Association of Canine Water Therapy

Association of Canine Water Therapy

Dedicated to excellence in the development, growth and training of Canine Massage and Bodywork in Water.

Mission Statement:
The Association of Canine Water Therapy is a division of the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork and is dedicated to advancing the safe practices of canine water therapy through education, establishing industry standards and building a network of support.

About The ACWT
The ACWT was founded by Cindy Horsfall of La Paw Spa in 1995 and became part of the IAAMB in January, 2010.

The Association of Canine Water Therapy, ACWT, was very successful and growing with new members each month. Many of its members have asked about adding educational opportunities, an annual conference and insurance options – things that the IAAMB already has in place.

After completing an International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB) conference in Seattle, Jonathan Rudinger (founder of the IAAMB) and his wife Anastasia traveled to Sequim, Washington to spend two action packed days with Cindy Horsfall, founder of the Association of Canine Water Therapy (ACWT).

In January, 2010 the ACWT officially became part of the IAAMB.

The IAAMB / ACWT is dedicated to a world vision of universal acknowledgment, acceptance, appreciation, and value of the work and service our community provides. The combined organizations are committed to supporting your growth, professional development, and success.

The IAAMB / ACWT, International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork / Association of Canine Water Therapy is a unique network for this growing community of like-minded individuals.

Most of us have had to move mountains in our lives to get to where we are today and TOGETHER we can move mountains in this industry; setting standards of care, inspiring exceptional educational opportunities and becoming the best that we can be.

This is a relatively new industry. Most of the people who are drawn to this field of work are quite unique. Many have ventured outside the lines of normal and moved away from high tech jobs, secure paychecks and what appears to be common sense and have followed their hearts, souls and their dogs into this work.

This is a very exciting time to be involved in this industry. Pools, treadmills, and water based therapeutic options are springing up everywhere. The attention of the veterinarian profession is being attracted as veterinarians recognize the benefits of water therapy for their clients and for themselves as an additional revenue stream.

Clients can enjoy the canine water massage modality in various locations from backyard pools to professionally managed indoor pools. There are a number of valid variations of the work. The canine water massage industry is booming.

The ACWT defines a system of professional guidelines, standards, a specific body of knowledge and skills, and educational opportunities for practitioner training.

The ACWT is dedicated to the safe and effective practice of canine water therapy.

Our forums, both public and private, will be a place to interact, gain insights, share stories, ask questions and find answers.

ACWT ARTICLES

ACWT How To… For Dog Owners:

How to pick a therapist or pool

For ACWT Members:

Pool Basics

Click on the articles and questions below to learn more about the basics of pool and water care:

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Ask The Pool Guru (Karen Hunter)