Canine massage?

[Muse to my Ears]

I love massage and I love massaging my pets but I haven't even seen any ads for canine (and few for equine) massage here in Dallas,TX. I know I could get business but who actually does this? The ads I saw were for boarding kennels. Why get certified? And Equine massage, it would seem to me, that the big money would be massaging race horses. t069

 

[Nostromo]

I chose undecided, and my humble opinion on the matter is this:

If you have not gone to school for human massage, then certification is a good option. Most of these "certification" programs have been started by massage therapists - like you and I, who also have a burning passion for the welfare of animals - and have branched out to include marketing to massage therapists (who may be interested in changing or adding to their practice). Unfortunately, there is something amiss, a big something (speaking from direct experience).

Much of the program focus is on massage theory & a variety of techniques, based on the human body. Well, frankly, we've all been there and done that. There are very few programs out there with the prerequisite of being a human massage therapist to enroll.

In the future, as the profession of animal massage continues to grow, certification from some of these programs may hold legal standing. This is the only reason I chose undecided. A massage therapist (with knowledge of animal behavior) can learn as much, if not more, on their own...there is a lot to be said for being self-taught. There are many classes available through colleges, and there are many animal shelters and rescue organizations to donate time and gain hands-on experience.

I carry coverage with ABMP for animal work. In order to receive coverage, I needed to provide proof of certification. Check out another great thread regarding animal massage ethics & law: http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3028

I am currently enrolled in a professional equine acupressure practitioner program (boy, that's a mouthful!). I'm looking at probably 1.5 - 2 yrs to complete it, on a part-time basis. Part of this program is online (maybe half) the other half I'll have to travel throughout the country to get in the hands-on portion. They are based out of Colorado, maybe I'll be going there...whoohoo! I chose this course because of their excellent reputation, and also because it is not a repeat of an education that I've already had. Certification is not cheap!

In regard to equine massage, I don't work with race horses but there are therapists whose appointment books are filled up with horses only...yes, I believe they would be elite race or show.

Hope my little schpeel (sp?) was helpful to you. Good luck in your animal adventures!

 

[yellowradar]

My only problem with it is that no one "seems" to be doing it....and I don't see it advertised. So either it's wide open (which is good if you love animals), or it's basically dead for the moment. I hope it catches on and i'll probably take a course.

 

[Taylor]

My only problem with it is that no one "seems" to be doing it....and I don't see it advertised. So either it's wide open (which is good if you love animals), or it's basically dead for the moment. I hope it catches on and i'll probably take a course.

Where are you looking for it to be advertised, and what makes you think it isn't being practiced in your area?

From my experience, animal massage isn't advertised in the typical way. A lot of practitioners list themselves on websites that are directories for alternative pet therapy, professional animal massage organizations, and other pet-related sites...they also put their business cards in pet gear & food stores, dog parks, kennels, barns & stables, pet day care & spas, grooming buisnesses, obedience training facilities, chiropractic clinics, vet hospitals, feed & tack stores, and health food stores. Some connect up with pet sitters. Word of mouth is very common for horse people.

Some set booths or tables up at agility trials, pet expos, animal-related or sponsered events, and horse shows...and get much of their busines that way without ever "advertising" ...so, if you don't frequent these kinds of activities you may not know their business exists. There are many animal massage practitioners out there...a lot more than people realize.

Walk into some of the favorite local animal-related shops in your area and start asking questions...I bet you'll find out who is practicing locally.

There are a few Texas practitioners listed here:
at AMTIL: http://www.amtil.com/therapistmods.htm#1
at IAAMB: http://www.iaamb.org/Members.htm
TTouch: http://www.tellingtonttouch.com/practitioners.shtml#TEXAS

 

[Kamal]

I chose Yes probably due to liability needs.

It would be a good thing to have to show that You have had the training and are certified to do such work. My 2cents

Sincerely,
CaringHandsMss

 

[Keyring]

Have to agree

Hello!
This is my first post since over a year ago (I think). Have heard there is some tweaking being done to the degree of control moderators have here and see that a moderator or two have left that I, for one, am thankful about. Thus, I am back to what is hopefully a better and less controlled MassagePlanet. Not so sure I'll be remembered but that doesn't matter.

Now, on to the topic at hand, having recently started a pet-sitting/boarding business and it taking off so successfuly, I would love to incorporate my love for animals with my love for massage. I have written to my state's massage therapy regulation committee that they please allow my taking of the petmassage home study course to qualify for the 12 hours of CEU's I need to renew my state license. Haven't heard back yet.
I strongly feel that one shouldn't charge a pet owner to practice canine massage on their animal without being certified in canine massage specifically. So I'm trying to get certified and re-new my license at the same time. I have no idea how many other states consider canine massage or pet massage as approved CEU massage for practicing therapists.
I agree that this is generally an untapped market. While I have heard of equine massage now and then, I never hear of canine massage. However, dogs do just as much for humans (service-wise) as horses do and so I'm a bit surprised that more isn't seen/heard/read about canine massage.

