Operation K9 Academy

30/08/2025

A great couple of days of practical training...some very happy patients loving the extra attention!

We pride ourselves in providing high quality, hands-on practical training in our state of the art centers 💦🐾

Operation K9 Ltd Hydrotherapy Centres

28/08/2025

26/08/2025

Happy International Dog Day 🐾

Here's a big shout-out to all our wonderful patients who allow our students to learn and develop through their treatments and sessions 💦

19/08/2025

Are you a Level 3 Hydro qualification holder looking to upgrade to Level 4?

Check out this feedback from one of our L4 Bridging Qualification students who has recently completed the course!

Find out more about the qualifications we offer here:
www.operationk9academy.co.uk

17/07/2025

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!

16/07/2025

We are A Proud Training Practice

At Operation K9, we’re not only passionate about helping dogs feel better we’re also committed to raising the standards of canine therapy across the UK.
That’s why we’re proud to be a registered training practice and home to the Operation K9 Academy, where we train and mentor the next generation of hydrotherapists and lasertherapy professionals.

This means that from time to time, you may notice a student working alongside our experienced team during your dog’s session. These are individuals training under our
guidance to achieve industry-recognised qualifications and we’re incredibly proud to be oneof only a handful of centres in the country offering this level of education.
🌊 Students are always carefully supervised
🐾 Your dog’s welfare, comfort and treatment remain our top priority
👩‍🎓 Students never replace qualified staff they learn by observing, assisting, and gradually building hands-on confidence with expert support.

We know your time with us is valuable, and we want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to all our amazing clients for your ongoing patience, understanding, and encouragement when students are present.
By supporting this training, you’re helping ensure that more dogs across the UK will benefit from high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care.

Thank you for being part of something bigger, we couldn’t do this without you 🐾🥰

www.operationk9academy.co.uk

www.vetlaserspecialist.co.uk

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

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