Just ask ! Also, a certificate is issued to each member on an annual basis and should be prominently displayed in the reception area.

2. 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.

3. How do I know if my nearest hydrotherapy pool has the right qualifications ?

As yet there is no formal study or course for canine hydrotherapy. CHA members have typically had a life long contact with dogs and are specialists whether that be through breeding, showing or kennelling. Training and expertise in hydrotherapy has been gained by working alongside fellow CHA member/s with years of experience. The CHA is pioneering the way forward and has already introduced canine first aid training and is actively exploring formal training and qualification options.

4. Are there minimum standards for pool size and type ?

No. 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 providors 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 30degrees celcius and should be under cover to allow all year round operation.

5. How do I know if the water is clean ?

All pools should regularly inspect their water quality and in busy periods this could be several times each day. There are a number of different techniques for maintaining water quality but the key aim is to ensure no bacteria are present and there is no 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.

6. How will I know if hydrotherapy is working ?

A direct referral from your veterinary surgeon is preferred - if not a CHA member pool should liase 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.

7. How many sessions per week are needed ?

Again there is no hard and fast rule and much depends upon the dog and the reason for treatment. For example, in the case of a cruciate ligament repair it seems best to begin with two sessions per week and after a number of weeks this may reduce to once per week. However, in the case of hip dysplasia or arthritis a dog may begin with one session per week and may need to maintain this for some time to maintain the benefits.

8. Can I swim with my dog ?

Only in the larger pools could this be possible. If it does not cause any stress to the dog when undergoing treatment it can be allowed. In some cases it may help reassure the dog which is beneficial.

9. Finally - How much does it cost ?

Rates are set by individual CHA members and will vary according to the facility and its location. Typically a session will allow for up to 30 minutes in the pool with additional time for drying etc afterwards. You should expect fees to be in the range £20 - £30 per session with many members offering discounts for block bookings of a number of sessions.