USA Animal Body Work Laws

If you are a USA resident intending to take a class and use the skills for business, please be sure to read your state’s individual animal bodywork laws PRIOR to registering. You may reside in a state that does not allow any animal bodywork by laypersons but choose to work in a neighboring state which allows you to practice within the parameters of that state law.

State laws change and we cannot guarantee that the below information is the most current. Veterinary Practice Acts often do not have specific wording in regards to massage and bodywork, and require interpretation by the current vet board. EquiLearn, Equinology INC and Caninology cannot be held accountable for any information listed in this summary.

When registering for a class, you will be asked to confirm you have read and agree to our Terms & Conditions. One of these terms requires you to confirm you have read the below information about your particular state and understand any restrictions that may apply. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at office@eli-us.com.

**Equinology contacted each state’s Veterinary Board in early 2025, and the information below reflects the responses received at that time.**

ALABAMA: Allowed/Vet Supervision

Rule 532-X-5-.03
(d) To engage in animal massage by a massage therapist under the direction or prescription of a licensed veterinarian, the applicant must graduate from a nationally approved school and complete a minimum of one hundred (100) hours of postgraduate training and education in animal anatomy, pathology, and physiology for the type of animal on which the therapist will perform therapeutic massage.

Rule 532-X-3-.12
(6) A massage therapist may not perform therapeutic massage on an animal unless the massage therapist has graduated from a nationally approved program and completed at least 100 hours of postgraduate training and education in animal anatomy, pathology, and physiology for the specific type of animal upon which he or she will perform therapeutic massage. A massage therapist shall not commence performing therapeutic massage on an animal until the massage therapist has filed with the board documentation of the education and training required for therapeutic massage on the specific type of animal.

https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/532-X-3-.12

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ALASKA: Allowed

No specific wording in the vet practice act, but according to the board, the vet board is adamant about only licensed veterinarians treating animals. Emphasis on animal bodywork only being for wellness purposes and not as a way to diagnose or treat an illness or injury.

https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/vet/animal-care

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ARIZONA: Allowed

Defendants and their agents and employees hereby agree to refrain from (1) requiring any license from the Board for the practice of animal massage as described herein; (2) requiring animal massage be done only under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian; (3) imposing fines and/or civil penalties regarding animal massage; (4) pursuing criminal penalties regarding animal massage; (5) pursuing injunctions regarding animal massage; (6) mailing letters to unlicensed animal massage practitioners threatening fines and/or criminal penalties regarding animal massage; or (7) otherwise subjecting animal massage practitioners who practice animal massage as described herein, including Plaintiffs, to regulation for engaging in the practice of animal massage without a license from the Board, operating a legitimate animal massage business, or employing or being employed as an animal massage practitioner when they are practicing animal massage in the manner described herein unless there is a legislative change.

https://vetboard.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Consent%20Judgment-IFJ.pdf

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ARKANSAS: Allowed

§ 17-101-307. License required–Exemptions
(12) A person from practicing or performing equine massage therapy or animal massage therapy

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ar-veterinary-veterinary-practice-code

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CALIFORNIA: Allowed

§ 2038.5. Animal Physical Rehabilitation.
(2) does not include relaxation, recreational or wellness modalities, including but
not limited to, massage, athletic training, or exercise.

https://www.vmb.ca.gov/laws_regs/vmb_act.pdf

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COLORADO: Allowed

Allowed if bodyworker “has earned a degree or certificate in animal massage from a school approved by the private occupational school division of the Colorado department of higher education under article 64 of title 23, an out-of-state school offering an animal massage program with an accreditation recognized by the United States department of education, or a school that is exempt under section 23-64-104.” Essentially unchanged since last update.

https://advance.lexis.com/api/document/collection/statutes-legislation/id/61P5-WR81-DYDC-J2PJ-00008-00?cite=C.R.S.%2012-235-110&context=1000516

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CONNECTICUT: Allowed

Unchanged since last update:

