IRVAP Sub group
Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH)The ICH represents qualified professionals promoting excellence in the evolving practice of therapeutic canine hydrotherapy.
what we do
Raising the Industry Standard
Hydrotherapy is currently a non-regulated industry and the ICH sets the standards for professionalism and clinical proficiency in therapeutic canine hydrotherapy.
All our members are qualified professionals who annually pledge their commitment to the IRVAP Code of Practice.
The Board is directly accountable to the IRVAP Council and this unique checks and balances system is an IRVAP initiative to ensure best practice is consistently achieved by our members.
Board members include;
Leading training providers
ABC Awards selected hydrotherapy specialists
Educational experts
Qualified verifiers and moderators
L3 to L7 practising canine hydrotherapists
STAY UP TO DATE
ICH Resources
ICH REFRESHER COURSES
We foster a caring, friendly and interactive approach that is at the forefront of supporting professional services and career development in therapeutic canine hydrotherapy.
Our course approval board works closely with the IRVAP Council to support the CPD needs of canine therapists. We have a mentor programme and Open Office Hours with the ICH Chair.
friendly faces
Meet the Board

Barbara Houlding, IRVAP/ICH Chair
Canine veterinary physiotherapist, advanced canine hydrotherapist, ABC Awards hydrotherapy specialist for their hydrotherapy suite of qualifications.

Sue Hawkins, affiliate member
Hawksmoor Principal, approved training provider and original author of the ABC Awards Level 3 certificate in hydrotherapy for small animals.

Susanne Pender mirvap(VP)(ICH)
Past Chair of IRVAP, canine veterinary physiotherapist, advanced hydrotherapist and Chartered physiotherapist. IRVAP insurance coordinator.

Terry Chapman, CPD auditor /course approval
Qualified teacher and External Verifier for canine hydrotherapy.

Leanne Mullane, affiliate member
ABC Awards hydrotherapy specialist for their hydrotherapy suite of qualifications, RVN.

Sarah Ward
Canine veterinary physiotherapist, advanced canine hydrotherapist, RVN. IRVAP Members Space Manager and Infection Control Advisor.
Co-opted members
Co-opted members assist and work closely with the IRVAP Council.

Ann Johnson, COURSE APPROVAL
Approved training provider, qualified teacher, canine hydrotherapist.

Carly Nairn, IRVAP CPD COLLATOR
Hydrotherapist, L3 CertCanineHydro holder, RVN.
The ICH has a specific admissions policy as part of its rigorous accredited registration process.
IRVAP is recognised by all the major insurance companies as is the ICH. We have been informed that Petplan paperwork will be updated in 2021, with all departments being clearly briefed about the ICH being one of their accepted associations.
Get Involved
Join our friendly community of professionals with a shared vision of delivering best practice and supporting each other along their animal therapy career journey.
CONTACT
ICH enquiries irvapchair@irvap.org.uk
IEH & Website enquiries: webmaster@irvap.org.uk
Membership enquiries: membership@irvap.org.uk