Operation K9 Academy

16/06/2025

Looking for an initial assessment form to ensure all information you need is collected?

Ideal for newly qualified therapists or those looking to update your data collection procedures to streamline vet reports

A done-for-you printable PDF for canine assessments (hydro specific)

Includes history, environment, body map, treatment plan and lots more

Elevate your hydrotherapy practice with our comprehensive Canine Patient Assessment Form, designed specifically for hydrotherapists. This user-friendly printable form enables nothing gets missed and you have all the info you need for you vet reports

27/05/2025

Registered Hydrotherapy Centres vs. Fun Dog Swimming Centres:
What’s the Difference?

Thinking about taking your dog swimming? It’s important to know that not all canine swimming centres are the same

Fun Canine Swimming Centres
These are more of a leisure facility where your dog can swim for fun, exercise, or cooling off and playing with friends. Although this can be great for burning energy and having fun, they are NOT designed to address specific health or physical needs. Generally, they:
✔️ Focus on providing an environment for free swimming
✔️ Lack specialised equipment or trained staff for rehabilitation or therapy
✔️ Don’t have to regulate the water temperature and quality for therapeutic purposes

Registered Canine Hydrotherapy Centres
These facilities are specifically designed to help dogs with rehabilitation, fitness, and conditioning. They are run by trained professionals, often veterinary qualified who also work closely with vets to ensure the best care.
At a registered centre, you’ll find:
✔️ Certified hydrotherapists trained in canine anatomy, therapy techniques and first aid
✔️ Specialised equipment, such as underwater treadmills and heated, hydrotherapy-specific pools with ramps for safe entry and exit
✔️ Tailored treatment plans for recovery, pain management, or athletic conditioning
✔️ Regulated water temperature and stringent water chemicals and quality control to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety during therapy
✔️ Registered Hydrotherapy Centres (such as those accredited by the Institute of
Registered Veterinary Animal Physiotherapists – IRVAP, CHA or NARCH) follow strict guidelines on safety, hygiene, procedures and professional training.
Here at Operation K9 we are proud to be accredited by IRVAP (ICH)
So, whether your dog is recovering from surgery, building strength for agility, or needs a gentle, safe first introduction to water, a registered hydrotherapy centre ensures their health and safety are the top priority.

Want to learn more about the benefits of hydrotherapy for your dog? Drop us a
message or visit our website to see how we can help!

22/05/2025

A great day of practical training at our Sherburn centre today with one of our Level 4 Diploma students 💦🐾

21/05/2025

May is Veterinary Nurse Month 😁

Did you know we have 4 registered RVNs over our two branches and ?

This role allows us to use our many years of clinical practice by being able to understand in detail the medications, surgeries, and procedures our patients have

Being that crucial bridge between the often complex veterinary terminology and helping owners understand their treatment plans better

We all still keep our RCVS registration current and do extra CPD (continued professional development) to ensure our skills are up to date.

Here's to all the Vet nurses out there 🫡 especially the ones who chose hydrotherapy and rehabilitation 👌💦

Bex, Steph, Jenny and Vicky

22/03/2025

Applications are open for our L4 Canine Hydrotherapy qualifications including:

💦 Level 4 Diploma Canine Hydrotherapy - This course is perfect for those new to industry looking for a career change, or current pet professionals, veterinary staff etc looking to expand their career into clinical hydrotherapy. This is an Ofqual regulated, industry recognised qualification.

💦 Level 4 Certificate Clinical Hydrotherapy (Bridging Qualification) - This qualification is for existing L3 holders looking to expand their knowledge and qualifications inline with the increasing industry standard, without having to repeat existing knowledge!

💦 We also offer course packages for current MSK practitioners such as Veterinary Physiotherapists to complete their L4 Hydrotherapy qualification taking into account their existing knowledge and qualifications.

Message for more information or for the online application form link!

05/03/2025

We are very excited to be working alongside The Vet Laser Specialist for this brand new qualification!

Gatehouse Awards (GA) are pleased announce Emily Ashdown - The Vet Laser Specialist as a new training provider.

GA look forward to working with Emily and the team - Operation K9 Academy Snowy's Canine Therapy Centre VP Pet Store, Canine Hydrotherapy & Health Centre Morecambe K9HS Rachael McCooey

10/02/2025

🤩 NEW COURSE! 🤩

We are excited to now offer the Level 4 Certificate in Hydrotherapy (Bridging Qualification)!

This new qualification is designed for existing Level 3 Hydrotherapists, to upgrade and update their skills and qual, without having to repeat core modules!

Drop us a message for more info or to receive our online application form link!

21/01/2025

We are thrilled to gain approval with Gatehouse Awards and be able to now offer the Level 4 Bridging qualification for L3 holders!

Exciting News!

GA are pleased to announce Operation K9 Academy to our growing network of training providers.

The team at Operation K9 Academy are approved to offer the following GA qualifications:

1. GA Level 4 Diploma on Canine Hydrotherapy (610/5135/4)

2. GA Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy - Bridging Qualification (610/5136/6)

GA are confident that Operation K9 Academy will provide excellent training to all students helping them achieve their goals.

03/12/2024

Applications for our next intake for the iPet Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy are now open!

🐾 Apply here: https://www.operationk9academy.co.uk/hydrotherapy-courses/
🐾 Contact us: [email protected]

03/12/2024

Nominations are now open for the iPet Awards!

This includes categories such as:

Training Provider of the Year
Animal Tutor of the Year
Canine Business

😍🤩

⭐WOW WOW WOW⭐

Just 48 hours since nominations opened and we have received over 50 entries to iAwards 2025.

iAward Categories you can enter:

🤩Dog Grooming Tutor of the Year

🤩Animal Sector Tutor of the Year

🤩Groomers Dog Groomer of the Year

🤩Cat Groomer of the Year

🤩iPET Network Training Provider of the Year

🤩iPET Network Student of the Year

🤩Canine Business of the Year

🤩Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year

🤩Dog Grooming Apprentice of the Year

🤩Apprentice of the Year working within an Animal Business

Head to the website to find out more, nominate and buy your event tickets!
https://www.groomers-online.com/iawards-i437

Good luck and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the event!

20/10/2024

Our next event is now live!

Very limited spaces so book now to avoid disappointment 🐾

The practical workshop is for owners that wish to learn and improve their home massage and technique to help improve the heath of their dog

11/10/2024

We are here at IRVAP Annual Conference enjoying a day of CPD!

A great opportunity to keep up to date with industry changes and new research as well as interact with our fellow industry members.