Sec. 20-197. “the performance of myofascial trigger point therapy by persons experienced in that practice shall not be deemed to be the practice of veterinary medicine…For the purposes of this section, “myofascial trigger point therapy” means the use of specific palpation, compression, stretching and corrective exercise for promoting optimum athleticism, and “persons experienced in that practice” means 200 hours required.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ct-veterinary-chapter-384-veterinary-medicine

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DELAWARE: Allowed

Nothing is stated specifically in the state’s regulations by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. The Division of Professional Regulation did not respond to our requests for further clarification on their policies toward animal massage and bodywork.

https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/3300.shtml

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FLORIDA: Allowed

No specific wording in the veterinary practice act. When contacted for clarification, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation refused to comment, stating that legal interpretations required submitting a declaratory statement in writing. Declaratory statements were submitted but no response has been given.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2006/641/Analyses/20060641HBR_h0641b.BR.pdf

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GEORGIA: Allowed

§ 43-50-44. Activities not prohibited:

This article shall not be construed to prohibit:
(14) A person performing soft tissue animal massage or other forms of soft tissue animal manipulation.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ga-veterinary-veterinary-practice-code

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HAWAII: Allowed/Vet Supervision

As of a meeting from 2021, massage and bodywork is only allowed under supervision of licensed veterinarian.

https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2021/10/vet_210714.pdf

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IDAHO: Allowed

No new legislation since last update:

“Massage is not a licensed profession in the state of Idaho; therefore, equine massage is allowed as long as the individual does not diagnose, prescribe, manipulate or adjust”

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ILLINOIS: Allowed/Vet Referral

Exemptions found in legislation:
(9) A member in good standing of another licensed or regulated profession within any state or a member of an organization or group approved by the Department by rule providing assistance that is requested in writing by a veterinarian licensed in this State acting within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and with consent from the client and the member is acting under the immediate, direct, or indirect supervision and control of the licensed veterinarian. Providing assistance involves hands-on active participation in the treatment and care of the patient, as defined by rule. The licensed veterinarian shall maintain responsibility for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, but shall be immune from liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, in any civil or criminal action if a member providing assistance does not meet the requirements of this item (9).

“(3.5) Performing upon an animal complementary, alternative, or integrative therapy.” is, according to law, practicing veterinary medicine.

Veterinary board was contacted several times for clarification but was unable to be reached.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/il-veterinary-veterinary-medicine-and-surgery-practice-act-2004#s4

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INDIANA: Allowed

Sec. 12. (a) “Practice of veterinary medicine”
(b) The term does not include:
(2) equine massage therapy.

(c) As used in this section, “equine massage therapy” means a method of treating the body of a horse for remedial or hygienic purposes through techniques that:

(1) include rubbing, stroking, or kneading the body of the horse; and

(2) may be applied with or without the aid of a massage device that mimics the actions possible using human hands.

Equine massage therapy does not include prescribing a drug, performing surgery, chiropractic, or acupuncture, or diagnosing a medical condition.

https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-25-professions-and-occupations/in-code-sect-25-38-1-1-12/

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IOWA: Allowed

a. “Animal massage” means a method of treating the body of an animal for relaxation or hygienic purposes through techniques, with or without the aid of a massage device, that include rubbing, stroking, or kneading the body of the animal. b. “Animal massage” does not include acupuncture, chiropractic care, diagnosis, diagnostic treatment, prescription, or surgery.

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-iowa/title-v-agriculture/chapter-169-veterinary-practice

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KANSAS: Allowed/Vet Referral

Clarification received by Veterinary Board:
“The animal and animal owner must have a veterinarian involved to determine if animal chiropractic or animal massage therapy should be done and then the referral would come from the veterinarian if the veterinarian were comfortable with the person performing the ancillary service(s).”

When asked about qualifications for performing animal massage:
“That would be left up to the individual veterinarian who determines if the referral is appropriate and if the referral veterinarian has the confidence in the person that would be performing animal massage therapy to be under direct supervision of the referring veterinarian or not.”

