Animal hydrotherapist
Also known as: veterinary hydrotherapist, animal hydrotherapists
About this occupation
Animal hydrotherapists provide a therapeutic treatment following veterinary diagnosis or referral. They concentrate on use of water-resistance to treat conditions, assist post-operative recovery, give pre-operative exercises and enhance general fitness in accordance with national legislation.
A specialisation of animal therapist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- manage animal hygiene
- animal behaviour
- assess the animal’s rehabilitation requirements
- manage animal welfare
- monitor the welfare of animals
- protect health and safety when handling animals
- apply safe work practices in a veterinary setting
- animal welfare
- handle veterinary emergencies
- prepare animal therapy equipment
- environmental enrichment for animals
- manage personal professional development
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Physical Therapist Assistants (O*NET 31-2021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
- Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
- Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
- Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension, Writing
US median pay: US$68,380 a year (2025), 112,430 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Respiratory Therapists
- Recreational Therapists
- Radiation Therapists
- Psychiatric Aides
- Medical Assistants
- Surgical Assistants
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.