Members of the CHA

Hydrotherapy can be used in the treatment of arthritis, orthopaedic conditions, muscle, ligament and many other types of soft tissue injury. It can also help with general convalescence.
Extensive work in human physiotherapy has demonstrated that a suitably monitored course of hydrotherapy acts by encouraging a full range of joint motion in reduced weight conditions, thus improving muscle tone and promoting tissue repair without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues.
Swimming helps to improve general fitness and cardiovascular stamina improves muscle tone and is helpful in recovering from injury or surgery and improves fitness, especially in the management of obesity. Muscle wastage begins within 3 days of any immobilisation so to prevent further weakness or injury it is important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated. It is better to swim dogs in heated water since cold water causes constriction of the blood vessels near the skin and to the superficial muscles (those just under the skin), which restricts the flow of blood making the muscles less efficient.
It is also considered to be a natural an

Hydrotherapy can be used in the treatment of arthritis, orthopaedic conditions, muscle, ligament and many other types of soft tissue injury. It can also help with general convalescence.
Extensive work in human physiotherapy has demonstrated that a suitably monitored course of hydrotherapy acts by encouraging a full range of joint motion in reduced weight conditions, thus improving muscle tone and promoting tissue repair without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues.
Swimming helps to improve general fitness and cardiovascular stamina improves muscle tone and is helpful in recovering from injury or surgery and improves fitness, especially in the management of obesity. Muscle wastage begins within 3 days of any immobilisation so to prevent further weakness or injury it is important to rebuild, through safe exercise, any muscles that have deteriorated. It is better to swim dogs in heated water since cold water causes constriction of the blood vessels near the skin and to the superficial muscles (those just under the skin), which restricts the flow of blood making the muscles less efficient.
It is also considered to be a natural anti-inflammatory through its ability to reduce tissue swelling

Hydrotherapy in conjunction with veterinary treatment can significantly improve the quality and rate of healing following surgery or traumatic injury. After surgery the careful use of hydrotherapy can help with rehabilitation and increase the chance of a successful return to full fitness. Enhancing general health and fitness can aid convalescence and speed up recovery.
Hydrotherapy has specific effects on body tissues:
Relief of pain, swelling & stiffness
Muscle strengthening and maintenance.
Alleviating muscle spasm.
Increased range of motion in joints
Improved circulation
Cardiovascular fitness (heart & lungs)
Increased tissue healing
Increased speed of recovery

Get veterinary advice
Most dogs will cope quite happily with hydrotherapy as a form of exercise. However it is essential to get advice from your Vet before taking your animal swimming. For the welfare and safety of your dog all CHA members will liaise with your Vet prior to commencing therapy.
Pre and post operative conditioning
Arthritis – reduced pain and increased mobility
Hip and elbow dysplasia – especially useful for young dogs who are restricted to lead exercise
CDRM – chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy
Spinal injuries
Recovering from injuries – including fracture, soft tissue and neurological damage
Cruciate ligament injuries and postoperative recovery
Muscle strengthening maintenance and restoration
Relief of pain, swelling and stiffness
Relaxation of muscle spasms
Cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs)
Obesity (weight loss in conjunction with diet)
Mental well being

How do I know if my hydrotherapy pool is a member of the CHA?
Just ask! Also, a certificate is issued to each member on an annual basis and should be prominently displayed in the reception area.
If my nearest pool is not a member of the CHA is that a problem?
It is always advisable to visit a hydrotherapy pool before you begin any treatment programme to inspect the facilities, ask about qualifications and training, check water quality and insurance cover, and discuss your dog's condition and the treatment programme. The key aspect is quality treatment for your dog and this is why the CHA has set benchmark standards in canine hydrotherapy. If you are at all unsure, then you should insist on attending a CHA centre in the knowledge that these benchmark standards are constantly maintained.
How do I know if my nearest hydrotherapy pool has the right qualifications?
There are many Hydrotherapy Courses throughout the UK some of which have little or no accreditation status. The CHA are constantly reviewing and approving various courses. All CHA members are required to undergo training on a regular basis ensuring they are up to date in the latest techniques. The CHA is pioneering the way forward and has already introduced canine first aid training and is actively exploring formal training and national qualification options.