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ks-veterinary-article-8-registration-veterinarians

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KENTUCKY: Not Allowed

In 2023, the Kentucky Veterinary Medicine Practice Act was updated to allow for a new permitted class of individuals called allied animal health professionals (AAHPs) (KRS 321.181(1)). Currently the AAHP permit is only available for animal chiropractors. Regulations are now being promulgated, and the permit should be available for applications early in 2025, including a limited legacy candidate window.

The Board is currently investigating an expansion of this permit class to include animal massage therapists and equine dental providers, but these other cross-over professions will not qualify for the permit until statutory changes are made. If you support expanding the AAHP permit, contact KBVE for more information on how you may join a stakeholder group and plug into the legislative effort.

“KBVE has been working for several years with the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Massage Therapy (KBLMT) on the logistics of including the AMT provider under the current AAHP framework.

KBVE is finalizing the results of a survey about this topic to our constituents. Last year, KBLMT conducted their own survey amongst Kentucky practitioners. Additional talks between the boards are anticipated this year.

https://kbve.ky.gov/about-kbve/Pages/statements-announcements.aspx#:~:text=Only%20a%20Kentucky%2Dlicensed%20veterinarian,on%20animals%20in%20the%20Commonwealth.

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LOUISIANA: Allowed/Vet Supervision

Alternative therapy and/or collaborative treatment may be performed by a layperson (a person not licensed, registered, or certified by the board) only with an order or prescription from a Louisiana licensed, supervising veterinarian who has first established the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and can be performed only under such supervising veterinarian’s direct supervision and with the written informed consent of the owner of the animal (client) or his duly authorized agent. The layperson must possess a license, registration, or certification issued by another Louisiana regulatory authority, or he must possess verification of an educational level acceptable by the board, in the subject matter of the alternative therapy and/or collaborative treatment at issue.

We are currently awaiting official board review of Equinology’s EEBW program.

https://casetext.com/regulation/louisiana-administrative-code/title-46-professional-and-occupational-standards/part-lxxxv-veterinarians/chapter-7-veterinary-practice/section-lxxxv-712-alternative-therapy-and-collaborative-treatment#:~:text=Alternative%20therapy%20and%2For%20collaborative,patient%20relationship%2C%20and%20can%20be

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MAINE: Not Allowed

Massage is specifically listed as the practice of veterinary medicine.

Attempt in 2019 to amend the veterinary practice act to allow for massage under vet supervision, unfortunately did not pan out. Link here:

https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_129th/billtexts/SP003401.asp
https://www.animallaw.info/statute/me-veterinary-title-32-professions-and-occupations

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MARYLAND: Allowed

EEBW Mercedes Clemens won her suit against the Maryland State Board of Chiropractic Examiners who tried to pull her human license for working on animals. There is no specific wording in the state vet practice act limiting animal massage.

http://equiery.com/court-declares-maryland-has-no-laws-regulating-animal-massage-therapists/

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MASSACHUSETTS: Not Allowed

5.05: Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine
All veterinarians shall examine an animal and establish a preliminary diagnosis before any
treatment is initiated. Diagnosis should be based on sound, accepted principles of veterinary
medicine. Currently accepted treatment methods must be discussed with the owner or authorized
agent when presenting treatment options. Owner consent shall be obtained prior to initiating any
treatment, and medical records must meet statutory and regulatory requirements regardless of the
treatment modality. Veterinarians may incorporate individuals licensed in human alternative
professions only through referral and consultation.

When asked if massage for wellness purposes (not as a diagnosis or treatment method for any illness or injury) was allowed without veterinary involvement, or if this statute required the practitioner be licensed in human massage through the state to meet regulatory requirements, the Board of Veterinary Medicine refused to comment.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ma-veterinary-registration-veterinarians

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MICHIGAN: Allowed/Vet Supervision

R 338.4911 Limitations on delegation; veterinarian supervision of delegatee’s performance. Rule 11. (1) Except as limited by section 16215(1) of the code, MCL 333.16215, a veterinarian may delegate the performance of an act, task, or function that falls within the practice of veterinary medicine to an individual who is otherwise qualified to perform the act, task, or function. (2) Before delegating an act, task, or function that falls within the practice of veterinary medicine, the veterinarian shall first examine the animal patient on which the delegated act, task, or function is to be performed and determine the appropriate treatment for the animal patient. (3) The delegating veterinarian shall observe, monitor, and supervise the delegatee’s performance to the extent necessary to ensure that the delegatee’s performance is within the scope of the delegation given and being performed with the skill expected by the delegating veterinarian.

