No, our programs are designed for complete beginners and experienced professionals alike. You’ll learn everything from foundational anatomy to advanced assessment and therapeutic skills, with each module building on the last to deepen your knowledge at a pace you can digest.  

Many of our 650+ graduates started with no industry background at all — what they had was the drive to do this work properly.

"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, Certified Canine Hydrotherapist

"I was concerned about how in-depth it would be because no prerequisites were required. I was surprised at the extensive amount of real experience and knowledge that was passed on to the students. I have many rehab textbooks that discuss hydrotherapy and none of them come close to the amount of information that was provided to us in this course. I was really happy about that. I think it’s the best course available just based on the amount of experience and knowledge that was provided in the course. Michelle’s years of experience and knowledge that were passed onto us was invaluable. It wasn’t just theory from some text book, it was years and years of trial and error and experience. That’s where the value was."
Kym - Dual Qualified Canine Hydro & Massage Therapist

On its own, no. That's why the online modules are only one part of the certification. You’ll be supported to develop your skills and confidence via: 

• A live virtual anatomy workshop (2 hours). Bring your dog and apply your anatomy knowledge in real time, with personalised feedback.
• A live virtual assessment workshop (2 hours). Work through the CHWA Assessment Framework on real scenarios with your dog, alongside your instructor and peers.
• Video assignments. Every practical submission is reviewed individually and returned with feedback.
• A Two-day in-person case intensive, Melbourne. A small group works on real cases across a range of breeds and presentations, under expert supervision.
• Final examinations.  A theory exam, video submission, and a live virtual practical exam with one of our team.

Between those milestones, you also have monthly live Q&As (alternating 1.30pm and 6pm AEST Wednesdays), a student support team of CHWA graduates who respond within 48 hours, Monday to Friday, and a private student community.

"I was worried about the lack of application of learning as it was online — but the workshops were amazing and the case studies really tested my thought process."
— Catherine MK, Certified Canine Hydrotherapist

What are the dates for the in-person workshop?

We schedule at least 3 workshop dates per calendar year. 

Currently confirmed for 2027: 

📍 Hydrotherapy: 22-23 February // 13-14 June // 21-22 November, Dogs in Motion Clinic, Melbourne
📍 Massage: 25-26 February // 17-18 June // 25-26 November, Moorabbin Dog Club, Melbourne
🗓️ 9:00am – 5:00pm AEST | Two consecutive days 

Full attendance across both days is required. Travel and accommodation are at the student's own cost

You are eligible to attend after you complete Modules 1-15.

We schedule at least 3 workshop dates per calendar year. 

Currently confirmed for 2027: 

📍 Hydrotherapy: 22-23 February // 13-14 June // 21-22 November, Dogs in Motion Clinic, Melbourne
📍 Massage: 25-26 February // 17-18 June // 25-26 November, Moorabbin Dog Club, Melbourne
🗓️ 9:00am – 5:00pm AEST | Two consecutive days 

Full attendance across both days is required. Travel and accommodation are at the student's own cost

Because working through real cases under supervision is what builds clinical confidence, we highly recommend you attend these workshops. If getting to Melbourne is genuinely not possible for you, contact us before you enrol and we’ll talk through your specific circumstances. Contact our team here.

Massage can be a great starting point with lower business startup costs and a straightforward path to helping dogs quickly. 

Hydrotherapy is ideal if you're looking to rehabilitate dogs post surgery or injury and want to work in or establish a dedicated Hydrotherapy Clinic.  

Dual certification gives you the broadest scope and the strongest position in the market — and because the first 11 modules are shared, it's both time efficient and cost effective.

You can compare the certifications, practice models, startup costs if you’re establishing your own business, and average rates in our info pack. Click here to download your copy. 
Still not sure? Book a call with one of our team and we’ll help you work out the best next step based on your current priorities.

The content is rigorous, that's intentional. But rigorous doesn't mean inaccessible.

The science builds gradually, and by the time you reach the practical modules, the theory that once felt abstract starts to click into place. The live workshops and support team are there specifically for the moments when something feels hard.

"My only concern when I started was whether I was smart enough — but that was definitely not a problem. Everything is explained well and in detail, with multiple opportunities through the support team and live Q&As to get a better understanding of anything I was unsure about." 

