 4

4. Conditions presented for hydrotherapy

Understand how hydrotherapy improves the condition and fitness of small animals and explore common orthopaedic, medical and neurological conditions.

Unit 5

5. Water maintenance, balance and testing

Understand the importance of key aspects of maintenance in a hydrotherapy setting.

Unit 6

6. Administration in a hydrotherapy centre

Examining the need for continual professional development (CPD) and the importance of professional conduct. Learners will gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of staff members along with the administration that is required within a hydrotherapy centre.

Unit 7

7. Practical skills in small animal hydrotherapy

Looking at the practical elements involved in delivering hydrotherapy treatments including patient assessments, preparing patients and the environment, conducting pool sessions, the aftercare process and communicating feedback.

Unit 8

8. First aid for small animals

Gain an understanding of the primary aims of first aid and learn how to manage different emergencies situations including knowledge of how to apply first aid to small animals.

Unit 9

9. Small animal anatomy and physiology

Gain knowledge of the structure and function of body systems and body tissue in small animals along with understanding joint anatomy and physiology.

Unit 10

10. Biomechanics and Gait

Learn about the terminology used in hydrotherapy and gain an understanding of gait patterns. Develop knowledge of normal and abnormal postures and understand the process of muscle contraction.


This qualification includes theory and practical training: The theory element is studied online, at your own pace and with full tutor support. The practical training is carried out in partnership with our training providers - with excellent reputations and outstanding teaching staff, providing individual training placements and ensuring excellent outcomes for our students.

This course includes 4 days of practical training at an approved centre. Please note that learners must complete a required number of theory units and pay for their course in full before accessing the practical training.

Small Animal Hydrotherapy Study Options and Further Information

Students will acquire a thorough overview of the provision of hydrotherapy and the processes required both before and after small animal hydrotherapy sessions occur. This regulated certificate explores terminology used to conduct gait analysis and practically review patient performance. The course includes information on different medical conditions and how they can affect hydrotherapy treatment. It includes information on tissue healing, small animal behaviour and first aid. Additionally, students will learn about appropriate professional practice management.

This certificate combines both theory and practical training that includes:

An introduction to Hydrotherapy and the types of equipment used; along with exploring the intended outcomes of hydrotherapy and the legal requirements.

A look at small animal behaviour in the context of hydrotherapy. Gaining an insight into body language in small animals and the correct methods for safe handling.

Understanding the importance of the veterinary referral process and discovering how to perform a small animal health check. A look at the members of the Multi disciplinary team (MDT) and how to assess the suitability of patients for hydrotherapy.

How hydrotherapy improves the condition and fitness of small animals and common orthopaedic, medical and neurological conditions. Therapists are required to be knowledgeable about these conditions in order to accurately offer therapy.

Key aspects of maintenance in a hydrotherapy setting.

A look at professional conduct, gaining an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of staff members along with the administration that is required within a hydrotherapy centre.

The practical elements involved in delivering hydrotherapy treatments including patient assessments, preparing patients and the environment, conducting pool sessions, the aftercare process and communicating feedback.

Applying first aid to small animals and managing potential emergency situations. This is a necessity for therapists who plan on working in animal healthcare as a hydrotherapist.

Gaining knowledge of the structure and function of body systems and body tissue in small animals along with understanding joint anatomy and physiology.

Learning about the terminology used in hydrotherapy and gaining an understanding of gait patterns. Developing knowledge of normal and abnormal postures and understanding the process of muscle contraction. Please note, course fees must be paid in full prior to attending the practical placement.

Alongside the theoretical study, the Level 3 Certificate in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals also includes practical training and assessment which takes place over 4 days. This includes:

Thorough practical training and assessments with a team of experienced Vets, Physiotherapists and Hydrotherapists at one of our partner centres – all of which are established and respected canine hydrotherapy companies. The centres have first-rate equipment including underwater treadmills, large purpose-built pools, hydrotherapy spas and a team of eminently qualified staff.

Opportunities to gain hands-on experience with a variety of dogs requiring rehabilitation and sports conditioning.

Train with exceptionally qualified and experienced hydrotherapists and veterinary physiotherapists. Learn first hand how hydrotherapy is used in a working rehabilitation clinic. This includes pool hydrotherapy and hydrotherapy treadmill treatments (including state of the art advanced aquatic treadmill techniques).

The practical training enables students to learn from experienced professionals in the industry while working with a range cases at different stages of treatment.

Please note, course fees must be paid in full prior to attending the practical placement.

What will you gain if you sign up for this qualification?

You’ll learn important information about the use of hydrotherapy to treat small animals. This includes answering some important questions:

How can this special form of therapy benefit small animals in differing states of physical health?
Which medical conditions respond well to hydrotherapy?
What are the safest and most successful procedures for applying hydrotherapy methods?
There is a huge demand for qualified animal hydrotherapists. Working as a qualified animal hydrotherapist or starting an animal hydrotherapy business can be a great career option.

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