Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (Top up for Veterinary Physiotherapists)

Small Animal Hydrotherapy Study Options and More Information

Students will gain an understanding of the techniques involved in the provision of hydrotherapy and the assessment required before small animal hydrotherapy commences. Learn about the various medical conditions and their impact on hydrotherapy treatment. This regulated qualification also develops student’s knowledge around tissue healing, small animal behaviour and professional practice management.
There is a focus on Practical Aquatic Treadmill Therapy and Advanced Treadmill Techniques – something that is not offered in any other qualification. Additionally, students will learn terminology to be able to conduct gait analysis and review patient performance practically.

• This qualification consists of a blend of theory and practical training that includes:
• The theoretical principles of animal hydrotherapy and treadmill therapy, as well as theoretical guidance on how these therapies can be used.
• Details on the conditions that hydrotherapy can benefit. These are primarily orthopaedic, medical and neurological in nature, and therapists are required to be well-versed in these
• conditions in order to accurately administer therapy.
• First aid and dealing with small animal emergencies – this is essential for therapists who intend to work in animal healthcare and a mandatory requirement from the CHA/ NARCH to practice as a hydrotherapist.
• Practical administration of hydrotherapy for dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals.
• Small animal behaviour relevant to dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals in a therapeutic setting.
• Thorough guidance on learning to assess an animal’s likely outcome from hydrotherapy and how to ascertain whether the treatment is suitable for a specific case.
• Learn about small animal anatomy and biology; essential for ensuring robust baseline medical knowledge.
• The basic fundamentals of administering hydrotherapy, such as assessment, handling of the patient, managing the equipment and other elements that are essential for effective treatment.
• Learn how to manage aftercare for an animal that has experienced a session of hydrotherapy, and how to interact with pet owners to explain performance during the session.
• All paperwork requirements and training on report writing about hydrotherapy treatments.

As well as the theoretical study, the Level 3 Diploma in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals also involves a large amount of practical training and assessment spread over 6 days. This includes:

Intensive hands on training and assessments with our team of experienced Vets, Physiotherapists and hydrotherapists at Woozelbears, a well established canine hydrotherapy company. This centre has top of the range equipment including underwater treadmills, large bespoke pools, hydrotherapy spa, the 2nd gait analysis treadmill in the UK and a team of highly qualified personnel. Gain hands on training with a variety of dogs attending for rehabilitation and sports conditioning. Train with highly qualified, experienced hydrotherapists and veterinary physiotherapists to learn how the treatment is used in a working rehabilitation clinic. This includes pool hydrotherapy and hydrotherapy treadmill treatments, including innovative 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.

This small animal hydrotherapy course will ensure you are employable as an animal hydrotherapist; there are many companies around the country that are recruiting for qualified Small Animal hydrotherapists. Woozelbears Hydrotherapy offers franchise opportunities in various parts of the UK if you have the ambition to own your own business.

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

Average study duration:

4 month option: 20-30 hours study per week over 4 months

1 year option: 8-10 hrs per week spread over 1 year

2 year option: 4-6 hours per week over 2 years

The 6 practical training days are additional to the above time guides

Entry requirements:

• Students must demonstrate previous experience with animals.
• The minimum age for access to this qualification is 16 years.
• Students are required to have a good understanding of English language, have good physical mobility and physical fitness and be a confident swimmer.

Progression Routes: This qualification can be used by students to gain employment in the animal care sector, to set up their own animal hydrotherapy business or to progress to further study in the animal hydrotherapy / physiotherapy sector.