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an animal osteopath


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help animals
holistically


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STUDY WITH
leading experts


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Meet London College of Animal Osteopathy course instructor Maria Rondon for Canine Anatomy, Canine Pathology and Diseases

Join a global community of LCAO students.
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Welcome to
London College of Animal Osteopathy

LCAO is a globally recognized institution, renowned for its expertise in animal osteopathic education. The college provides high-quality training to veterinary and animal care professionals, as well as osteopaths and musculoskeletal therapists who want to expand their skills to include osteopathic care for animals.

LCAO programs have been endorsed by Osteopathy Australia (OA) and Osteopaths New Zealand. They are also approved for continuing professional development credits by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork / Association of Canine Water Therapy (IAAMB/ACWT), and Equine Therapies Association of Australia (ETAA). Furthermore, our programs in canine, equine, and animal osteopathy have received accreditation from UK Rural Skills and are considered equivalent to level 5 on the National Quality Forum (NQF).

LCAO students and alumni have the opportunity to receive a free membership to
Animal Osteopathy Worldwide (AOW), which is a professional organization that unites animal health practitioners from various corners of the globe.


Join our global community of LCAO students. Find your flag on the map!

Welcome to
London College of Animal Osteopathy

LCAO is an institution recognized worldwide for its expertise in animal osteopathy education. It provides high-quality training to veterinary and animal care professionals, as well as osteopaths and musculoskeletal therapists who want to expand their skills to include osteopathic care for animals.

LCAO programs have been endorsed by Osteopathy Australia (OA) and Osteopaths New Zealand. They are also approved for continuing professional development credits by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork / Association of Canine Water Therapy (IAAMB/ACWT), and Equine Therapies Association of Australia (ETAA). Furthermore, our programs in canine, equine, and animal osteopathy have received accreditation from UK Rural Skills and are considered equivalent to level 5 on the National Quality Forum (NQF).

LCAO students and alumni have the opportunity to receive a free membership to
Animal Osteopathy Worldwide (AOW), which is a professional organization that unites animal health practitioners from various corners of the globe.

Welcome to
London College of Animal Osteopathy

As a global leader in animal osteopathic education, LCAO provides the highest level of training to veterinary and osteopathic communities as well as advanced musculoskeletal professionals seeking qualification in animal osteopathy.

LCAO programs are the result of a successful collaboration between renowned animal osteopaths and veterinarians. All training courses and programs are validated by Animal Osteopaths Worldwide (AOW) and are internally accredited by London College of Osteopathy and Health Sciences (LCO).
Meet Maria Rondon, London College of Animal Osteopathy course instructor for Canine Anatomy and Canine Pathology and Diseases.

Learning Options with LCAO

The International Diploma in Animal Osteopathy leads to the qualification of Animal Osteopath and includes both equine and canine training curriculums. You may choose to pursue either stream separately, earning an International Diploma in Equine or Canine Osteopathy.

The LCAO programs offer a flexible online learning format, giving you the freedom to enroll and study from anywhere in the world at your own pace. Once you graduate, you'll have the opportunity to join a Masterclass for hands-on clinical training held annually in various countries.

London College of Animal Osteopathy teaches gentle osteopathic techniques for canines and equines. Graduates of the Diploma in Animal Osteopathy program are able to evaluate, manage and treat animal patients in an osteopathy-based clinical practice.

Learning Options with LCAO

The International Diploma in Animal Osteopathy leads to the qualification of Animal Osteopath and includes both equine and canine training curriculums. You may choose to pursue either stream separately, earning an International Diploma in Equine or Canine Osteopathy.

The LCAO programs offer a flexible online learning format, giving you the freedom to enroll and study from anywhere in the world at your own pace. Once you graduate, you'll have the opportunity to join a Masterclass for hands-on clinical training held annually in various countries.

Prof. Stuart McGregor , considered by many to be one of the founders of modern animal osteopathy is the Head Instructor for London College of Animal Osteopathy, a leading institute for studies in canine and equine osteopathy.

Educational Pathways

We offer a wide variety of online educational programs suitable for both experienced animal professionals and those looking to expand their knowledge.
The Diploma in Animal Osteopathy (Canine Stream) is taught by Prof. Stuart McGregor, one of the word's foremost animal osteopaths.
Developed and taught by Prof. Stuart McGregor, DO, AO,
a leading global authority in animal osteopathy.
Graduates of London College of Animal lOsteopathy learn how to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions in dogs and provide an effective osteopathic treatment.
Learn how to perform a clinical assessment, arrive to a rational osteopathic diagnosis, and provide an effective osteopathic treatment.
Learn how to perform a clinical assessment, arrive to a rational osteopathic diagnosis, and provide an effective osteopathic treatment.

