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.  

Most of our 600+ 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

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 felt abstract starts to click into place. The live Q&A sessions, personalised assignment feedback, and support team are there specifically for the moments when something feels hard.

"I was worried about learning and remembering the science part of the study — which later disappeared once we started learning the more practical modules. It all came into place then. This is the most extensive and up-to-date content. It is well paced and a supportive learning environment."
Cassandre, Certified Canine Hydrotherapist

"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

This is the right question to ask, and one Michelle designed the entire course structure to answer. With years of experience in teaching these programs, Michelle has designed unique and innovative teaching methods to ensure you get an optimal user experience.

The course isn't just online modules. It includes two live virtual workshops where you practise hands-on techniques with your own dog in real time, personalised video assignment feedback on your practical work, and a two-day in-person case intensive in Melbourne where you work through real cases under direct expert supervision before you graduate.

"This course was so valuable for bringing together the theory and practical — especially with such a variety of canine models. The course platform was easy to navigate, the support was exceptional, and the Q&A sessions were an amazing opportunity to learn directly from Michelle."
Angela P, Dual Qualified Canine Hydro & Massage Therapist

"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

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 rehabilitation therapies that support recovery and enhance long-term mobility and quality of life.

Many of our graduates have built their own business, charging $85-$120 per session, with established practitioners earning $70-$120K per year. Others have stepped straight into employment in clinics and rehabilitation centres. 

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

To qualify with a single certification by the end of 2026 we recommend setting aside 8-10 hours each week May to October to work through the modules. 

In addition to this, you’ll also need to: 

• Attend 2 x 2hr live virtual workshops (July and August 2026)
• Attend the 2 day in person workshops in Melbourne in October
• Complete your final assessments in November (approx 5 hours required) 

If graduating by the end of the year is not a priority for you, you’ll have until 31st October 2027 to complete your certification. 

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.

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

• Complete and pass all module assignments
• Submit all required case study responses
• Pass the final theory and practical assessments
• Complete the workshop components 
• 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: Some modules must be completed before the workshop, with additional assessments required afterwards in order to graduate.

We schedule 3 workshop dates per calendar year. 

Currently confirmed for October, 2026: 

📍 Hydrotherapy:  4-5 October, Dogs in Motion Clinic, Melbourne
📍 Massage: 8-9 October, 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.

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.
 

Still not sure? Book a complimentary call with one of our team  and we’ll help you work out the best next step based on your current priorities.

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.

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

As the peak bodies within this industry, our certifications meet the rigorous standards that are recognised across multiple countries, enabling our successful graduates to apply for membership and access professional indemnity insurance and other member-benefits.

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.

Travel and accommodation for the Melbourne in-person workshop is at the student's own cost

Our team is here to help. Book a complimentary call. Or email us at: support@caninehealthacademy.com