Frequently Asked Questions

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Animal Massage, also known as pet massage, equine massage or animal bodywork is a therapeutic practice that involves applying manual techniques to the muscles and soft tissues of animals. It is similar to human massage therapy but is specifically tailored for animals. Animal massage is primarily performed by trained professionals known as animal massage therapists or practitioners. Animal Bodyworkers employ a variety of tools and techniques, including massage, to provide comfort to the animal. Bodyworkers may combine massage with acupressure, energy work, kinesiology taping, therapeutic light therapy or other mechanical therapies where allowed.

Here are some key points about Animal Massage:

1. Purpose: Animal Massage aims to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, enhance circulation, improve flexibility and range of motion, and support overall well-being in animals. It can be beneficial for various reasons including rehabilitation from injuries, managing chronic conditions, promoting relaxation in anxious animals, and enhancing the performance of athletic animals.
2. Techniques: Animal massage therapists use a variety of massage techniques, such as effleurage (long, sweeping strokes), petrissage (kneading and squeezing muscles), friction (traction), compression (applying pressure to specific points), and stretching. The specific techniques and pressure applied may vary depending on the animal’s size, condition, and preferences.
3. Benefits: Animal massage has numerous potential benefits for animals. It can help relieve muscle tension and soreness, improve joint flexibility, enhance circulation and lymphatic flow, stimulate the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), reduce anxiety and stress, support the immune system, and aid in the healing process after injuries or surgeries. Additionally, it can strengthen the bond between the animal and the person.
4. Types of Animals: Animal massage can be performed on a wide range of animals, most commonly dogs, cats, horses, small pets, livestock and even exotic species. Each animal may require specific techniques and considerations based on their anatomy, size, behavior and temperament.
5. Professional Training: Animal massage therapy requires specialized training and certification. Animal massage therapists learn about animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, and appropriate massage techniques through formal education programs. It is important to seek out practitioners who are qualified and experienced in working with animals to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.
6. Legal Considerations: The practice of animal massage may be subject to regulations and laws that vary by jurisdiction. Some areas require practitioners to hold specific certifications or licenses to perform animal massage legally. It is important to research and comply with the legal requirements in your location when seeking animal massage services. ANYONE PRACTICING ANIMAL MASSAGE IN WASHINGTON STATE FOR PAY MUST BE LICENSED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
7. Complementary Therapy: Animal massage is often used as a complementary therapy alongside veterinary care. It is not intended to replace veterinary treatment but rather to enhance the overall well-being of animals. It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian before initiating massage therapy for your pet, particularly if your pet has specific health conditions or is recovering from an injury or surgery.

The opportunities for Animal Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers have grown substantially in recent years.

Many of our graduates establish their own private practice businesses.  They might travel to horse shows or dog competitions or work with clients in their homes or in a space that they own.

There are also opportunities for working in veterinary clinics, grooming salons, doggie daycare or training facilities or hydrotherapy centers.  Equine practitioners can work on racetracks and some graduates also work in zoos or with exotic species.

You might find employment in some places or work as a contracted provider.

Income varies based on the type of practice you establish and the region you choose to serve. In 2023, the following information was published:

• Median Annual Salary: $55,310
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $95,700
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $32,240

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023

This is comparable or better than many other occupations in the animal industry including Veterinarian Assistant, Groomer or ZooKeepers.  Typical income is higher now than stated here. You can find additional information here.

Our hybrid learning programs allow you to study at your own pace using our online and printed materials combined with hands-on training at our practicals.  On enrollment, you are assigned an online instructor to help you with your studies.

The practical is required for certification and gives you valuable supervised hands-on experience.  Practicals are currently held at our Vashon Island campus near Seattle and at several host facilities around the country. The number of days varies depending on the course.

We also offer acupressure certification and continuing education offerings taught by our staff and guest instructors from around the globe.

Please visit the Course Catalog for a complete listing of our practical locations.

The distance learning program is a self-paced program that generally takes 3 months to complete.  Depending on your schedule, you can extend your enrollment period if you need more time.  We highly recommend that you complete all aspects of the certification programs (online learning + practical + case studies) within one year for continuity.  The average student completes the certification process in 4-6 months depending on when they attend the practical.