Are there minimum standards for pool size and type?
Pool sizes can vary enormously and what matters most is whether the pool size and access is right for your dog. What is needed by a Yorkshire Terrier will be significantly different to that needed by a Newfoundland. Different construction techniques and equipment providers are used but the combination of many gallons of water, pumps and electrical circuits means that it is vital the operation is safe and pools should have the appropriate safety certificates. All CHA members have to have these as well as insurance cover for your dog when undergoing treatment and third party liability for you in visiting their premises. All pools should have water heated to a temperature in the range 24 to 30 degrees Celsius and should be under cover to allow all year round operation.
How do I know if the water is clean ?
All pools should regularly inspect their water quality and in busy periods this will be several times each day. There are a number of different techniques for maintaining water quality but the key aim is to ensure harmful bacterial is dealt with in the proper manner reducing the risk of infection. CHA members are required to keep detailed records of water quality and you can always ask to inspect these if in doubt and discuss the system used.
How will I know if hydrotherapy is working?
A direct referral from your veterinary surgeon is preferred - if not a CHA member pool should liaise with them. A written assessment of your dog's condition should be made and the treatment given at each session recorded. In this way the progress that your dog makes can be monitored. All being well you will see the improvement for yourself in the improved mobility, fitness level and well-being of your dog. The rate at which such progress is made will be dependant on the breed of dog, condition for which it being treated, age and fitness level. Typically it will take a number of sessions or a few weeks to be readily noticeable.
How many sessions per week are needed?
There is no hard and fast rules and much depends upon the dog’s breed, age, weight, capability, medical condition and medical history and the reason for treatment. Your Hydrotherapist will design and discuss the appropriate protocol with you.
Can I swim with my dog?
Only in the larger pools would this be feasible. The CHA does not preclude such practices, although there is no evidence to suggest this will be beneficial to the animal being treated. Most centres will encourage the participation of owners during therapy sessions.
How much does it cost?
Rates are set by individual CHA members and will vary according to the facility its location and the services offered. Typically a session will allow for up to 30 minutes in the pool with additional time for drying etc afterwards. CHA Members are required to ensure fees charged are not excessive, and will be happy to discus their fee structure prior to undertaking any treatment.
What is Hydrotherapy?
It is the treatment of conditions using the therapeutic qualities of water. There are various methods and techniques used in canine hydrotherapy, including, the use of a hoist, underwater treadmill, hot tub, free swimming and anti swim jets. Each hydrotherapy centre will design and follow a program suited to individual client's needs.
Does my vet have to refer me?
Many clients come to our members because their vet has recommended hydrotherapy for improvement of their dogs condition. Lots of conditions benefit from hydrotherapy, please contact us, your vet or your local hydrotherapy centre to ask if your dog would benefit.
We do require confirmation from your vet that your dog is fit enough to be treated and does not have any conditions that may adversely affect the dog in the water
Are all breeds of dog suited to hydrotherapy?
There are certain dogs types who enjoy the swimming part of the hydrotherapy more than others, however most centres are equipped to deal with all shapes and sizes of dog from a Yorkshire Terrier to a Great Dane.
Particular care should be afforded to certain breeds who may find it more difficult to breath comfortably under aerobic conditions in water (boxers pug nosed ….)
How long is each session?
Session times vary depending on each dog’s needs. It is not unusual for initial treatment to last as little as 1 or 2 minutes. This reducing the risk of potential adverse reaction post treatment. As the patient’s conditioning improves the duration of each session is likely to increase. Sessions lasting 10 to 15 minutes are quite common.
Will the chlorine harm my dog?
Chlorine is used in most human swimming pools because it is the most effective method of ensuring the water is free from bacteria. Canine hydrotherapy pools have used chlorine safely for many years, and hydrotherapists are trained in water management so that chemical levels are monitored throughout the day

The Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) is striving to raise and regulate the quality, standard and consistency of canine hydrotherapy in the UK. The need for regulation is twofold, firstly there exists a real threat in that unless the industry regulates itself, in time, regulation will be forced upon it. Additionally, there are commercial benefits to be attained through regulated quality & standards with both the insurance and veterinary professions having a method of identifying those pool centres with which it is worth working with.
