No Pre-Requisites Required
With the courses listed on this page, there are no pre-requisites required.
All you need is a passion to make a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners, and a commitment to provide quality care to canines.
If you absolutely love the career or job you currently have then don't read any further! If you already bounce out of bed every morning with a sense of purpose knowing you are having a positive effect on the lives of our four-legged friends and their human carers then that's awesome! But if you don't greet each day with that level of joy and enthusiasm then read on to find out how you can change that.
It's now possible to have a career in the canine therapy industry
These courses are the gateway to your new career
Canine Remedial Massage and Canine Hydrotherapy are becoming an increasingly popular career choices in Australia with the continued growth of the canine health industry. Both roles offer dogs the chance to move better, feel better and perform better while providing therapists with a rewarding career, doing something they love.
A rewarding career in canine therapy
Over fifteen years ago I began the transition from human physiotherapist to canine physiotherapist with a short course in animal physiotherapy. I had always had a huge love for dogs and was disappointed to discover that they didn't have access to the same quality rehabilitation services as we as humans do. I became determined to change that.
I went on to do my Masters in Animal Physiotherapy, open my own canine rehabilitation clinic, and designed and built the first underwater treadmill in Australia. I now get to help others make the transition into the industry that has had such a positive impact on my life.
There's something so immensely satisfying to see a dog's life extended, to witness a dog walk again after being told they couldn't, and to have a dog recover fully from injury or surgery knowing it's because of the therapy I have provided. I feel so fortunate to experience this every single day and now you can too.
Reasons why I changed my career to canine therapy
Working in the industry as a canine therapist has been the best decision of my life and here are just a few of the reasons why:
To provide the same level of quality rehabilitation therapies to canines as we have access to as humans
Be part of an ever growing and changing industry at the forefront of new research, results and therapies
Have a positive impact on extending the quality and length of time dogs and their owners get to spend together
There is nothing better than seeing the look on a dog's face when help relieve their discomfort through your treatment.
Certificate Courses in Canine Therapy
Certificate in Canine Remedial Massage
This certificate course in canine remedial massage will give you the qualification you need to either start your own canine massage business or be hired to work in a veterinary clinic or canine rehabilitation clinic.
Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy
Complete this certificate course in canine hydrotherapy and spend your days using hydrotherapy to support canine patients to improve their health, mobility and speed up their healing process from injury or surgery.
So many career opportunities to choose from
The Pet industry is already a massive and rapidly growing industry. Medical and surgical treatments pet owners are investing in for their pets has increased substantially. So too has the need for rehabilitation and the complementary therapies that increase the effectiveness and speed of recovery.
Upon completion of either your Certificate in Canine Remedial Massage or a Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy you will have several career options available to you:
- Set up and work from your own clinic or mobile service
- Work as part of a rehabilitation team in a veterinary clinic
- Join a grooming facility or a boarding kennel and offer your services
- Become employed in a canine rehabilitation and physiotherapy centre
The opportunities are endless and expanding all the time.
What our students have to say:
“I had no prior skills in this industry and this course gave me the skills as well as the confidence to take hydrotherapy sessions in a clinic. Best career move I ever made”
– Emilie - Canine Hydrotherapist
“I am delighted to have just completed my certificate in Canine Remedial Massage course and to be starting to practice as a massage therapist, helping dogs to feel their most comfortable. .”
– Minnesha – Canine Remedial Massage Therapist
“Coming from a professional corporate background, I understood the need to surround myself with like-minded people, increase my knowledge/training and develop a support network, particularly as I work as a sole trader. The Hydrotherapy course delivered on all fronts.”
– Marie – Canine Hydrotherapist
"Since qualifying, I have successfully added Canine Remedial Massage therapy to my existing business. I work from home but also provide in clinic visits for the local vet who now refers patients to me. I would love one day to be part of a large multidisciplinary team or a canine sports medicine practice."
– Shirlene – Canine Remedial Massage Therapist (Owner of Pawstoconsider.com.au)
“Since completing the course and gaining my certificate I am now employed and working in the career of my dreams and loving it. I highly recommend the Academy courses if you wish to start a career in Animal Health Care.”
– Alison – Canine Hydrotherapist
How Roonie changed my life
In 2003 I had not long opened my canine rehabilitation clinic when my husband and I were given the opportunity to take in a little Dachshund called Roonie. Roonie had recently had spinal surgery and her owners had been told she would never walk again. Consequently, she was unable to toilet herself or move around and her parents had been advised the best thing to do was to euthanise her.
It took a lot of hard work, lost sleep, and lots of washing, but after 5 months of intense rehabilitation, Roonie was able to walk again! She went on to live another six years as a valued part of our family and as a daily reminder that not only can we rehabilitate dogs but that what we can also save lives.