At any rate, I just wanted to say I empathize with the initiator of this post and hope I can get certified and expand my business services. Hopefully, as more of us get certified in this industry, we'll help spread the word on it and it will become more pup-ular! 8)

Be well,
Jen

 

[Sean L]

well, I heard back from the state massage board and unfortunately, they don't consider a home study course (even though it's been considered worth 25 CEU's by ABMP and AMTA) to be a valid CEU course to take when attempting to renew my license.
They consider it an "independent study" class and thus figuring there is no way to validate that I studied and took the required exam to achieve my canine massage certificate. Even though there is an actual exam I have to pass. I'm not sure why they don't see that as proof.
I'm debating on whether or not to talk with someone via phone to appeal this decision rather than just accept a very short email response from them.

 

[Voudu]

Even though there is an actual exam I have to pass. I'm not sure why they don't see that as proof.
I'm debating on whether or not to talk with someone via phone to appeal this decision rather than just accept a very short email response from them.

I think it is more of a legalities issue...as to whether or not canine massage is legal, or perceived to be in our scope of practice, therefore not recognizing/acknowledging the certification you're seeking. Usually the definition that the Board of Massage/or massage profession regulating body gives to massage therapy is that of "human tissue" and does not directly address animals.

You may find (if you decide to pursue the matter further w/your massage board) that your state Vet Board had a hand in the "stock" answer email response you received.

According to the IAAMB "Animal Massage Laws By State" list, animal massage is allowed in Texas...with no other explanation of restrictions or required animal hours, etc. Maybe this info will help you in getting the TX state licensure renewal ce credit you're looking for. Also, maybe bring their attention to the states that do recognize animal massage, for footsteps to follow (Washington is one).

Good luck!

 

[AutumnWynd777]

I am in North Carolina and I am gettng ready to graduate from school on July,21. I will then be off to take the national Board Test. I am very interested in canine massage. I would truly love to get certified after I get my licsense in hand. My question is where would I even start on this? I live in a small town and have not heard of anyone around offering this. I am fine with that ,the way I see it why not be the first. I love dogs and all aniamls for that matter,but would like to concentrate on the canines for the time being. I would greatly appreciate any help or links,just some direction as the best places to begin my search. I would like to also know once I am certified even though it may not be regonized by the board, can I advertise/promote my self as offering this service ?

Thanks for all the help, Renee


I didn't change anything,but would like to add that if it is any help I plan to do this in Tennesse. I looked at an older thread that said as of 2003 that there was not currently any laws for animal massage in place at that time.

 

[thinkaboutit24]

Got More Information about Canine Massage in Texas

well...I found out recently that I can legally charge to provide canine massage; however, until I get some sort of training, take a class or something, I don't feel comfortable charging $ for it. There is one coming up later on this month and another class in November...I'm in the process of starting up another business so I don't have time to take it this month. I hope to do it in November.
I'm glad I can proceed with this...happy endings do happen.

 

[Michelle B]

Got More Information about Canine Massage in Texas

happy endings do happen.

Yeah baby!!

When can I get an appointment for my hairy dog?

 

[Pompal 09.]

This is an older thread, but I wanted to participate anyway! I voted 'yes', that it is worth getting certified for.

We found out AFTER my dh took an ESMT course that the state we lived in was 'vet only', so we moved to Texas (where it was, at best, allowed, but 'gray'). That was in 2005.

Dh spent most of 2006 and 2007 getting licensed for people and working on building that end of the business, so we didn't worry too much about it. I recently started researching getting back into the equine field, and have learned that Texas is now a 'go'. I don't think they changed anything, so much as clarified their position- which makes things much easier for us!

After spending all that time and effort (he went to Don Doran's course in Florida, which, while 'only ten days', did amount to a LOT of effort, and dh declared that he learned at least as much from Don as he did from the 'people' school he went to for the 300-hours!), that piece of paper hanging up on the wall really means something to him (well, to both of us, but I will have to earn my own copy of it, which I hope to do sometime in the next few years).

After fretting for two years that all he learned about the horses might end up not being 'worth' anything in the eyes of our adopted state, we say, heckyea, if the state would give us the opportunity to prove what he knows, we'll jump on it!

 

[Deleted member 79383]

What if my dog wants a HE?
Sorry....couldn't resist!!.. lol