Washington Administrative Code
Title 246 - Health, Department of
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND LICENSING
Chapter 246-940 - Certified animal massage therapist
Section 246-940-010 - Scope of practice

(1) A certified animal massage therapist is an individual who provides external manipulation or pressure of soft tissues by use of the hands, body, or device designed and limited to providing massage. Animal massage may include techniques such as stroking, percussions, compressions, friction, Swedish gymnastics or movements, gliding, kneading, range of motion or stretching, and fascial or connective tissue stretching, with or without the aid of superficial heat, cold, water, lubricants, or salts.

(2) A certified animal massage therapist may not diagnose, prognose, or treat diseases, deformities, defects, wounds, or injuries of animals; attempt to adjust or manipulate any articulations of the animal's body or spine or mobilization of these articulations by the use of a thrusting force; perform acupuncture involving the use of needles; or perform mechanical therapies that are restricted to the field of veterinary medicine.

(3) A certified animal massage therapist may provide animal massage solely for purposes of the animal's well-being.