Since almost 40 percent of households in the US have at least one dog, it was only a matter of time until dog massage became an option. There are a number of programs nationally for canine massage therapy certification.
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IAAMB
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One association promoting the advancement of animal massage is the International Association of Animal Massage &Bodywork. The International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork works to "maintain safe and legal practice" of professional animal massage. It was founded as a forum for networking and support for animal massage professionals.
PetMassage
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PetMassage is one of the main certification programs for canine massage. PetMassage was one of the founding members of the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork. PetMassage was founded by Jonathan Rudinger, a registered nurse as well as a certified massage therapist.
Connections
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Jonathan Rudinger has been one of the main proponents in getting canine massage well-known and more widely practiced. Jonathan Rudinger, RN, LMT, is also the founder and president of the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork. He has been "instrumental in developing the field of canine massage for people at home and at the professional level since the mid-1990's."
National Recognition
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PetMassage carries recognition from a number of national massage organizations. PetMassage is recognized by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals and the American Massage Therapy Association. Backing by these organizations lends to greater professional credibility for the career of canine massage therapy.
Horse Massage
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Dog massage certification is also available through Equissage, an organization that started with horse massage. Equissage is another organization that offers certification for canine massage. Equissage started with equine massage and expanded to canines.
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