My Ethos: Advancing the Standard of Canine Care
The K9 Therapy Hub was built on a single, unwavering commitment: to share clinical skills supported by sound science. Together, we can optimise the dog's functional ability, natural balanced movement and wellbeing. I believe in a positive therapeutic partnership, gaining every dog's consent and trust so they work actively alongside you, their therapist.
Meet Barbara Houlding
With 44 years in clinical practice, my career began as a physiotherapist in the NHS and then in private practice. I completed my MSc at the Royal Veterinary College in 2002. My focus has been on mentoring fellow therapists with high-quality CPD and practical clinical training, to support thriving, sustainable practices.
- First UK Accredited Clinical Educator (ACE) in Veterinary Physiotherapy, awarded by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
- CHA Award for Outstanding Services to UK Hydrotherapy (2017)
- IRVAP Award for Excellence in Education and Mentorship (2025)
- Past Chair of IRVAP (Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists)
- Founder and Past Chair of ICH (Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists)
A Lifetime of Clinical Excellence
Dovetailing clinical specialism alongside postgraduate education, curriculum writing, examining and verification roles, driving higher standards as a leading UK stakeholder in canine physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.
Chartered Physiotherapist
Extensive clinical practice across the NHS and private practice, specialising in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, neurological, paediatric, hydrotherapy and geriatric care, alongside mentoring clinical staff and delivering university training for graduate physiotherapists.
Pioneering Canine Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy
Beginning animal therapy training in 1995 alongside human private practice. In an industry then focused almost entirely on equine care, pioneering and introducing canine physiotherapy and clinical hydrotherapy in the UK and internationally.
MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy
Graduating from the world's first MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), London. Already an established canine practitioner and lecturer who authored, delivered and assessed the canine component of ACPAT's Core Knowledge and Skills course. This was the verified route at the time to gain professional status as a recognised animal therapist, open exclusively to chartered physiotherapists.
Senior Lecturer, Clinical Educator and Examiner (RVC)
Achieved Accredited Clinical Educator (ACE) status at the University of Hertfordshire, serving as senior canine lecturer, clinical educator and assistant examiner on the RVC Masters programme, alongside rewriting the canine clinical education manual. In 2007, established K9HS Courses in Suffolk to provide clinical training and placements for RVC postgraduate veterinary physiotherapy students.
Founder and Principal, K9HS Courses
Originally founded as K9 Hydro Services, establishing a specialist clinical team delivering patient care, CPD events and university satellite placements for clinical hydrotherapy. Evolving into an international training centre, invited as a guest speaker across UK conferences and lecturing internationally in New Zealand, Asia and Europe, alongside delivering online programmes for postgraduate therapists worldwide. Expanding during Covid to provide global free resources and an extensive accredited CPD library, directly evolving into the K9 Therapy Hub.
Co-Course Director, Nottingham Vet School
Appointed Co-Course Director at the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, authoring, delivering and examining the postgraduate certificate (PgCert Level 7) in Small Animal Rehabilitation Therapy. Provided clinical education at K9HS Courses, alongside designing and standardising rigorous practical assessment frameworks through Objective Structured Clinical and Practical Examinations (OSCEs and OSPEs).
National Recognition and Awards
Honoured with the CHA Award for Outstanding Services to UK Hydrotherapy (2017) and the IRVAP Award for Excellence in Education and Mentorship (2025), celebrating over four decades advancing canine therapy and supporting the therapists who deliver it.
Published Articles
Sharing clinical expertise and peer-reviewed research across the veterinary community.
-
Canine Specific Physiotherapy Practice
Dog Edition; Issue 84, October 2025, p58-62
-
The role of integrative practice to include hydrotherapy and veterinary physiotherapy for senior dogs
Animal Therapy Magazine; Issue 4, Spring 2016, p4-7
-
Canine Hydrotherapy: where are we now?
VetRecord; Volume 168, Issue 15, April 2011, p405-406
Our Core Philosophy
Consent and Trust
Working in respectful partnership with each dog to ensure active, confident participation.
Sound Science
Clinical practice underpinned by current research, evidence-based reasoning and objective outcomes.
Fostering
Supporting clinical curiosity and professionalism for ongoing excellence and therapist wellbeing.
Voices of Success
Ready to Advance Your Practice?
Join the K9 Therapy Hub today and access a wealth of clinical knowledge, community support and professional resources.