To this end all pool centres wishing to hold CHA membership will have to comply with those quality standards detailed within this document. In order to add extra weight and credibility to these standards, pool centres will be audited by an independent assessor as part of the membership application process, and thereafter annually as part of the renewal process.
The quality standards detailed in this document are in no way intended to replace or amend any legislative requirements.
Veterinary Liaison & Referral
Treatment Records
Water Quality & Management
Equipment Specification & Safety
Electrical Installation & Safety
Emergency Procedures
Training
Treatment Methods
Insurance
Inspection & Certification
CHA Approvals List
Veterinary Liaison & Referral
Ensures
An accurate diagnosis of any condition being treated is known, together with details of any treatment, surgical procedure or medication that has been undertaken or administered to the dog.
The dog’s veterinarian has the opportunity to pass on any areas of danger or caution.
A qualified veterinary surgeon has deemed that the dog’s general state of health is such that it is safe for the animal to undergo hydrotherapy.
The dog’s veterinarian is kept informed of the progress of any dog undergoing hydrotherapy treatment.
Requirements
All dogs are to be swum with veterinary referral only, this includes those dogs swum for purely recreational purposes.
The veterinary referral must be obtained prior to the commencement of hydrotherapy and must be in writing.
As a minimum the referral must include, but not be limited to: -
Name, Practice, Address & Telephone details of the Veterinarian.
Diagnosed condition of the Dog
Details of any veterinary treatment or surgical procedure undertaken or administered in connection with the condition.
Any areas of concern or caution.
Any medication currently being taken by the Dog.
A signed declaration that the veterinarian believes the dog to be of suitable overall state of health to undertake hydrotherapy.
For long-term treatment, a new referral must be obtained at least every 6 months or when a new/different condition is diagnosed or a new veterinary treatment or surgical procedure has been undertaken.
Veterinary referrals must be retained on file and be available for inspection for a minimum of 12 months after the last hydrotherapy session has occurred.
Feedback on the dog’s progress should be sent to the veterinarian as a minimum every 10 sessions.
Treatment Records
Ensures
An audit trail of a dog’s treatment and progress is kept.
Requirements
Treatment records must be kept for all dogs, and the records must be retained on file and be available for inspection for a minimum of 12 months after the conclusion of treatment.  
As a minimum treatment records must include, but not be limited to:
Name of owner.
Name, breed, sex & age of dog.
Description of condition being treated.
Initial assessment of dog & goals to be targeted.
Date & time of session.
Whether spa is used.
Method of entry into pool.
Duration of swim, including time and power of anti-swim jets if used.
Relevant comments of observations, such as range of movement to an affected limb etc.
Water Quality & Management
Ensures
Pools and any other water based environments used in the hydrotherapy treatment of dogs are clean, safe and conducive to the well being of those dogs being treated and those operating the pool centre.
The water in which dogs are treated is safe from bacteria, virus and harmful micro-organisms.
The level of chemical used to sanitise the water is kept to acceptable levels in order to minimise the chance of causing adverse effects to the dogs, owners and those working in pool centres.
The water is regularly checked using accurate means of measurement.
Requirements
Water used for hydrotherapy treatment must be sanitised using a Testing must be done using a *CHA approved method and must be kept within *CHA approved levels. Testing must be carried out a minimum of twice a day, although 3 times a day or more is recommended, especially in busy pool centres.
Water test records must be kept, with all tests and remedial actions recorded. Test records must be retained on file and be available for inspection for a minimum of 12 months.
As a minimum water test records must include, but not be limited to: -
Date & Time of Test
Tester’s Name
Sanitizer Levels
pH
Remedial Action
Change of Water indicator
Water used for hydrotherapy treatment must be heated within the temperature ranges shown below:-
Pools & Underwater Treadmills 24°C to 30°C
Spas 35°C to 40°C
Water in pools and underwater treadmills must be filtered on a continuous basis. Spas should be filtered where possible but where this is not possible, the water must be changed at least weekly.
