In Washington State, the Board of Massage through the Department of Health, regulates the requirements for animal massage therapist. Students who want to practice as an equine massage therapist in the State of Washington need to be aware that WA. State requires a licensure, “Large Animal Endorsement”. And the course of study being from an approved WA State recognized school. Out of state students will receive a certification of completion “Diploma” from Langley Equine Studies upon graduation. Each State’s laws governing equine massage differ therefore out of state students need to be aware of their states regulations.
WA State requires current WA State Licensed Massage (human) Therapist (LMT), wanting to add the Large Animal Endorsement, to their existing license, to receive 100 hours of equine massage course of study. Students who do not have a human license (LMT), but want to receive an equine endorsement, 300 hours course of study is required from an approved WA State School in order to practice equine massage as a vocation in WA State.
To start a business in WA., in this career field, you have to hold the proper credentials from the Board of Massage. Working here in WA State with credentials from another State that does not meet the RCW of WA State is illegal.
Upon graduation from approved program, a student then is required to take and pass the NBCAAM (National Board of Certified Animal Acupressure & Massage) associations exam, obtain your first aid card, then you are eligible to apply with the Board of Massage for your license/certificate.
Upon receiving your certificate from the Board of Massage, you are then legal to practice independently.
Animal Massage Practitioners by legal definition may not diagnose, prescribe or provide a prognosis for any condition.