The Veterinary Board was unable to be reached for clarification on this policy.

https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20338.4901%20to%20R%20338.4933.pdf&ReturnHTML=True

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MINNESOTA: Allowed

Broad definition in practice act. Email response from Vet Board by e-mail attachment, July 30, 2003 from Dr. John King, Exec. Director: “As long as the individual is not diagnosing, prescribing or offering treatment plans and providing treatment not prescribed by a veterinarian that individual will not be in violation of the Minnesota Practice Act.”

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/mn-veterinary-chapter-156-veterinarians-board-veterinary-medicine

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MISSISSIPPI: Allowed/Vet Supervision

Exemptions in Practice Act: (e) Any member in good standing of another licensed or regulated profession within any state, or any member of an organization or group approved by the board, providing assistance requested by a veterinarian licensed in the state, acting with informed consent from the client, and acting under the direct or indirect supervision and control of the licensed veterinarian. Providing assistance involves hands-on active participation in the treatment and care of the patient. The licensed veterinarian shall maintain responsibility for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

Statement from Nancy Christiansen:

“Any procedures that would be considered massage therapy, chiropractic, or any regulated profession in the state of Mississippi are required to be preformed under the supervision of a Mississippi licensed veterinarian.” “As far as our practice act is concerned, it may be done under indirect supervision.”

Mississippi Board of Massage has this language in their FAQ document: “The Massage Therapy Scope of Practice does not define who or what we work on.
However it does address that the LMT only perform in areas which they are adequately
trained. Refer to the Rules and Regulations, Section 7.5.A. which states ‘perform only
those services for which they are qualified and which represent their training and
education.’”
https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-73/chapter-39/mississippi-veterinary-practice-act/section-73-39-61/

https://sos.ms.gov/ACProposed/00020772b.pdf

https://www.msbmt.ms.gov/sites/msbmt/files/FAQ.01.%20MASSAGE.THERAPY.Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.08.18.2021.pdf

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MISSOURI: Not Allowed

Currently the practice act wording considers any complementary and/or alternative therapies the practice of veterinary medicine. This was reconfirmed with an email from the board’s Executive Director, Dana Fennewald, who stated in an email the bodywork would be considered the practice of veterinary medicine 1.24.20. She reconfirmed again in January 2025.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/mo-veterinary-chapter-340-veterinarians

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MONTANA: Allowed

No language found in veterinary practice act specifying massage. Language that defines the practice of veterinary medicine does not include massage.

Response from vet board dated September 16, 2003: “Massage for relaxation and general toning is not prohibited by the board. The board does not restrict animal massage to licensed veterinarians.”

https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0180/part_0010/section_0020/0370-0180-0010-0020.html

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NEBRASKA: Allowed

Law changed 1.23.2019 with LB596. No referral needed.

§ 38-3321. Shall not prohibit (15) Any person engaging solely in equine, cat, and dog massage practice.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ne-veterinary-article-33-veterinary-medicine-and-surgery-practice-act#s3307_2

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NEVADA: Allowed

Previously okayed: “Massage isn’t considered veterinary medicine in Nevada, as long as it is just soft-tissue manipulation and doesn’t cross over into physical therapy”; https://www.dvm360.com/view/state-boards-wage-war-lay-persons-practicing-veterinary-medicine. Recently reconfirmed with a conversation between Execective Director J. Pedigo and D. Pattillo 2.3.20

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/nv-veterinary-chapter-638-veterinarians-general-provisions

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NEW HAMPSHIRE: Allowed

Except as provided in RSA 332-B:9, no person may practice veterinary medicine in the state who is not a licensed veterinarian, or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the office of professional licensure and certification. This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit: III. A person advising with respect to or performing acts which the board by rule has prescribed as accepted livestock management practices.

