Here's an article from, of all places, the Boston Volkswagen newsletter, dated Sept. 11:

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

Boston VW

Pampering Pooch and Caring for Kitty
Consider the benefits of therapeutic massage for your pet.

Thinking of pursuing a career in massage therapy for small animals? Maybe you’re interested in having your beloved pet treated by skilled and caring professionals. A special school that is renowned for its trademarked approach can fulfill these requests and much more.

Did you know that over 60% of homes in America include at least one pet? Even though toy sales dropped 25% and children’s clothing sales were down 15% between 2002 and 2004, the pet industry has ballooned to a $40 million per year phenomena. Many of us view our pets as family members, and all want to ensure that everyone in our family receives the best possible healthcare.

On the topic of pet healthcare, more of us are seeking out alternative solutions to our pets’ medical conditions or looking to boost their overall well being with preventative treatments. At the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy (BSMT) located in Worcester, MA, they believe the time has come for massage to join the other health services and modalities available for animals. Currently, no national licensing or certification requirements exist for animal massage, but BSMT is prepared to set the standard, ensuring competency and excellence from all of its students.

BSMT has been nationally recognized as a resource for the training of professional human massage therapists. Now, through its small animal facility aptly dubbed “Doggone U”, BSMT extends its experience and expertise in human massage education to the animal world by offering comprehensive training in small animal anatomy, non-invasive basic and advanced animal massage and bodywork techniques as well as ethics and good business practices. BSMT’s graduates are viewed as competent animal massage professionals who have a valuable service to offer the pet owner, the veterinary community and other related businesses and organizations.

A student who goes through the Small Animal Massage Certification Program™ at the BSMT will have the skills needed to:

-- Offer professional services in pet massage at veterinary offices, grooming salons, pet shops, pet supply stores, agility clubs, canine clubs, animal organizations, etc.

-- Teach private and group workshops for pet owners, handlers and breeders on how to massage their animals for relaxation, health preservation and injury prevention.

What’s more, students at BSMT may apply for financial assistance available through the College Bound Loan Program. Both graduates and the general public regularly attend BSMT’s Continuing Education workshops and seminars, where guest experts from all over the country come to teach Animal Acupressure, TTouch, CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki and Equine Fascial Rebalancing, just to name a few cutting-edge therapies.

Through its comprehensive network, BSMT can assist the pet owner with finding a BSMT graduate in their community who can provide the sought-after massage therapy for dog, cat or even a pot-bellied pig.

BSMT kicks off its new Equine Massage Therapy Program this fall, providing professionals and other horse enthusiasts with a rare resource for this type of large animal treatment. Training in massage therapy and therapeutic services for horses are available at the owner’s facility.

More information about BSMT and its wide-range of programs, services and resources can be found by visiting www.bancroftsmt.com, or by calling 508.757.7923 or toll free 1.866.352.9409.