Massage Therapy Goes To The Dogs And Even The Livestock
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The number of people working as animal massage therapists is on the rise and many are attributing this to the growing trend of pet pampering that is sweeping through North America. Pet spas are opening in numerous cities, people are buying designer clothes for their dogs and Americans are spending up to $38 billion a year on their pets, up from the approximate $28 billion that was spent on pets in 2001. However, animal massage isn't just for pampered purse dogs and lap cats, trained massage therapists are also using their techniques on horses, livestock and even exotic animals.
Aside from enjoying its relaxing properties, animals can benefit from massage if they are suffering from a chronic ailment such as arthritis or recovering from a surgery. It can also help improve the performance of animals such as dogs or horses that take part in agility competitions.
Even if everyone in your family claims you give the best neck rubs, be sure to seek some formal training before applying those hands to the family pets. Experts warn that an incorrect massage can cause an animal serious injury. As well, you should consult your veterinarian before giving your pets any massage therapy to ensure it's an appropriate treatment for their condition.
Those who seek certification as an animal massage therapist usually do so because they want to find a new way to bond with their own pets or start a new career in the animal industry. Many animal massage therapists started out working with humans first, and in fact, a number of animal massage training programs require several years of work in human massage as a prerequisite. Animal trainers and groomers often obtain certification in massage to enhance the work they are already doing. Certified animal massage therapists often work in veterinary offices, pet stores, grooming salons, agility clubs, and other animal organizations. Many also choose to pass on their knowledge by teaching animal massage to pet owners, breeders and handlers.
Currently there aren't any standard rules governing the animal massage industry in North America, but the first stop for anyone who is seriously considering it as a career should be a visit to the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork website (www.iaamb.org). The IAAMB is working to develop national criteria for animal massage and a standardized certification test. For now, their website can provide prospective students with information on the current requirements in their area and offers links to all its member schools.
Animal massage is taught through classroom study, books, DVDs, and even distance learning. It's recommended that students choose a training program that provides an opportunity for hands-on learning because students need to work one-on-one with animals in order to understand how much pressure to apply when massaging and to learn how to read the animal's body language to determine if the massage is having its intended results. During this hands-on work an instructor should be available to observe and correct any mistakes in technique.