Vet 101.02
(b) The following shall be deemed by the board, pursuant to RSA 332-B:2, to be accepted livestock management practices and not the practice of veterinary medicine:
(3) Equine massage

https://gc.nh.gov/rules/state_agencies/vet100-1000.html

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NEW JERSEY: Not Defined

The New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners met February 2025 to discuss legality of animal massage performed by a layperson. As of now, we are still awaiting the official determination by the board.

At previous update, broad wording in state vet practice act includes the following terms: “Alternative or complementary veterinary medicine” At one point SB310 allowed provisions regarding animal massage in 2004. Since it is unavailable in the current practice act, this will need to be revisited. Broad wording for unlicensed individual acting as assistants under direct veterinary supervision not to be prohibited: (6) Any properly trained animal health technician or other properly trained assistant, who is under the responsible supervision and direction of a licensed veterinarian in his practice of veterinary medicine, if the technician or assistant does not represent himself as a veterinarian or use any title or degree appertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry, and does not diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery. In an email dated 2.2.20 the board still would not clearly define that law: “A massage therapist may be able to work on an animal under the supervision of a veterinarian, but without additional details and information, the Board would not be able to provide a determination on your inquiry.” Details were given in full at the time of the request for clarification.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/nj-veterinary-chapter-16-veterinary-medicine-surgery-and-dentistry

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NEW MEXICO: Allowed/Vet Supervision

Direct Supervision of Non-Veterinarians:
Non-licensed individuals are prohibited from practicing veterinary medicine which includes but is not limited to chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, therapeutic massage, dentistry, embryo transfer or any other related services on animals as defined in NMSA 1978, Section 61-14-2(B)(1), except under the direct supervision of a New Mexico-licensed veterinarian.

https://bvm.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BVM-Rules.pdf

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NEW YORK: Not Allowed

Must be a veterinarian or vet tech under direct supervision.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ny-veterinary-article-135-veterinary-medicine-and-animal-health-technology and https://www.govjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Filed-Complaint.pdf

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NORTH CAROLINA: Allowed

According to a letter from the board, animal massage is allowed “so long as the pet massage services that you administer to animals do not fall within the statutory categories of ‘practice of veterinary medicine.'”

https://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/NC-Vet-Board-Response-1.pdf

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NORTH DAKOTA: Allowed

Broad wording in state vet practice act includes the following terms included as the practice of veterinary medicine: “All other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine”

Response from Vet Board: E-mail response from John R. Boyce, April 22, 2003: My interpretation is that massage done only to maintain an animal’s health and well being probably would not be covered by the veterinary medical practice act and, therefore, would not be considered the practice of veterinary medicine. Massage done to correct, treat, or relieve a medical condition would be considered the practice of veterinary medicine, and could be done only by a licensed veterinarian or an employee of a licensed veterinarian.”

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/nd-veterinary-chapter-43-29-veterinarians

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OHIO: Allowed

The Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board has had multiple inquiries regarding the ability of animal massage therapists and other allied health professionals to perform therapies on animals and not violate the veterinary practice act. The Board appreciates these individuals willingness to understand and work within the law and rules of the veterinary practice act. Basically, the use of massage therapy to treat a medical condition of an animal is the practice of veterinary medicine and should be monitored by a veterinarian.

It is not the intent of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board to restrict the practice of alternative therapy practitioners as long as they are not straying into the field of diagnosing and medical treatment of animals. The Board reiterates that if the animal practitioner is performing therapy for the purpose of relaxation or other non-medical purposes, then it is not considered the practice of veterinary medicine and is permissible. For instance, an animal that has inhibitions regarding travel may require massage therapy to relax it. In the event of a medical situation a veterinarian can certainly prescribe such services as a therapist can provide or the therapist can work under the supervision of the veterinarian as long as the veterinarian maintains the medical supervision for the animal.

