Massage Therapy for Pets — An Increasingly Popular Healing Alternative for Dogs, Horses and Companion Animals

Animal massage therapy has been used with horses for many years.

Equine massage therapy has been around for a while as a holistic treatment to help in healing. However, massage therapy for pets is a newer trend. It's rapidly growing, though - many pet owners who enjoy spa treatments for themselves or who believe in holistic, alternative medicines find value in similar services for their dogs or cats.

What a Massage Therapy for Pets Business Involves:
You'll administer massages to well or ailing animals, often at a pet store or veterinary clinic but sometimes in a stand-along practice. (Mobile Canine Massage services are another option; bring the therapy right to the animal!) You can charge $50 and up for a massage and consultation, depending on the market in your area.

Knowledge or Skills Required:
A natural affinity for the animal you choose to work with, accompanied with experience and training. There are now schools that offer training in Animal Massage Therapy.

You'll also need a massage table if you work with smaller pets (not difficult to find used) and various leads or halters to help hold your patient in the proper position.

Advantages:

Trend is growing but odds are there isn't much local competition as yet

Very satisfying to participate in improving an animal's health

Pays well per hour

Disadvantages:

Training and experience are recommended (if not actually required)

Increasingly regulated by states; licenses often required

Possibility exists to further injure an already-ailing pet

Resources for More Information on Starting a Massage Therapy for Pets Business:

PetMassage.com
An excellent resource site for people interested in this business; offers training materials as well.

International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork
Includes a newsletter, research, and sources for education and training.

Comments/Ideas:

If you specialize in a certain type of animals (horses, or Labrador Retrievers, for example), you'll find that it's easier to become well known.

Don't make promises or give guarantees.

You may be able to find work by teaming with a local pet store, veterinary clinic, or pet spa.

This is an "upscale" business geared towards pet lovers with discretionary income. Don't skimp on your marketing materials or your consulting approach. For example, imitating the look of a spa for people can pay off.

Pet Business Central:

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Massage Therapy for Pets — An Increasingly Popular Healing Alternative for Dogs, Horses and Companion Animals