Those enrolled in Associate of Occupational Studies degree program at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy (BCMT) may take four courses of canine massage as an elective, with 72 contact hours counting toward the 120 the college requires in elective courses. The four courses, Fundamentals of Canine Anatomy & Physiology, Pathologies and Clinical Application of Canine Massage, Expanding Canine Massage Knowledge through Acupressure and Sports Massage and Canine Massage Supervised Practicum must be taken in order with a 100-hour canine certificate awarded upon successful completion. Veterinarians, registered veterinarian technicians and those who hold a certificate of completion from 500-hour massage schools are eligible to take the courses and earn the certification as well.
Boulder College of Massage Therapy
6255 Longbow Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
800-442-5131
www.bcmt.org
Under the direction and instruction of Becky Brandenburg, approved as a continuing education provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), Brandenburg Massage Therapy provides certification in equine and canine massage. The certificate programs are open to anyone and cover topics such as history of massage, anatomy and tactile application through a series of classes. Brandenburg Massage Therapy also offers a one-time, five-hour class for dog owners to learn the basic techniques used to provide their dog with a massage.
Brandenburg Massage Therapy
610 Hickory Street
Martins Ferry, OH 43935
740-633-6639
www.horseanddogtherapy.com
Founded in 2001, Washington state's Northwest School of Animal Massage offers animal massage workshops and three other certifications in animal massage. Students may earn a certificate in either maintenance massage, performance massage or rehabilitation massage for small or large animals. The courses are offered at numerous partner locations throughout the United States and Canada as well as online through the distance-learning program.
Northwest School of Animal Massage
PO Box 670
Fall City, WA 98024
425-222-3703
www.nwsam.com
A community center in California, the Ojai School of Massage offers small-animal and equine massage programs along with their traditional massage and aromatherapy programs. The small-animal program consists of 200 course hours and the equine program consists of 233 course hours. The programs cover topics such as physiology, gait analysis and clinic hours. Enrollment to the school is open to those ages 18 and older who are physically capable of performing massage. Students of the school can take some of the required courses through an online program.
Ojai School of Massage
619 West El Roblar Drive
Ojai, CA 93023
805-640-9798
www.ojaischoolofmassage.com