You can access the Board’s web site at www.ovmlb.ohio.gov for updates regarding the Veterinary Medical Practice Act.

https://www.ovmlb.ohio.gov/news.stm

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OKLAHOMA: Allowed/Vet Referral

The Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act shall not be construed to prohibit:

Any individual that is certified in animal massage therapy and acquires liability insurance from engaging in animal massage therapy after referral from a licensed veterinarian.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ok-veterinary-chapter-15-oklahoma-veterinary-practice-act

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OREGON: Allowed

According to response from Vet Board:

In Oregon, unless you are licensed as a veterinarian, or you fit into one of the exceptions to licensure in
ORS 686.040, you cannot practice or represent that you practice veterinary medicine. ORS 686.030
defines the practice of veterinary medicine, which includes diagnosing and treating animal medical
problems. A person who unlawfully practices veterinary medicine can be fined up to $5,000 (see ORS
686.020 and ORS 686.992). A person who is not licensed as veterinarian and is not subject to an
exemption to licensure can be fined for up to $5,000 for providing animal massage to treat medical
problems.

People who would not be practicing veterinary medicine include:

Someone offering massage as part of animal grooming.
However, someone offering or providing such services may not do so with the intent of treating animal
medical problems. Someone not treating medical problems through massage likely does not need a
license from the Board.

https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors686.html

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PENNSYLVANIA: Allowed/Vet Supervision

Specific wording in the state practice act: “Chiropractic, dental, dental hygiene and physical therapy procedures performed upon animals by licensed individuals in conjunction with the practice of veterinary medicine and under the direct supervision of a veterinarian”

We reached out to the Veterinary Board to clarify if massage for wellness purposes falls under the definition of “physical therapy,” but they were unable to be reached for comment.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/veterinary-medicine.html

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RHODE ISLAND: Allowed/Vet Supervision

No specific wording in Vet Practice Act. When we reached out for clarification on massage for wellness purposes (and not intended to diagnose or treat an injury or illness), we got the following statement:

“These activities must be done under the same roof and direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.”
Peter Ragosta (Jan 2025)

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SOUTH CAROLINA: Allowed/Vet Referral

“Nothing in this chapter affects the practice of qualified persons to whom a licensed veterinarian has delegated the performance of procedures, therapeutic options, and alternate therapies. The delegating veterinarian must verify the qualifications of these persons and their competencies before delegation. The delegating veterinarian remains responsible for the general care of the patient.”

According to the FAQ:

An animal massage therapist should be involved with a licensed veterinarian in some way. It is the responsibility of the veterinarian to determine that the therapy will not be harmful to the animal and to discuss a course of treatment with the owner of the animal.

The veterinarian should be readily available or have made arrangements for follow-up evaluation in the event of adverse reactions.

Since massage therapy is considered an alternative veterinary therapy, the veterinarian shall obtain a signed acknowledgement from the owner of the patient or his/her authorized representative and retain it as part of the patient’s permanent record.

When the veterinarian has ceased the relationship with the massage therapist who is performing the massage treatment, the therapist shall immediately terminate such treatment.We reached out for further clarification from the vet board on the nature of this supervision but they were unable to clarify whether or not this had to be direct or indirect supervision.

https://llr.sc.gov/vet/faq.aspx

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SOUTH DAKOTA: Allowed

No specific wording in state vet practice act. Response from Vet Board: E-mail response from Dr. Holland, April 22, 2003: “No new laws considered as of now, no pending legislation. The Board’s policy is that equine massage is not the practice of Veterinary medicine unless advertised or purported to be therapy or treatment.”

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/sd-veterinary-chapter-36-12-veterinarians

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TENNESSEE: Allowed

Although animal massage is not prohibited, no person is allowed to use the title “certified animal therapist” or “registered animal therapist” unless they comply with § 63-12-203
§ 63-12-203. Training, supervision, and examination
In order to use the term “certified animal massage therapist” or “registered animal massage therapist”, a person must:
(1) Complete at least fifty (50) hours of training in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and pathologies in order to gain aptitude in preventing the delay of care to animals;
(2) Complete at least fifty (50) hours of supervised in-class hands-on work, which would include assessment and execution of bodywork skills being studied, benefits of massage, benefits of acupressure, and practice guidelines; and
(3) Take and pass an examination by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage or a comparable examination that tests the aptitude in the course of training described in subdivisions (1) and (2).

