Aimee Plumb, founder of the Cambridge Hydrotherapy Centre, collected her Animal Star ‘Canine Hydrotherapy Centre of the Year 2024’ award last week.
Based in Great Abington, Cambridge Hydrotherapy Centre offers pool-based rehabilitation services for dogs including “reactive dogs that are sensitive to humans, other dogs and just general life”.
Aimee became involved after her own dog got into difficulties.
“I got into hydrotherapy for my late dog, Stan,” she says. “Stan had an unfortunate fall which caused him to have a spinal cord stroke and he developed severe arthritis which made him very people and dog reactive. When this happened we found it really difficult to find a centre that would cater his needs and help make him feel comfortable in a scary environment.
“Due to this I decided to become a fear free professional to ensure I make every session as fearless as possible. Every reactive could should have the same opportunities as a regular dog.”
Aimee started running the centre - which was originally created in 2010 - in October 2022 after the then-owner retired. At that point she had already spent six years working with dogs in hydrotherapy and physiotherapy centres.
“During a working week I can treat between 20-30 clients with range of conditions from elbow and hip dysplasia to neurological issues to osteoarthritis,” she says. “I also have dogs that come just to keep their fitness in place or help with weight loss.”
Cambridge Hydrotherapy Centre won Animal Star’s ‘Canine Hydrotherapy Centre of the Year 2024’ award after being selected out of 700 Animal Star nominations and nine other finalists.
Aimee is fully qualified in the level 3 diploma of small animal hydrotherapy, has a diploma in canine myotherapy and is qualified as a fear-free professional. The first session lasts 45 minutes and is priced at £45.
“The first 15 minutes is us talking through your dogs history with a small gait analysis,” Aimee says. “Your dog will then be in the pool for around 20 minutes with 10 minutes at the end for a shampoo, shower, payment and rebook.”
The Animal Star Awards were created in 2016 to give recognition to animals and humans alike for the extraordinary things that they do for one another.
Cambridge Hydrotherapy Centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Full details here.
