Going back and forth between websites and trying to compare schools and programs can be both time consuming and confusing. To help save a little bit of time, we have put together a short comparison of the more comprehensive canine massage certificate programs available in the US (in order by state). Note that most of these also offer shorter courses and workshops, so check them out even if you’re not looking for a full-fledged certificate program.
The contact info for each school can be found on the list of US animal massage schools.
| CALIFORNIA |
Caninology
Name of program: Canine Body Worker Certification Course
Length of program: 9 days, 100 hours (total 300+ hours with required field work)
On Site/Distance: 100 hours on site (divided in two 4-day courses), 80 hours guided externship
Location: Petaluma, CA (this course is also offered in the UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand)
Prerequisite: Knowledge of directional terms, veterinary vocabulary and anatomy. Canine Anatomy and Behavior Distance study (100 hour online course).
Ojai School of Massage
Name of program: Small Animal / Canine Massage Program
Length of program: 200 hours
On Site/Distance: 100 hours / 100 hours (on site 2 week intensive)
Location: Ojai, CA
Prerequisites: None
| COLORADO |
Lang Institute for Canine Massage; The
Name of program: Canine Massage Program
Length of program: 663 hours
On Site/Distance: Home study + on site practicum
Location: Loveland, CO
Prerequisites: None
Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure & Massage
Name of program: Canine Massage Program
Length of program: 12 days on site + home study (350 hours total)
On Site/Distance: On site + home study
Location: Elizabeth, CO or Fort Myers, FL
Prerequisites: None
| FLORIDA |
Abundant Life Massage
Name of program: Canine Massage Therapy Certification
Length of program: 200 hours
On Site/Distance: On site
Location: Sarasota, FL
Prerequisites: Learn to Massage Your Dog course (15 hours)
| ILLINOIS |
Chicago School of Canine Massage (CSCM)
Name of program: Canine Massage and Advanced Canine Massage Certification
Length of program: 300 hours. Available both as a 10-month program and a one-month full time intensive
On Site/Distance: On site
Location: Chicago, IL
Prerequisites: None
| MASSACHUSETTS |
Bancroft School of Massage Therapy / Doggone U
Name of program: Small Animal Massage Certification Program™
Length of program: 200 hours
On Site/Distance: On Site or Distance learning / On Site combination (49 hours online classes, 112 hours on site and 39 hours off-campus internship)
Location: Worcester, MA
Prerequisites: High School Graduate or equivalent
More about Bancroft
| OHIO |
Integrated Touch Therapy
Name of program: Small Animal Massage Certification
Length of program: 150 hours
On Site/Distance: Home study + lectures and workshops on site
Location: Circleville, OH
Prerequisites: None
PetMassage, Ltd.
Name of program: Foundation Workshop, Advanced Workshop
Length of program: 5 days / 100 hours/course. A certificate is awarded at completion of each course
On Site/Distance: On site (with pre-course home study modules)
Location: Toledo, OH
Prerequisites: None (Foundation course for the Advanced course)
| WASHINGTON |
Northwest School of Animal Massage
Name of program: Certification in Small Animal Massage
Length of program: 350 hours
On Site/Distance: On site or Distance learning + 5-day practical on site
Location: Vashon Island, WA. Practicals also offered in Portland, OR.
Prerequisites: None
More about NWSAM
–> Click here to go to the US School directory page
–> Click here to see Holistic Animal Health Online Classes and Distance Learning Programs
Hi. I’m a LMT from Phila. I’m looking to reinvent myself and I’m interested in switching to canine massage therapy. I not sure what classes I would need to become certified or where to start to look for information. I’m also wondering what type of places I could work?
Thank you, Mary
Hi Susan,
Did you see this post?
http://animalwellnessguide.com/question-from-a-reader-how-to-choose-a-massage-school/
It goes over a lot of the important points when choosing a school.
I have a small pet care service and I really want to learn how to give a massage to dogs and cats for relief of pain and for anxiety. I see it everyday! It is very important to me to have a good school and learn great techniques. But, of course running a small business is at times a full time job and at other times part-time. I live in Alabama and I would need a distant learning class and hands on as well. Would like your in put.
Thank you,
Susan Rodgers
Hi Caroline,
I can’t really recommend one over the others, I would suggest looking what each program includes and select the one that fits your needs the best. I’m not exactly sure why the advanced program at the Chicago school of canine massage is that much, but it IS a very comprehensive program, all hands on, and students have access to the their on site student clinic so they get to practice “for real”.
So, as far as the distance learning programs which in your opinion is the best? And why do you think the Chicago program is almost triple the cost?
Thanks so much.
Kestrel is right, this is a great book, and one I have been meaning to review for months now. I’m about to go on a trip out west, but when I’m back, it’s #1 on my to do list.
Hi! I just wanted to let you guys know about a great new book that has just been published: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Canine Massage, by Jody Chiquoine (RN, MSN, FNP, CCRT) and Linda Jackson (Lic.Ac, MacOM, MEd), and published by Satya House Publications. This is a useful workbook designed for all dog lovers, as well as professionals, and dogs of all ages, sizes, and conditions. It is fully illustrated with photographs and diagrams, and book provides a really good, solid foundation in massage technique. I tried it on my 9-year-old standard poodle, Crispin, and he absolutely loved it! It got him so relaxed.
A Dog Lover’s Guide to Canine Massage is available from its website ( http://www.caninemassagebook.com ), bookstores, pet shops, veterinarians, pet groomers, and directly from the publisher. If you are interested in bulk discounts or consignment orders, please contact Satya House Publications ( http://www.satyahouse.com/index.htm ) for details.