Schools for Animal Massage in Pennsylvania

The National Academy of Massage Therapy and Healing Sciences

• The National Academy of Massage Therapy and Healing Sciences offers programs in both reflexology but more importantly massage therapy. Within the massage therapy program students are introduced to and taught the concepts of massage therapy as well as the benefits and procedures of correct application. Instructed through lectures, demonstrations and supervised paired practice individuals will be given the chance to both give and receive massages to understand the techniques taught. The program consists of a large range of topics including the use of oils and lotions, benefits of massage, various different types of massage practices such as Swedish massage and Tai Chi as well a infant massage. Students are also given an introduction into animal massage, in which they learn the basics of canine anatomy as well as practices and techniques for this type special client. Students practice on their own dogs in class to fully learn and develop a working understanding. Courses are offered yearly. Students have the choice of day or evening classes and can participate as full- or part-time students. Weekend classes are also available. Those interested should contact the school for the next available course as well as current tuition rates.

  The National Academy of Massage Therapy and Healing Sciences
  1744 Sumneytown Pike
  P.O. Box 1470
  Kulpsville, PA 19443
  215-412-4121
  [email protected]
  nationalmassage.com/home/index.aspx

Clayton College of Natural Health

• Clayton College of Natural Health is one of the first to offer distance-learning courses within the field of natural health. It offers a wide variety of degree programs from bachelor's level all the way to doctorate in natural health and holistic nutrition and offer a variety of certification programs including companion animal studies. The purpose of this certification is to give the individual the techniques and knowledge to care naturally for their animals. Courses cover material such as holistic animal care, aromatherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, natural nutrition and body work. The body work course focuses on teaching students the anatomy of cats and dogs as well as massage and other forms of body work for the animal's improved health. Because this is a distance-learning program, students are able to work at their own pace, manage school as well as every day life all while still having the support and networking ability of a regular classroom environment. Admission advisers are available to go over programs including prerequisites that may be required, costs and financing options.

  Clayton College of Natural Health
  2140 11th Ave. S., Suite 305
  Birmingham, AL 35205
  [email protected]
  ccnh.edu/default.aspx

Equissage Training Facility

• Located within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Virginia, the Equissage Training Facility has been training individuals in the art of equine massage since 1989. Founded by Mary A. Schreiber, it became the first equine massage therapy program in the world. The facility has grown and now offers equine sports massage therapy as well as a canine massage therapist certification program. Although not located within Pennsylvania, Equissage offers at-home training, in which training material is mailed or e-mailed to the prospective student. The material is divided up into six intensive, but easy-to-follow lessons all followed by a written examination. Upon completion of all levels, a final exam and a video-taped full massage of a horse or dog, depending on the program, will be required to evaluate the student's final grade. As of spring 2010 either the equine or canine massage therapy program cost $895. Please contact Equissage for additional questions or program applications.

  Equissage
  P.O. Box 447
  Round Hill, VA 20142
  540-338-1917
  1-800-843-0224
  equissage.com/index.htm