Hello Lisa,

 

I'd like to give some input on upcoming legislation regarding Animal Massage in Colorado.  I know that many animal therapists offer therapies that are not necessarily offered in state licensed schools.  As you know, although there are many training programs, there is yet to be a standard in how many hours of pathology, anatomy, physiology, business management, professional ethics, etc., as there is in human programs and requirements. 

 

Many existing therapists have piece - mealed very qualified credentials through a diverse variety of programs and may I add, spent a great deal of money.  They should not be required to go back to a school which might be redundant, and not teach the skills that they have acquired through other training.

 

I would recommend that Colorado follow Illinois and a couple of other states, with the Owner - Therapist Customer Consent and Acknowledgement form that we are already using which is a disclosure of exactly what our skills and training are, with an acceptance by the animal owner.

 

Historically in the Massage Business, trained, ethical, and skilled therapists become the successful practitioners, while the phony, money grubbers are usually moved out of town.  They just don't have the skills or ethical behavior to cut it in the field.

 

If this is not an acceptable idea, then I think an hourly requirement of each segment of basic therapy with a minumum of 100 hours might be acceptable.  There are many state approved programs in existence that are not necessarily quality programs, as you probably already know, while there are many workshops and modalities not offered in most animal massage schools.

 

That is my input which I hope will be considered at your meeting.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kathy Duncan