International
Diploma in Animal Osteopathy

Equine and Canine streams

Career Path
Animal Osteopath
Duration of study
1790 hours
Start date
Rolling admission
Delivery format
Online
Learning format
Self-paced
Learn more
The Diploma in Animal Osteopathy (Canine Stream) is taught by Prof. Stuart McGregor, one of the word's foremost animal osteopaths.
Developed and taught by Prof. Stuart McGregor, DO,
a leading global authority on animal osteopathy.
Graduates of London College of Animal lOsteopathy learn how to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions in dogs and provide an effective osteopathic treatment.
Learn how to perform a clinical assessment,
arrive to a rational diagnosis, and provide an effective osteopathic treatment.
Learn how to perform a clinical assessment, arrive to a rational osteopathic diagnosis, and provide an effective osteopathic treatment.

International
Diploma in Animal Osteopathy

Equine and Canine streams
Career Path
Animal Osteopath
Duration of study
1790 hrs
Start date
Rolling admission
Delivery format
Online
Learning format
Self-paced
Learn more

Professional Development Programs and Courses

Packages of courses designed to help you expand your skills in a focused way.

Certificate Programs

London College of Animal Osteopathy's programs are geared towards veterinarians, osteopaths, physiotherapists, dog trainers and other animal professionals seeking top quality training at a leading institute for canine and equine osteopathy.

Diploma in Animal Osteopathy

This program encompasses both Equine and Canine streams. Students learn how to perform a physical assessment, identify problem areas and develop skills in osteopathic manipulation. You will gain confidence in the diagnosis of dysfunction which enables treatment to be precisely targeted. As a graduate of LCAO’s diploma program, you will:
  • Advance your understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics.
  • Become familiar with orthopedic conditions commonly encountered in practice.
  • Understand osteopathic philosophy and principles.
  • Be able to perform a physical assessment.
  • Be able to perform the effective osteopathic treatment.
  • Be able to provide advice on post-treatment rest, stretches and exercises that the owner can do with their animal.
LEARN MORE

Certificate Programs

Associate Certificate in Equine Osteopathy

Just like people, horses suffer from injuries due to accidents and advanced age. In this study you will learn how to realign and balance the animal’s musculoskeletal system, restoring health, improving performance. By conducting a thorough physical examination, you will be able to identify the cause of the problem and perform the necessary adjustment using the osteopathic approach.
EXPLORE EQUINE

Associate Certificate in Canine Osteopathy

Upon completion of the study, you will be able to provide osteopathic care to canines of all breeds and ages. You will learn how to help dogs avoid injury, speed up recovery and improve conditioning and performance. Training covers the key elements of anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics and the application of osteopathic principles and techniques.
EXPLORE CANINE

Featured Certificate Courses

Want to see the full list of our courses? View Full Courses Overview →

Meet your world-class instructors

Prof. Stuart McGregor, DO

Animal Osteopath, UK
LCAO Director of Clinical Studies

Stuart is acknowledged as a leading world expert in the field of animal osteopathy. Having graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 1984, he holds 39 years of practical and teaching experience. Prof. McGregor has trained the majority of animal osteopaths working in the UK and many other countries around the world today.

Rachel Pechek, OMT

Animal Osteopath, Canada
Int´l DipAO, LCAO Head Instructor


Rachel is Head Instructor at  London College of Animal Osteopathy, who runs a busy osteopathic practice in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Rachel has a Medical Science degree and a Master's Certificate in Osteopathy. Her professional interest lies in comprehending and researching the intricacies of animal anatomy and biomechanics.

Vickie Keam, OMT

M.Sc.O, Animal Osteopath
Southern Alberta, Canada
LCAO Course Contributor

Vickie provides osteopathic care to equestrian centers and farms in Alberta, Canada and Montana, USA. Having studied internationally for over a decade, Vickie has earned multiple certifications including a Diploma in Equine Osteotherapy, Master's in Manual Osteopathy, Craniosacral Therapy Levels 1 & 2, and Animal Normalization Technique certificates. 

