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 tendon repair without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues and improving cardiovascular stamina.

It has long been established that hydrotherapy is beneficial in the recovery programme for certain injuries in the veterinary field. Until recently its use in animals was restricted to performance horses and racing greyhounds.

In order to widen the availability of hydrotherapy for dogs to the general public a number of interested individuals have designed and built hydrotherapy pools specifically to provide treatment to all types of dog - racing, working, show or pet.

The Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) is a UK based organisation that is non-profit making and whose aims are to provide self-regulation and set benchmark standards of treatment, operation, training, supervision, first aid, record keeping and water quality for all our members. We will also conduct research in to canine hydrotherapy and welcome enquiries or contributions from any interested party in this respect.

In this way veterinary surgeons, pet insurance companies and - most importantly the dog owner - can use a CHA member pool in confidence.