Animal massage is the latest buzz, or at least one of them, in the massage industry. Although animal massage, especially equine massage, has been around for awhile, more therapists are beginning to specialize in both equine and pet massage.

Resources for animal massage

While we are all animal lovers here at Natural Touch Marketing, we don’t know a lot about this specialty. A web search brought me to the website of  the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAM) which has a page devoted to state laws regarding the practice updated to 2009. A quick glance told me that many states have no limitations on the practice, and nearly as many require vet referral or supervision. It looks like our state, Washington, is the only one that requires a license. The IAAM also has a page listing  less than ten preferred educators — which you should refer to when looking for training, because there are LOTS of schools out there.

Marketing animal massage

In a marketing search, I found the usual suggestions for building a practice in animal massage — hand out business cards, create your own brochure, maintain a good website and offer special events at pet stores and dog washes. Stop and re-read that last one. There’s nothing better than the opportunity to meet pet owners face to face.

Finally, check out this article that one smart therapist submitted to the magazine Pet Connection. (Click on the link for the Jan/Feb issue, and then to the article “Hands to Paws” on page 4.)

If you do animal massage, I would love to hear from you. How are you building your practice? Are there any marketing tools you wish you had at your disposal? And be sure to take this month’s poll!

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