Emily D, Certified Canine Remedial Massage Therapist

The pet industry continues to experience significant growth, with more people investing in the health and well-being of their animals than ever before. 

Since 2020, rates of pet ownership have surged, along with the demand for advanced medical and surgical treatments. As a result, there is a rapidly increasing need for qualified professionals who can provide high-quality therapies that support recovery and enhance long-term mobility and quality of life.

Many of our graduates have built their own business, or have stepped straight into employment in clinics and rehabilitation centres. 
For massage graduates, the pathways include: 

• Working for yourself – $80-$120/hr 
• Employed - $30-$40/hr 
• Sub-contracting - 50% of session fee - $40-$60/hr 

For hydrotherapy graduates, the pathways include: 

• Working for yourself – $80-$100/ 30 min session 
• Employed - $30-$40/hr 

Dual graduates can operate in either model, some even choose to be employed in a clinic as a hydrotherapist due to the higher start-up costs, and run a mobile massage business.  

When you enrol by 18 October, 2026 you’ll get bonus complimentary access to our graduate practice accelerator – Three pre-recorded workshops and resources, designed to support you to take your skills in treatment and build your career and/or business around them. 

They include: 

• Building referral relationships with vets. How to earn trust and rapport with the professionals who direct care.
• Building client relationships. Supporting owners to follow through on home programs, and keeping clients returning for best results.
• Building your practice. Attracting new clients to your business.

“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

“I am delighted to have 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

The Canine Health & Wellbeing Academy is accredited by the Australian Canine Rehabilitation Association (ACRA), and is an approved education provider with the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB) and the Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT).

Their recognition means our graduates can apply for membership, access professional indemnity insurance, and meet the standards required to practise in countries where a regulatory framework exists.

NOTE: Legislation and professional requirements vary by country and, in the USA, by state. Please confirm what's required where you intend to practise before enrolling, including whether insurance is available to certified practitioners in your area. 

Currently we have graduates practising in Australia, Canada, UAE, Greece, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India, New Zealand, Singapore, Netherlands, Slovakia, South Africa, USA.

A 1:1 mentorship session with Michelle is a 60min virtual session that can be used for career and business start-up guidance, or for supervision on a complex case. If you pay in full for your certification, you’ll receive one complimentary session (valued at $1000), to be used within 6 months of graduating.

The program is self-paced, yet fully supported, so you can choose the pace that fits your life and goals. 

The study load for the massage certification is 75 hours of guided learning and approx. 150 hours of self-directed learning. Students that dedicate 5-7 hours a week typically graduate within 8-11 months.

The study load for the hydrotherapy certification is 80 hours of guided learning and approx. 160 hours of self-directed learning. Students that dedicate 5-7 hours a week typically graduate within 9-12 months.

For Dual qualifications, the first 11 modules are the same, so once they are completed, you move onto the Hydrotherapy and Massage therapy specific modules, saving both time and money, while improving your treatment range. The total study load is 115 hours of guided learning and approx. 230 hours of self-directed learning. Students that dedicate 5-7 hours a week typically graduate within 12-16 months.

You’ll have 18 months from the time of enrolment to complete your certification, so you can work through it at a pace that suits your life and goals.

To successfully complete the course and receive certification, students must:

• Complete and pass all module assignments
• Submit all required case study responses
• Attend the two-day in-person case-intensive workshop in Melbourne 
• Pass the final theory and practical assessments
• Have all course payments finalised and administration requirements completed

Certification is only issued once all academic, financial, and administrative obligations have been met in full. Our assessment process ensures that every graduate meets the high standards of safety, knowledge, and clinical integrity that CHWA is recognised for.

Note: Most modules must be completed before the in-person Melbourne workshop, with additional assessments required afterwards in order to graduate.

You don’t need a dog of your own, but you will need access to a dog for some assignments, the virtual workshops, and final practical assessment.

Having regular access to a dog throughout the course will also significantly enhance your hands-on confidence and skill development.

No. Everything you need is provided within the course materials. No specialist equipment is required to complete the course or the workshop.

Outside the cost of travel and accommodation for the Melbourne in-person workshop, everything you need is provided inside the course platform.

However, you may choose to supplement your learning with the Canine Anatomy App, and immersive 3D tool that enhances your understanding of anatomy. As a CHWA student, you can access this for $89USD per year.

Our team is here to help. Send your questions here and we’ll be in touch within 2 business days.