Only professional members of the NZACH may display the tick. As professional members they must uphold the following quality standards:
- Professional members must have completed training in canine hydrotherapy at an accepted training facility (minimum equivalent ABC Level 3 Certification Canine hydrotherapy).
- Hold a qualification in canine first aid (qualified veterinary nurses and veterinarians are exempt).
- Have training in water quality. They must be able to provide records of water quality testing upon our request.
- Ensure any assistants are trained to the same/equivalent high standards.
- Ensure canine welfare is of primary consideration
- Never use a dog restraint pole, no multi-dog swimming and no toys retrieved from the water line during therapy sessions.
- All patients must wear suitable non restrictive harnesses during hydrotherapy unless clinical reasoning dictates not to. This is to ensure both safety for the patient during hydrotherapy and facilitates therapeutic handling techniques.
- Hydrotherapist must be in the pool or treadmill at all times if at all possible. This ensures safe and effective hydrotherapy treatment.
- Work under veterinary referral and liaise with veterinarians and other industry professionals where appropriate.
- Keep detailed records of treatment and progress.
- Complete 20 hours of CPD per annum.
- Comply with all relevant New Zealand health & safety regulations and relevant legislation.
- Premises and facilities must be maintained to the highest standards. Bi-annual audit to monitor this is upheld.
- Have public liability insurance.
- The NZACH committee governs our members and has a complaints procedure in place should you require this assistance. We are able to provide you with a copy of our complaints procedure upon request via our contact us page.