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/tn-veterinary-chapter-12-veterinarians#s201

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TEXAS: Allowed/Vet Referral

Session must be cleared with the primary veterinarian. Board was contacted for more specific language and updates but were unable to be reached after multiple attempts.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/tx-veterinary-chapter-801-veterinarians

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UTAH: Allowed

Veterinarian Practice Act, 58-28-307:
58-28-307 Exemptions from chapter.
(c) the practice of animal massage therapy by an individual who has completed at least 60
hours of animal massage therapy training in areas specified by the division in rule made in
accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act; and

R156-47b-601. Standards for Animal Massage Therapy Training.
Under Subsection 58-28-307(12)(c), a massage therapist practicing animal massage shall have received at least 60 hours of animal massage therapy training in the following areas:
(1) quadruped anatomy;
(2) the theory of quadruped massage; and
(3) supervised quadruped massage experience.

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title58/Chapter1/58-1-S307.html

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VERMONT: Allowed, Vet Supervision

Registration is not required under 26 V.S.A. § 5401(4)(A)(ii).

Licensure is required to “represent your services as an animal massage therapist, bodyworker, or touch professional, to ensure you do not indicate an ability or willingness to “diagnose, treat, correct, change, relieve, or prevent animal disease, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental condition” or to apply any therapeutic technique. 26 V.S.A. § 2401(5)(A).”

Non-veterinarians may provide complementary animal care, but only under the delegation and supervision of a licensed veterinarian. You can review the details in Rules 8-9, 8-10, and 8-11 of the Administrative Rules for Veterinarians (starting on page 7).

“an appropriately qualified veterinarian [must be] available to consult and arrange for intervention in the event of complications.” Rule 8-11(g). This veterinarian need not be the same veterinarian who delegated the complementary treatment, and the consultation may be by phone and need not be on-site.”

https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/26/044

https://sos.vermont.gov/media/tywfco2t/veterinary-medicine-final-adopted-rule-text.pdf

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VIRGINIA: Allowed/Vet Referral

18VAC150-20-172. Delegation of duties.

E. Massage therapy, physical therapy, or laser therapy may be delegated by a veterinarian to persons qualified by training and experience by an order from the veterinarian.

F. The veterinarian remains responsible for the duties being delegated and remains responsible for the health and safety of the animal.

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency150/chapter20/section172/#:~:text=E.,and%20safety%20of%20the%20animal.

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WASHINGTON: Allowed

Allowed with license from state secretary.

https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/animal-massage/licensing-information

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WEST VIRGINIA: Allowed/Vet Supervision

From link: “Would an individual be permitted to provide massage to dogs within a veterinary clinic under the direct supervision of a WV licensed veterinarian?
Yes, with general supervision of a WV licensed veterinarian. §30-10-3.i “General supervision” means the supervising veterinarian is in the building where the animal is being treated, has given instructions for treatment and is quickly and easily available.”

Worth clarifying if this new update (from 2024) applies to equines as well.

https://www.wvbvm.gov/Home/FAQ#1468300-practitioners

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WISCONSIN: Not Allowed

As of now, massage is considered a CAIT (under VE 1.48), but there is no governmental licensing of animal massage at this time, and therefore there can be no legal delegation to anyone who is not a licensed veterinarian. Vets will not be able to legally refer a client to an unlicensed bodyworker until there is a government licensing body that covers animal massage.

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/ve/1/vi/48

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WYOMING: Allowed/Vet Supervision
In an email dated 1.24.20 the WY State Board of Veterinary Medicine responded: “Under Wyoming statute, any practice concerning an animal’s health needs to be done by a Wyoming licensed veterinarian or a person who is supervised by a Wyoming licensed veterinarian. The type of supervision is not specified. The veterinarian would take responsibility for any of their supervisees’ actions”

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/wy-veterinary-chapter-30-veterinarians

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