Small Animal Hydrotherapy

This course is aimed at those who wish to build on knowledge and skills to understand the benefits that hydrotherapy can have for canines and other small animals, with a number of conditions, and learn the theory and practical skills required to administer hydrotherapy to them.

The qualification allows learners to gain the required skills, knowledge and behaviours to work professionally in small animal hydrotherapy alongside formalising the capability of those already working in the field.

The qualification meets legislation requirements ensuring that practitioners meet industry standards and conduct hydrotherapy in line with regulatory guidelines. This is an Ofqual-regulated qualification.

Our ultramodern facilities have a 7x4 metre hydrotherapy pool and a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill to support our experienced team in delivering the course to the highest quality with an excellent opportunity to develop and progress as a small animal hydrotherapist.

Learners will benefit from extended hands-on practical time in our commercially operating hydrotherapy centre beyond the minimum required for certification. Learners will spend a minimum of 30 hours - typically 1 day a week with patients for 10 weeks of your course during pool and treadmill sessions.

This course will take place at the newly opened Institute of Technology Veterinary Science and Canine Therapies Centre at Plumpton College.

Course Cost

£3,417 for the 20 week course

Delivery and Attendance

Option 1: 3 days a week (In-Person) - includes a minimum of 10 days practical across the duration of the course

From 20/01/25

• 3 days online delivery via Microsoft Teams

From 03/03/2025

• 2 days in-person or on campus per week
• 1 day online delivery via Microsoft Teams

Option 2: 3 days a week (Online)

• 3 days online delivery via Microsoft Teams
• 10 days practical at Plumpton College completed over two separate one week blocks (24-28/03/2025 and 9-23/05/2025)

Please note; the course will not run during Half Terms - view Term Times here.

Introduction to Small Animal Hydrotherapy - This unit provides learners with an overview of small animal hydrotherapy. By understanding and managing risks, the Learner will explore the different elements essential in providing safe practice. This unit is a knowledge-based unit, with no practical requirements.

Small Animal Anatomy and Physiology – In this unit, learners will explore the major elements of small animal structural anatomy and animal body systems which are essential for the hydrotherapist.

To administer hydrotherapy treatment, it is vital that the hydrotherapist has a sound understanding of small animal systems to be able to take account of any clinical precautions in the plan for an individual and to be able to understand how the body systems function and enable movement. This unit is a knowledge-based unit, with no practical requirements.

Common Small Animal Conditions - In this unit, learners will explore how common small animal conditions and problems may impact on devising an individual hydrotherapy treatment programme. They will learn how to identify common conditions and problems and understand the considerations and management of small animal with specific challenges. The unit is not intended to provide learners with the level of skill and competence required to diagnose conditions. It is imperative that at all times learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations, seeking veterinary advice as appropriate. This unit is a knowledge-based unit, with no practical requirements.

Small Animal Health Status and First Aid - In this unit, learners will understand the importance of maintaining the health and welfare for each small animal patient in their care. Learners will be able to undertake health checks essential for safe hydrotherapy practice. Learners will be able to recognise and manage a variety of small animal first aid emergencies. It is always imperative that learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations. This is a knowledge and practical based unit, with requirements to physically demonstrate learning.

Small Animal Assessment Processes - It is a legal requirement for hydrotherapists to have a current referral for each dog from a registered veterinary surgeon (RVS). Hydrotherapists need to be able to assess risk effectively, to include evaluating the small animal patient’s suitability for hydrotherapy. This requires an assessment process to evaluate and provide a safe and a beneficial treatment plan using relevant risk assessment skills. This unit will enable the learner to understand the assessment process for safe practice. It is always imperative that learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations. This is a knowledge and practical based unit, with requirements to physically demonstrate learning.

Practical Administration of Small Animal Hydrotherapy Treatment in the Pool - In this unit, learners are required to prepare the environment and small animal patients for hydrotherapy. Learners will need to demonstrate how to manage a small animal during a hydrotherapy session in the pool to include effective administration of treatment techniques, monitoring and therapeutic interaction for each small animal as appropriate. Learners will consider the importance of appropriate aftercare in relation to advice to the owner, completion of appropriate documentation and record keeping appropriate for each case in the pool. This is a knowledge and practical based unit, with requirements to physically demonstrate learning. This unit requires 20 hours of practical training

Small Animal Behaviour for Clinical Practice - In this unit, learners will explore the importance of understanding small animal behaviours in context of the hydrotherapy setting. By developing effective communication skills with the small animal in a therapeutic setting, the hydrotherapist will develop skills to address the mismatch of communication skill differences between humans and small animals and offer a safer environment to deliver the hydrotherapy treatment. This unit will enable the learner to understand the behaviours seen in a therapeutic setting essential for safe practice. It is always imperative that learners act within their area of professional competence and personal limitations by working within their scope of practice and this does not mean they are behaviourists. This unit is a knowledge-based unit, with no practical requirements.

Introduction to Aquatic Treadmill Practice - In this unit, learners will understand how to safely use an aquatic treadmill for small animal hydrotherapy. Learners will use the basics of small animal gait analysis before, during and after a hydrotherapy session. This unit will also include the learner administering treatment techniques, monitoring, evaluation, and therapeutic interaction for each small animal as appropriate. Learners will also consider the importance of appropriate aftercare in relation to advice to the owner. It is always imperative that learners act within their professional scope of practice. Learners should not engage in any manipulation techniques unless qualified to do so. Note: Preparation and after care of the small animal for a hydrotherapy treatment session is assessed in the pool unit. This is a knowledge and practical based unit, with requirements to physically demonstrate learning. This unit requires 10 hours of practical training.

Water Management - In this unit, learners will understand the importance of safe and effective water management for small animal hydrotherapy. Learners will explore the functions of the various pieces of plant and equipment, water chemistry, the relationship of the various chemicals used and management processes essential for safe practice. It is always imperative that learners act within current health and safety legislation and work within their professional scope of practice and understand their limitations. This is a knowledge and practical based unit, with requirements to physically demonstrate learning. This unit requires 5 hours of practical training.

Professional and Ethical Practice - In this unit, learners will explore the importance of professional, ethical and legal responsibilities for their hydrotherapy practice. An effective multidisciplinary team approach to optimise safe hydrotherapy practice is a part of this commitment. Learners are also required to commit to their own continuing professional development as part of their career journey. This unit is a knowledge-based unit, with no practical requirements.

You will be asessed via a portfolio of evidence.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years
• Applicants are required to provide evidence in the form of a reference to demonstrate experience of working with small animals / canines in an employed or voluntary capacity.

PPE required: A wetsuit plus water shoes or a pair of waders are required for practical days. If wearing a wetsuit, it is advisable to bring a fleece that can be worn over this when you are out of the water to stay warm between patients.