Rita Shpilt

BSc., MBA, RMT, OMT
LCAO CEO & President

As president of London College of Animal Osteopathy (LCAO), Rita Shpilt leads a faculty of talented professionals passionate about helping animals holistically.  Rita is dedicated to promoting animal osteopathy through high-quality educational products available worldwide.

Maria Rondon

Veterinary Postgraduate Studies, Mexico
LCAO Teaching Assistant and Course Contributor

With a considerable academic background in veterinary anatomy, physiology and pathology, Maria has channeled her knowledge to online teaching in English and Spanish. She is a skilled course curator and lecturer currently pursuing her veterinary career in Mexico City.

Rachel Mahoney, DO

Osteopath,
Animal Osteopath, Australia

Rachel is the owner of The Dog Osteo, which is situated in NSW, Australia. She provides treatment to a diverse range of dogs, including many Australian Champion Show and Sporting Dogs. Rachel works closely with veterinarians, breeders, and dog trainers. Since 2022, she has been an LCAO Masterclass Instructor, sharing her extensive knowledge in the osteopathic treatment and rehabilitation of dogs with students all over the world.

Hannah Sheehan, DO

BSc (Hons)Ost.PG Cert ACE
United Kingdom

Hannah is an accomplished animal osteopath based in Oxfordshire, UK, who specializes in treating both small and large animals. She works closely with veterinarians and manages pre-operative diagnosis and post-operative rehabilitation. Her passion for anatomy and biomechanics is evident in her teaching, which she has been doing for 25 years alongside Stuart McGregor, both in the UK and abroad. In 2022, she joined the LCAO team as a Masterclass instructor for canine and equine osteopathy.

Jim Hurden, DO

Osteopath, Animal Osteopath, United Kingdom

Jim´s impressive client list includes internationally competing agility dogs, five-star event horses, pedigree show bulls, and many other species. To ensure his patients receive the best possible care, Jim collaborates with consultant farriers, behaviorists, veterinary surgeons, saddle fitters, trainers, and other bodywork professionals. Since 2023, Jim has been teaching LCAO masterclasses all around the world.

What our students say...

Dr. K. Jánosi, Hungary
Veterinarian
Graduate PG DipEO program

"I really enjoyed being a student here at the LCAO, it gave me so much more, than I was looking for when I started the course! Great experiences, fantastic instructors and a supporting community! Thank you all "

Erin Clark, USA
Horse trainer, bodyworker
Student Int´I DipAO program

"I’m enrolled in both canine and equine streams and have found the curriculum and materials exemplary. I’m learning a lot in the preclinical and can’t wait to begin clinicals and attend a Masterclass. The self-paced format works wonderfully with my learning style and my schedule. The curriculum is really challenging and interesting."

Danielle G. UK
Osteopath
Graduate PG DipEO program

"Stuart McGregor has given me all the tools I needed to go out and effectively assess and treat animals. The long lever articulation and mobilization techniques taught by Stuart allow for animals to receive effective treatment. Animals respond fantastically to this form of treatment as it can be done in less time and is less invasive, making it an effective form of treatment for animals. The long lever technique is the basis of most of my treatments today!"

Animal Osteopath.
A career or a calling?

The best professionals view their work as a calling rather than a job.  We are here to welcome you to a global community of LCAO students if you...

feel a personal and emotional connection with animals;

believe in the holistic principles of osteopathy;

are committed to respecting the individual needs of each animal patient.

Register now and get a 10% discount on any single course

Thank you! Use promocode OSTEO2021
Vallid for the purchase of any single course.

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Key Features

Multi-format educational content

Instructor-led classes

Study from anywhere in the world.

Student Forum

Affordable pricing and payment plans

Lifetime access  

Affordable pricing and payment plans

0% interest payment plans

FAQ

LCAO equips qualified students with the knowledge and skills to examine, evaluate, and treat canines of all ages and breeds.

You will deepen your understanding of systemic and functional anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics as well as the philosophy and principles of osteopathy as applied to animal health care.

You will learn behaviour, psychology and interactions of animals, their working and/or living environment and the implications this may have on their physical and emotional health.

LCAO Programs are intended for

  • Veterinarians
  • Registered Osteopaths
  • Licensed Healthcare Professionals (chiropractors, massage therapists, physiotherapists)
  • Licensed Animal Health Professionals (vet techs, vet nurses, vet assistants)
  • Mature students with 10+ years of work experience (trainers, breeders, kennel staff, yard managers)