Equipment Specification & Safety
Ensures
Equipment used is suitable for purpose and safe to use.
Requirements
Flotation devices must be designed and made for purpose by a manufacturer, and be *CHA approved.
Hoists and other equipment used for the lifting of dogs must be *CHA approved and must be designed & built for purpose, with a tested weight loading of at least 100 kg.
Hoists must be fixed as per the manufacturers instructions and to their specification.
Tracked hoists must either use tracking supplied by the hoist manufacturer for that purpose, or to the specifications defined by the hoist manufacturer.
A means of restraint to be worn by the dog undergoing hydrotherapy at all times. This is to facilitate removal of the dog from the pool in the event of an emergency. It is unacceptable for dogs to be swum without an approved means of restraint. There are to be three categories of restraint, namely:
*CHA approved Floatation device
*CHA approved hoist sling
*CHA approved restraint harness.
The use of a collar alone is unacceptable!
Hoist Slings used for the lifting of dogs must be *CHA approved and must be designed & built for purpose. They must have a tested weight loading of at least 100kg, hold the dog in a safe and balanced way with adequate contact to support the dog.
Car seat belts can only be used for the purpose of restraining dogs in the pool where this is of a non-weight bearing nature. They may not under any circumstances be used for lifting purposes.
Flotation devices must be designed and made for purpose by a manufacturer, and be *CHA approved.
Restraint Harnesses must be designed and made for purpose and be *CHA approved
Electrical Installation & Safety
Ensures
The environment at pool centres is safe for the dogs, clients and operators.
Requirements
A valid Periodic Inspection Report Pass Certificate must cover the site electrical installation.
Such Periodic Inspection Report must be carried out by an Organisation recognised by the “Electrical Safety Council” to register their member electricians. Such Organisations at the time of writing to be:
“NICEIC - BSI - ELECSA Ltd - SELECT - ECA – NAPIT”
In the case of Ireland the Organisation is to be recognised by the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland. Such Organisations at the time of writing to be: “ECSSA-RECI”
The frequency of NIC periodic checks must be no less than annual.
Members should comply with all Health and Safety requirements at all times, particular attention should be taken with regard to both equipment and all other electrical appliances, especially in or near to wet areas.
Emergency Procedures – Not applicable to pools run as part of a veterinary practice
Ensures
A formalised procedure is in place to deal with an incident occurring to a dog whilst at the pool centre in a timely and professional manner.
Veterinary back up is available to provide the best and most timely assistance should an incident occur to a dog whilst at the pool centre.
Requirements
There must be a telephone in the pool area at all times, with the number of that phone prominently displayed.
During swim times there must be at least one person in attendance that has attended a CHA approved first aid course within the last 2 years.
There must be an emergency procedure agreed with a veterinary practice where a vet can be contacted by phone to give advice should an incident occur to a dog whilst at a pool centre.
All clients should be briefed on the emergency procedure as part of the initial session.
The emergency procedure should be displayed in a prominent place in the pool centre at all times.
An incident form (Example Form Supplied) must be prepared and be by the phone for the dog currently in the pool. The form must be pre-completed with details including but not limited to the following : -
Name of owner.
Name, sex, breed & age of dog.
Condition being treated.
Current medication.
The incident form must also have space to record the following details:-
Nature of Injury
Severity
Time of Incident
Whether the dog is breathing or not
Whether the dog is conscious
Pulse Rate.
Whether the dog is improving or not
Training
Ensures
Operators of canine hydrotherapy pool centres have the latest relevant skills and knowledge in order to provide the best and safest effective treatment.
Requirements
First Aid
All new Full Members should have completed a *CHA approved first aid course prior to acceptance into the association except for Veterinary practices and practicing veterinary nurses.
During swim times there must be at least one person in attendance that has attended a *CHA approved first aid course within the last 2 years. This condition does not apply if the pool is run by a veterinary practice and there is a qualified practicing veterinary nurse or surgeon in attendance.
Water Management
All new Full Members should have completed a *CHA approved pool water management & treatment course prior to acceptance into the association.
During swim times there must be at least one person that has attended a CHA approved pool water management & treatment course who can be contacted easily, although not having to be in attendance or on site at the time of treatments.
