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May/June 2005 Alternative Health
A Look at the Exciting World of Animal Massage

by Lola Michelin

In recent years, animal owners have sought new ways to provide longer, healthier lives for their companions. At the same time, many individuals are exploring new career options that are more personally fulfilling and impact the natural community. Let’s look at how animal massage can satisfy the needs of both.

Animals enjoy the same benefits from massage as people, although the application must be designed to complement the animal’s anatomy and behavior.

Examples of animal modalities include acupressure, shiatsu, myofascial release and lymphatic drainage. Sports massage is popular with show animals. Geriatric or post-surgical cases benefit from rehabilitative massage. Relaxation massage and energetic modalities help rescued animals adapt to new homes and nervous animals find peace.

Practitioners of animal massage enjoy a flexible career that is both creative and lucrative. Some practitioners focus on a full-time animal practice, while others split time between the animals and other commitments. One successful practitioner who also provides massage for people specializes in massage for persons with disabilities and their service dogs. Another uses massage as a tool to strengthen his skills in working with horses as a riding trainer.

Massaging animals teaches us about alternate communication styles, enhances our sensitivity and can be a calming experience for the giver. Research shows that time spent touching animals reduced blood pressure and stress in people.

In over eighteen years of practice, I have witnessed firsthand the growth of the animal massage industry. In the early days of animal massage, clientele were mostly racehorses, top show animals or "lay-up" cases sidelined by injury. At that time, animal massage schools were virtually nonexistent. The few therapists doing massage also worked as veterinarian technicians, studied human massage or apprenticed with other professionals.

Today, the picture has changed. Professional training is available for interested individuals. The client base has expanded from million-dollar racehorses to the dog next door. In the December 2003 issue of Entrepreneur magazine, upscale pet care services were cited as one the hottest business ideas for 2004.

In response to growing demand, some states adopted standards of practice to ensure quality and provide professional recognition for practitioners. In 2001, the Washington State legislature created an Animal Massage Practitioner designation, administered by the WA State Board of Massage. Washington pioneered the effort to define animal massage as a professional practice independent of veterinarian practice, allowing qualified practitioners to practice without referral or supervision.

Several other states have adopted laws as well or are considering bills to qualify animal massage as a recognized career. Some states have restricted animal massage to the veterinary practice act, allowing only those with a veterinary license to provide massage. One thing is for sure, animal massage is getting more and more recognition around the country and around the globe.

When choosing a program of study, be certain that a program meets state requirements and will provide proof in writing. Practitioners have been denied state endorsement in the past because their program of study did not meet requirements or would not provide documentation of the specific hours of training.

Other factors are important when choosing a program of study. A course located at a farm or kennel will provide daily contact with animals. Instructors should be practicing professionals who have current insight into the profession. Curricula that include guest speakers such as veterinarians and field trips enhance your learning experience.

Lola Michelin has practiced animal massage for over 18 years and founded the Northwest School of Animal Massage in 2001. The school offers small and large animal massage training through both distance-learning and classroom-based courses at several locations. The school provides training with top instructors and superior facilities in multiple locations. To learn more, contact the Northwest School of Animal Massage at www.nwsam.com or at 877-836-3703.