Becoming a Canine Massage Therapist: A Meaningful Career Supporting Dogs Through Touch & Care
- Dr. Angelique Barbara

- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever felt drawn to helping dogs feel better in their bodies—whether they’re aging, recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or simply needing support to live more comfortably—you may have wondered if becoming a Canine Massage Therapist is the right path for you.
For many of our students, this calling comes from lived experience: caring for their own dogs, working in rescue or shelters, supporting senior pets, or already being in the animal care field and wanting to deepen their skills.
At Holistic Animal Studies, we offer a clear, supportive, and professional pathway for those who want to work with dogs through therapeutic touch and holistic care.

Where to Begin: Start With a Canine Bodywork Track
We recommend starting with one of our Canine Bodywork Tracks, which are designed to give you both foundational training and the opportunity to specialize your practice based on your goals.
👉 View all Small Animal & Canine Bodywork options here:https://holistic-animal-studies-by-angels-animals-llc.thinkific.com/collections/small-animal-bodywork-courses
Our Tracks combine multiple certification courses into one structured learning path, rather than piecing things together randomly. This allows you to build confidence, competence, and professional credibility from the start.
The Foundation: Canine Massage Certification
At the core of all of our canine programs is our Canine Massage Certification Course:👉 https://holistic-animal-studies-by-angels-animals-llc.thinkific.com/courses/canine-massage-certification
This course provides:
A solid understanding of canine anatomy and physiology
Safe, effective massage techniques for dogs of all ages
Hands-on practice through guided assignments
A foundation that allows you to carry professional liability insurance
Canine massage is the cornerstone of professional small animal bodywork, and it’s the starting point for building a sustainable practice.
Our Most Popular Canine Certification Tracks
⭐ Ultimate Canine Bundle
👉 https://holistic-animal-studies-by-angels-animals-llc.thinkific.com/bundles/ultimate-canine-bundle
This is our most comprehensive canine track and includes:
Canine Massage Certification
Craniosacral Therapy
Kinesiology Taping
ANMR (Animal Neuromyofascial Release Technique)
Business training to help you start and grow your practice
This option is ideal for students who want to work professionally and feel confident supporting a wide range of canine needs.
⭐ Professional Animal Bodywork & Holistic Health Bundle
This Track is perfect for students who want to combine bodywork with holistic health support, including:
Canine Massage, Equine Massage and Feline Massage
Additional bodywork modalities
Holistic health education
This allows practitioners to support all animals.
Why Add Additional Modalities?
As you grow, you can continue to add modalities individually, such as:
Adding complementary skills allows you to:
✔️ Offer more customized sessions
✔️ Support dogs with complex or chronic needs
✔️ Increase your professional value and income
✔️ Stand out in a growing field
Professional Recognition & Insurance
Completing one of our Canine Bodywork Tracks allows you to:
Carry professional liability insurance
Join professional organizations that support ethical practice and continuing education
This is a crucial step for anyone planning to work with dogs professionally, whether part-time or full-time.
Study From Home—With Real Guidance
All of our courses are designed to be completed from home, at your own pace. However, this is not passive learning.
Our students receive:
Support from Teaching Assistants (TAs) who provide feedback and guidance
Structured assignments and case studies
Hands-on practice with real dogs
Clear expectations and professional standards
You are learning skills you will actually use—not just watching videos.
What Can a Canine Massage Therapist Earn?
Many canine massage therapists charge $75–$150 per session, depending on location, experience, and services offered. Some practitioners work:
Part-time alongside another career
Full-time with a private client base
In rescue, senior care, rehabilitation, or holistic practices
Compared to many career paths, the investment in education can often be paid off relatively quickly, especially for those actively seeing clients.
Payment Plans & Accessibility
We offer affordable payment plans to make education accessible, and students can progress at a pace that fits their life.
If you’re feeling called to this work but unsure if now is the “right time,” know that many of our students started while working full-time, caring for families, or navigating life transitions.
Is This Path Right for You?
You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.
If you:
Feel called to help dogs feel better in their bodies
Want practical, hands-on skills
Value ethical, thoughtful animal care
Are looking for a career or meaningful side path
This work may be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you have questions about which Track is right for you, we’re happy to help you choose a path that aligns with your goals. Fill out the contact form below (scroll all the way down) and we will send you a coupon code to get started!



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