Purchase a beginner's book such as "Canine Massage: A Complete Reference Manual" by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt, "The Proven Massage Program for Cats and Dogs" by Michael W. Fox, "The Relaxed Rabbit: Massage for Your Pet Bunny" by Chandra Moira Beal or "Practical Horse Massage" by Renate Ettl.
Learn from home at your own pace by training with a CD-ROM or video training program such as the Canine Massage Home Study Training Course from Pet Massage. Topics include proper pet handling, canine anatomy, focusing on older dogs and techniques to improve respiratory functioning. Training may be available online, combined with hard-copy study materials such as books or handouts or through DVDs or videocassettes.
Enroll in a pet massage school such as the Northwest School of Animal Massage, which has campuses across the United States. The Northwest School offers courses for beginning pet massage student such as "FUNdamentals of Animal Massage," "Shiatsu for Animals" and "Acupressure for Animals." Introductory courses require no prior experience or training; schools may also offer extensive vocational training for people interested in becoming certified in animal massage.
Join a professional organization such as the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork. Industry groups' benefits include member directories, which you can search to find massage groups or mentors in your area, continuing education courses and a list of animal massage schools. For example, the association's member-schools directory lists addresses, phone numbers, websites and the type of courses offered by private training academies.