Enrollment is open year-round and generally, you will have access to your online materials within 48 hours of enrollment.  You will receive a student agreement when you enroll and once that is returned, we process your enrollment, assign you an online instructor and you are on your way!

Regulation varies from state to state and around the globe and more states than ever are considering legislation to recognize Animal Massage.  It is a changing landscape and you want to stay up to date on requirements in your area.

Check with your local legislature for updated information.  You can also contact NBCAAM (www.NBCAAM.org)  or the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork website (www.iaamb.org) to view the Animal Massage Laws by State chart.  Just be aware that even this chart is often out-of-date due to the speed of changing regulations.

It is not required to have a human massage license in most areas, although that was once the case in Washington State between 2003-2007.

WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENTS:  ANIMAL MASSAGE THERAPISTS ARE LICENSED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN OUR STATE. YOU MUST COMPLETE 300 HOURS OF TRAINING THROUGH A STATE-APPROVED PROGRAM AND APPLY FOR LICENSURE.  WE ARE A STATE-APPROVED PROGRAM AND WILL HELP YOU THROUGH THE LICENSING PROCESS AS AN NWSAM STUDENT. MORE INFORMATION ON WASHINGTON STATE LICENSURE IS AVAILABLE AT THE DOH WEBSITE.

Thought many regions are non-regulated, please check.  Regulations do currently exist in Colorado, Tennessee, New York, New Jersey, Arizona for example.

The current cost of our Foundation Level program is $3000.  This includes the Distance Learning course, the hands-on Practical Course and the Case Study portion.  Shipping and handling is not included. A non-refundable registration fee is required at enrollment.

Our advanced level training (Performance Massage and Rehabilitation Massage) currently cost $2400, plus shipping and handling of materials.

Continuing Education courses vary depending on the length and type of class and the instructor.

It is possible to enroll and pay for the distance-learning portion and practical separately or combined.

Travel and lodging are not included.

You can choose from several options for payment.

We accept all major credit cards through WooCommerce on our website.

You can enroll by phone and ask to divide your tuition into 3 payments or 6 payments.

We are not a Title IV school and cannot accept federal funding such as Pell Grants or GI Bill funding, but students have found a variety of local grants or industry grants.  Check with your associations or local government regarding available programs.

If you have concerns about the cost of your education, we encourage you to reach out to our Student Service Representative at 877.836.3703 so we can work with you to come up with a creative solution.

We are in the process of creating a pathway to accepting cryptocurrencies for tuition.

Washington has three pathways for individuals to enter the animal massage profession.

1. If you are a Registered Veterinary Technician, you may provide animal massage under the supervision of a veterinarian upon completion of training (Foundation Level), but you cannot advertise or obtain clientele independently without a separate license.
2. If you are already a Licensed Massage Practitioner, you may complete 100 hours of training in animal massage to have an endorsement added to your existing license. It is necessary to obtain the 100 hours through a Board of Massage Approved Program like NWSAM and you must complete separate training for Small Animal or Large Animal.
3. Most people will be starting without a current license.  If this is you, you must complete 300 hours of training through an approved program like NWSAM.  For NWSAM, this includes our Foundation Level certification plus one additional class (Performance Massage, Rehabilitation Massage or Acupressure). Once you have your training, you need to take the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage Exam.  Finally, you will complete the Department of Health application to obtain your license. The license for Large Animal Massage is separate from the license for Small Animal Massage.

Animal Massage Practitioners by legal definition may not diagnose, prescribe or provide a prognosis for any condition.

You may find our class schedule by clicking on the CATALOG button on the left-hand navigation bar on our website, or by clicking here.

Yes, students in any country may take our distance learning class.  We have graduates from all over the world.

Our primary campus is on Vashon Island in the Puget Sound, 20 minutes from downtown Seattle.  We also have satellite campuses with our education partners in Oregon, Arizona, California, Colorado and Mexico.   Classes can also be hosted anywhere in the world if you have a group (minimum class size of 10).

Our founder, Lola Michelin, has taught Animal Bodywork in Japan, Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand in addition to the United States.

Please visit our contact page for more information.  Below the Inquiry area you will see links to downloadable copies of our brochure and course catalog.  If you are still in need of further assistance, please send us an email with your mailing address and we will gladly send you a printed copy of our catalog.