PetMassage Scope of Practice

  1. PetMassage is the treatment of disorders and imbalances of the dog’s body by the systematic external application of PetMassage techniques including touch, stroking, friction, vibration, percussion, kneading, stretching, positional release, compression, and joint movements within the normal physiologic range of motion; and adjunctive thereto, the external application of water, heat and cold, colored lights, and sounds.
  2. A practitioner of PetMassage shall evaluate whether the application of PetMassage is advisable. A canine massage practitioner may provide information or education defined by his/her training and expertise. In determining whether the application of PetMassage is advisable, a PetMassage practitioner shall be limited to visual inspection including observation of range of motion, and touch. The PetMassage™ practitioner shall provide services under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian including in-office administration of techniques and off-site referrals for ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation. Independent PetMassage™ is appropriate for dogs in the following situations: on-site sports massage, rehabilitation massage, geriatric massage, relaxation massage and palliative massage.
  3. No person shall use the words or letters “PetMassage therapist,” “licensed PetMassage therapist,” “PMT.” or any other letters, words, abbreviations, or insignia, indicating or implying that the person is a licensed PetMassage therapist.
  4. All persons who hold a certificate to practice PetMassage shall prominently display that certificate in the office or place where a major portion of the certificate holder’s practice is conducted. If a certificate holder does not have a primary practice location, the certificate holder shall at all times when practicing keep the wallet certificate on the holder’s person.
  5. PetMassage does not include:
    1. The application of ultrasound, diathermy, and electrical neuromuscular stimulation or substantially similar modalities; and
    2. The practice of chiropractic, including the application of a high velocity-low amplitude thrusting force to any articulation of the body;
    3. Any skill that might be interpreted as the practice veterinary medicine
      1. The diagnosis of an animal’s condition.
      2. The treatment of infectious, or contagious diseases;
      3. The prescribing or administering of drugs; and
      4. The performing of surgery.

Summary:

  • First do no harm
  • Practitioners of PetMassage provide only the services in which you are trained
  • PetMassage complements holistic and traditional veterinary care, home care, spa care and all grooming, training and behavioral modification programs.
  • The PetMassage practice enhances the body-mind wellness of dogs.
  • PetMassage recognizes that all diseases are symptoms of imbalance and misguided perception in body awareness.
  • PetMassage initiates the self-healing of dogs through the use of knowledgeable, compassionate touch, compression, kneading, stretching, positional release, the stimulation of acupressure and referral points, and bio-magnetic energy balancing.
  • PetMassage does not include deep-tissue work or extremes of joint movement.
  • PetMassage does not diagnose or treat specific disorders.
  • PetMassage does not recommend specific dietary regimens.
  • PetMassage practitioners do not diagnose, medically treat, or prescribe medications