Animal Rehabilitation Therapies at Plumpton College
The leading centre for canine hydrotherapy and physiotherapy in the South East
Opening in Spring of 2025, the Veterinary Studies Centre at Plumpton College offers clients expert rehabilitation and treatment options for dogs of all ages, abilities and breed.
- Services we offer
- Our state-of-the-art facilities
- Meet our expert team
- Information for Veterinary Practices
Hydrotherapy sessions
Hydrotherapy is an effective way to rehabilitate and manage certain conditions for pets. It is non-or-partially-weightbearing therapeutic exercise carried out in warm water to aid healing and improve the health and welfare of your dog or cat. It can be particularly helpful as a transition back to land-based exercise following injury or surgery, but also to help manage chronic conditions.
Hydrotherapy uses the beneficial properties of water such as:
- Buoyancy to encourage comfortable movement with less load on joints
- Hydrostatic pressure to help reduce swelling and boost circulation
- Warmth to aid muscle relaxation and increase circulation
- Resistance to help strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness
- Viscosity to help increase sensory awareness and stabilise your pet
Pets will spend approximately 30 minutes of their 45 minute session in the water, with the remainder being used for gait assessment, health checks, showering and fitting of harness/buoyancy aid prior to getting into the water. The hydrotherapist will clinically reason the amount and type of activity performed, as well as the length and frequency of rest periods, based on how your pet is doing that day. Movement is always monitored and controlled, and no animal will be in the water without a hydrotherapist. SOAP notes are written for every session and progress measures monitored, which will also be shared with your veterinarian.
Hydrotherapy sessions are available in both our pool and our water treadmill. Throughout the session and wider treatment programme, we'll tailor equipment to your pets needs to best aid healing and rehabilitation.
For information on pricing, please get in touch via email or telephone.
Our state-of-the-art facilities
Our pool room includes a 7x4m in-ground pool, providing easy access for your pet to enter the water safely. Secure, flat resting platforms are positioned at varying depths in the pool to allow comfortable rest areas between active periods and whilst receiving treatment.
Our water treadmill, often referred to as an aquatic or underwater treadmill, is located separately from our pool in the neighbouring room, reducing the likelihood of your pet being distracted by another that might be swimming at the same time. The depth of the water will be adjusted specifically to your pet to carefully control the amount weight they are bearing whilst in recovery.
The water in both the pool and treadmill is heated to around 30°C and tested regularly throughout the day. We have a secure shower area where your pet will be rinsed before and after their session.
Meet our expert team
All sessions are led by fully qualified, registered hydrotherapists who have gained experience working with varied caseloads in a range of hydrotherapy centres including specialist referral hospitals and at leaading animal welfare organisations. As registered canine hydrotherapists all staff will complete a minimum of 25 hours CPD annually. The wider department team also consists of registered veterinary nurses and veterinary physiotherapists.
Will my pet be used for training purposes?
As we provide hydrotherapy training, there may be times when students are observing sessions or assisting with treatment. We will always discuss with you prior to arranging any student interaction with your pet, to ensure both you and your pet are comfortable with this and that it is at the appropriate stage of their treatment. If students are assisting with your session, they will be fully supported and supervised by qualified, registered hydrotherapists throughout.
You will also be offered a discount if a student will be assisting with the session.
Will my pet be in the pool or water treadmill?
This will be based on your pet’s medical condition and any surgical treatment that they may have had. Your pet’s previous experiences, behaviour, breed and size will also be considered when using our clinical knowledge and experience to decide the best option for your pet. Sometimes a combination of both pool and water treadmill is used.
Can I get in the water with my pet?
We don't allow owners to join their pets in the water, however it is encouraged that owners remain at the pool/treadmill side with their pet. A viewing area is available to watch the pet's session should additional people attend the appointment. A qualified hydrotherapist will ensure they are safe throughout the session and perform their treatment.
Can I use my pet insurance to pay for sessions?
Many insurance companies provide cover for hydrotherapy, this may appear as a hydrotherapy section or under the ‘complementary’ treatment section of your policy. The number of sessions or amount of money that can be claimed will depend on the terms of your insurance policy, so it is best to call your insurer and ask for clarification.
Centre Information
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm
Free parking available onsite
Tel: 01273 892 026
Email: canine.therapies@plumpton.ac.uk
Book with us
Prior to your first appointment, we will need consent from your vet along with your pet’s medical history. Fill out the below form and we'll be in touch shortly.