Hands on Experience
New Full Members should have spent a minimum of 2 days in 3 different approved participating member centres, where possible gaining practical experience of Hydrotherapy using Pools, Spas and Underwater Treadmills
New Centres that have been established for in excess of 1 year and with relevant experience may be considered for in house training by two approved therapists.
Education
It is advised that new *CHA approved canine hydrotherapy and related courses are attended in order to keep abreast of the latest techniques and development within canine hydrotherapy.
We strongly recommend the Anatomy and Conditions relating to hydrotherapy are fully understood, and reference should be made to the CHA useful reading list.
Treatment Methods
Ensures
Pools and any other water based environments used in the hydrotherapy treatment of dogs operate showing due care and attention to the animal, taking into account the age and condition of each individual dog.
Requirements
More than one dog can only be treated at the same time when each dog is under the strict control of an individual Hydrotherapist. For clarification purposes, should two dogs be treated simultaneously, then two Hydrotherapists are required to be in attendance.
Insurance
Ensures
Adequate insurance is in place to provide protection and benefit for the client, operator and staff.
Requirements
Pool centres must have valid insurance, which provides cover for, but is not limited to:
Employer’s liability
Public liability, this must include cover for animals whilst at the pool centre & whilst being treated.
Inspection & Certification
Ensures
CHA member pools and those pools seeking membership to the CHA, conform to the latest version of the CHA Quality Standards.
Requirements
Pools must have passed a valid Audit in order to join, or retain membership of the CHA. Audits are valid for a period of 12 months.
New Members - pools seeking membership to the CHA will be Audited as part of the membership application process, with membership not being granted until an Audit Pass has been achieved. This also applies to ex-members seeking to rejoin after allowing their membership to lapse.
Existing Members - must have passed a valid Audit in order to retain membership, although a grace period of 1 month may be granted between Audits. If an existing member fails an Audit, their membership may be kept current for up to 3 months, at the discretion of the board, providing a re-inspection within that time results in a pass.
A person or body, appointed by the CHA, will carry out any inspections.
Inspections, and re-inspections in the event of a fail, will be chargeable at the current rate and payable before the inspection takes place.
CHA Approvals List
Sanitisers
Chlorine
Bromine
Water testing equipment
Comparator
Photometer
Water quality levels & ranges
FREE CHLORINE – Recommended range 1ppm to 3ppm. Levels higher than 3ppm are permitted for short periods 4-6 hours. However, where levels rise above 5ppm, the source of chlorine should be removed or chlorine production ceased until the level falls below 3ppm. If the level rises above 10ppm swimming must stop until level falls back below 5ppm.
CHLORAMINES (COMBINED CHLORINE) – Recommended level below 1ppm. In practice levels should be kept as low as is feasibly possible, however levels above 2ppm should be treated with superchlorination (shocking), with levels over 4ppm addressed by dilution.
FREE ACTIVE BROMINE – Recommended range 4ppm to 6ppm. Levels higher than 6ppm are permitted for short periods 4-6 hours. However, where levels rise above 8ppm, the source of bromine should be removed or bromine production ceased until the level falls below 6ppm. If the level rises above 10ppm swimming must stop until level falls back below 6ppm.
BROMAMINES – There is no recommended level since these act as an active sanitiser. Superchlorination (Shocking) should be carried out fortnightly.
PH – Recommended range 7.2 to 7.6.

Key words are Quincy Hydrotherapy Centre can deal with clients in North Kent, East Kent, South Kent, West Kent, North London, East London, South London, West London, North Essex, East Essex, West Essex, South Essex, East Surrey, West Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, North Suffolk, East Suffolk, West Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Norfolk. Our Hydrotherapist are, experienced, knowledgeable Gatwick, Heathrow, Stanstead, Luton and London City and Dover, Folkestone, Harwich, Portsmouth and Southampton and Ashford. London, Medway, Kent, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Colchester, Sudbury, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Cambridge, Hertford, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk, Sevenoaks, Bexley, Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Gravesend, Rochester, Medway, West Sussex, East Sussex, Bromley, Chislehurst, Ashford, Orpington, Dartford, Surrey, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk or Kent