HOUSTON, USA
02-07 MARCH 2026
Following the success of our joint training event in July 2025 we are pleased to announce the program for this new to USA training course.
This combined online and in-person attendance course offers the flexibility to move ahead with your studies before attending for practical training.
Your pre-study is provided via Moodle, our online education platform. Practical training takes place at the fantastic K9 Health Centre in Houston where we have a long standing association with our training partner Sandra Wilson. She will be pleased to help with advice, travel information or any local queries – k9healthcenter.com
But please address any specific course enquiries to us at Greyfriars International Training.
The course is suitable for anyone who would like to know more about canine hydrotherapy and wishes to participate in formal canine hydrotherapy training. This includes those who are new to the field of rehabilitation, veterinary professionals and those already working in canine hydrotherapy, who may not have formal training or qualifications. Everyone will develop their knowledge and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of expert lecturers and trainers.
Houston is a great travel hub and both airports are only 25-30 minutes drive from K9 Health Centre.
There are only ten places available for these practical days so please register early to avoid disappointment.
Lecturers and trainers
Both our online and face to face education are delivered by the same experienced and highly qualified veterinary rehabilitation team of Greyfriars’ lecturers;
Veterinary Physiotherapists – Kate Parsons and David Pardey;
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners – Angela Griffiths and Kirsty Arthur;
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and Pain Specialist veterinary surgeon Susanna Alwen MRCVS;
Houston
Your lecturers and trainers will be Angela Griffiths CCRP, Dip HSA, RCH, Member of IAVRPT and Kate Parsons BSc (Vet Physio), BSc (Hons), MHCPC, MAACP, ACPAT(A).
This course is delivered in four parts;
- Part 1 – Online study, revision tests and assignments which must be completed before attending practical training.
- Part 2 – Online Orthopaedic and Spinal/Neurological lectures are released prior to attendance for practical training (as long as full course fees have been paid).
- Part 3 – Assignments and worksheets linked to your practical training – many tasks will be completed during your practical training days, including tutor assessments.
- Part 4 – Case studies and reports, submission of final assignments and corrections.
Blended learning
A significant amount of online educational material, including lectures and webinars, is provided. We want you to be fully prepared for practical training and able to achieve your qualification. Pre-study and successful completion of revision tests and assignments is required prior to attendance for practical training.
You should plan your study time carefully and allow a minimum of 16 – 20 weeks for this prior to your practical attendance week in Houston. You should allow an average of 5-6 hours per week. We advise looking at your work and family commitments and what time you can reasonably commit to your studies.
Some people do complete their study much more quickly than others but not committing enough time may result in not thoroughly absorbing and understanding the information provided in your lectures and then submitting rushed assignments that require a significant number of corrections.
We will schedule a ZOOM tutorial so you can meet your lecturers and fellow students. This is a social as well as a learning opportunity. We will give guidance and support and you may ask for help with questions and assignments.
Attendance days
There are six required practical training attendance days at K9 Health Centre in Houston. During the attendance part of this course you will have some evening homework/assignments to complete. After your attendance week there will be final assignments, case studies and vet reports to be submitted and passed in order to gain your final qualification.
- We start the week with a full day of Canine Anatomy, revising what you have learnt online and moving forwards with your studies.
- There are half day practical classes for First Aid and Water Management.
- Four full days in the busy hydrotherapy centre are supervised and you work alongside us in the hydrotherapy pool or water treadmill.
- We ensure you achieve a minimum of fifteen hydrotherapy sessions to complete your training log.
- You are assessed on at least ten hydrotherapy sessions and also complete case studies/notes for at least ten hydrotherapy sessions.
You will leave us equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to start work as a canine hydrotherapist and to open or further develop your own business.
Part 1 – Online |
Part 2 – Online |
Part 3 – Attendance |
Part 4 – Assignments |
---|---|---|---|
Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics | Orthopaedic Conditions Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Patella luxation Ligaments Tendons Dislocations and luxations Growth related conditions Fractures and amputations |
Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics | Patient case study Vet report Self evaluation |
Canine Hydrotherapy Theory Hydrotherapy treatment options Hydrotherapy Science Control and care SOAP notes – record keeping Contraindications and cautions Introduction to orthopaedic conditions Introduction to spinal and neurological conditions Introduction to water treadmill Outcome measures – evidence based medicine |
Neurological Conditions Spondylitis and spondylosis IVD disease – thoracic, lumbar, sacral IVD disease – cervical Ischemia / FCE Degenerative myelopathy Less Common spinal conditions Pain and medication |
Practical training Hands-on hydrotherapy treatment Canine First Aid Water Management Pre hydrotherapy health checks |
Pain and analgesia |
Working Professionally and Ethically | Clinical reasoning | Orthopaedic conditions and hydrotherapy treatment | |
Water Management | Spinal/neurological conditions and hydrotherapy treatment | ||
First Aid for Canine Hydrotherapy |
Course Entry Requirements
It is the student’s own responsibility to make themselves aware of the entry requirements prior to completing the booking/registration form.
For this course you do not need prior experience or any animal care/veterinary qualifications but you should be physically fit and confident handling dogs. Please make us aware when you register if you have any physical or educational needs or disabilities.
Registration
Full payment is required when you make a course booking – the exception is our “deposit to start” offer for overseas Level 3 and Level 4 Certificate courses.
FOR COURSES OUTSIDE THE UK THE FULL BALANCE OF FEES MUST BE PAID AT LEAST 12 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR COURSE ATTENDANCE DATE.
Failure to pay on time will result in cancellation of your attendance course and no refund will be due.
You may pay by international bank transfer (preferred option) or via PayPal invoice using a credit card or your own PayPal account.
Please enter all your details clearly on your booking form including your name as you would like it to appear on your certificate(s).
Access To Our Online Training Platform
Access to online training materials (lectures, revision tests, assignments, worksheets, etc) is granted for 12 months from the date you register and pay for your course.
For courses that require attendance for practical training we do not count the study period leading up to attendance. Access is limited to 12 months from the date of your last attendance/practical training day.
If you do not complete and pass your course within the 12 month period access will be withdrawn (unless there is significant delay on our part). If you require a further 12 months access to continue your studies payment of GBP 350.00 is required.
Cancellation Policy
We incur significant up front costs to deliver overseas courses – non refundable flights and accommodation, plus lecturers are booked many months ahead.
DEPOSIT to start offer – NO REFUND once access has been given to course materials
Cancellations made more than 12 weeks before the practical attendance course start date – full refund LESS DEPOSIT.
Cancellations made less than 12 weeks before the practical attendance course start date – DEPOSIT deducted/no refund then 50% refund of any further monies paid.
Cancellations 8 weeks or less before the course start date you have booked for attendance/practical training – no refund applies .
If a course is cancelled by Greyfriars International Training due to unforeseen circumstances delegates already booked on the course will be given the choice of an alternative date or a full refund less the ‘deposit to start’ payment.
Total course cost $6,150.00 (USD)
Access to our online learning platform will be granted within 48-72 hours on receipt of your registration form and payment of $2,000.00 (USD)
Included:
- Access to Greyfriars International Training online learning platform for 12 months (or until course end date)
- Practical training manuals
- Practice dogs and equipment
- All assignments, marking and tutor/assessor support
- OCNLR registration and UK certification.
If you wish to be added to our waiting list please email courses@greyfriarsinternational.com.