Mission and Code of Practice
Mission Statement
It is the Canine Massage Guild’s mission to offer affordable, effective, and ethical clinical canine massage therapy for dogs with musculoskeletal issues and to achieve results within 1 – 3 treatments. Canine Massage Guild therapists are committed to the core values of animal welfare, consumer protection, clarity of law and professional standards as well as delivering the best possible service to dogs, their owners, and veterinary practices.
Owners
- We guarantee that all our Members have trained for 2 years in Clinical Canine Massage Therapy (accredited by LANTRA) with the Canine Massage Therapy Centre Ltd., hold professional insurance, and commit to CPD to ensure ongoing provision of the highest possible standards of practice
- We commit to providing compassionate care for your dog through clinical canine massage therapy whilst helping to restore or manage their mobility, ability, function, independence, and quality of life
- Each targeted clinical canine massage treatment is tailored to your dog’s individual needs for fast and effective results
- We do not treat unnecessarily and offer a maximum of 3 initial sessions. Maintenance sessions can be discussed with your therapists as appropriate
- The sooner a dog’s symptoms are recognised, the sooner they can receive the treatment they need, which is why we are committed to owner education on signs of musculoskeletal pain. Click here to see the 5 Principles of Pain
- You know your dog better than anyone so input about your dog’s issues and needs, their behaviour and how they like to be handled is of paramount importance. You are, of course, welcome to stay with your dog during treatment
- All our therapists aim to cultivate a bond with your dog as trust and reassurance over the course of treatments makes them enriching and enjoyable
Industry
- The Canine Massage Guild is a self-sustaining, self-financing, not-for-profit organisation that is limited by guarantee. It supports and regulates its Members to achieve and maintain the gold standard in clinical canine massage therapy
- Upon client consent, individual Guild Members may communicate with fellow paraprofessionals, for example, hydrotherapists, physiotherapists, McTimoney chiropractors, osteopaths and so on, as part of a multi-disciplinary team effort to maximise success and for continuity of client care
- The Canine Massage Guild provides industry perspective and input to other associations and governing bodies and were part of the initial Review of Minor Procedures Regime led by the RCVS, DEFRA and LANTRA
- The Canine Massage Guild has educational prerequisites for membership and can assure trustworthy competency standards. All Members are listed on the Guild’s Therapist Register
- The Canine Massage Guild is committed to evidence-based practice and the Lenton Method™, our unique clinical canine massage methodology, is currently undergoing clinical trials with Winchester and University Centre Sparsholt. Click here for our Clinical Trials
Vets
- Canine Massage Guild members always work with veterinary consent and adhere to the Veterinary Act 1966 & Exemptions Order 2015 by never working upon an animal without veterinary approval
- The Canine Massage Guild’s therapist register ensures that vets and owners can validate a therapist’s credentials and insurance. We guarantee that all of our members are fit for practice. They have taken a 2-year Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner training programme, have achieved the highest standards of professional competency by passing practical and theoretical examinations, and commit to a minimum of 25 hours CPD/year
- We are committed to evidence-based practice and are proud to be part of the world’s first clinical trials on canine massage therapy with Winchester University and University Centre Sparsholt. Click here for our Clinical Trials
- Through education comes understanding. Our Integrated Veterinary Care Initiative has been developed to help vets, nurses and practice managers understand how clinical canine massage therapy and the Lenton Method™ is not only indicated for use with musculoskeletal injury, disease and chronic pain, but also can play an important and profitable role in your multi-disciplinary offering. Click here for our Vet Zone
- To establish and deepen relationships with local vet practices, our members offer short talks and ‘lunch ‘n’ learn sessions’ on clinical canine massage therapy for your staff and can provide educational material for both your team and clients. Members are also happy to contact your practice by phone to better understand your diagnosis and to discuss treatment options as part of the your multi-disciplinary approach
- Guild members are trained in the safe and professional handling of dogs. They work stringently to RCVS health, safety and handling guidelines, National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The safety of the dog, therapist, and owner, as well as fulfilling our responsibility to the consenting vet, are our priorities
- We do not automatically assume all lameness is muscular. Guild members are trained to recognise soft tissue, orthopaedic, and neurological issues as well as a range of other conditions and diseases that are referred back to the consenting practice for further veterinary examination. Guild members understand that diagnosis can only be made by a veterinary surgeon
- We aim for measurable results in a maximum of 3 massage sessions over the course of 3-4 weeks. If no improvement is seen in that time, the dog will be referred back to the consenting vet. Post-treatment, the vet receives a full written report to maintain continuity of client care
Members
- The Canine Massage Guild was established in 2012 and is run by its members for its members. The Guild has blossomed into a supportive community of like-minded therapists across the world who together promote and provide the therapy they are so passionate about
- Membership is granted to applicants who have successfully completed the 2-year Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner programme delivered by the Canine Massage Therapy Centre and externally accredited by LANTRA
Our members’ interests are at the very heart of what we do and we pledge to:
- Uphold the high standards of education and practice required for membership
- Maintain an up-to-date therapist register
- Provide opportunities for Guild therapists to meet and work with others at shows, events, conferences, seminars and online
- Protect the interests of our therapists by representing them in industry meetings
- Update members on changes in industry legislation
- Provide an online members area and forum for sharing support, advice and documentation
- Provide unique CPD opportunities to develop and enhance members’ skills
- Provide branded marketing and educational material
- Achieve and maintain high standards of safety and competency in the field
- Provide guidance to members about ethics, best practice, industry legislation and development as well as the importance of recognising our scope of practice and limitations within legal and ethical boundaries
- Promote and protect the welfare of our therapists and advocate self-care in practice by encouraging correct ergonomics and varying posture when working on the floor or on a table. Your health and longevity is as important as the comfort of the canine client
- Commit to continue to be a pioneering and progressive organisation and exemplar of the Gold Standard of clinical canine massage through exciting projects such as the Integrated Veterinary Care Initiative and evidence-based research projects with leading universities
Dilys is our 3 year old Boston Terrier. Clinical Canine Massage has kept Dilys in great shape for flyball. It has massively reduced the everyday niggles and progressive injuries she would have without it.
Lottie, my 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, had started to become stiff after long walks and developed intermittent lameness after an agility competition. After just three sessions of Clinical Canine Massage I was amazed at the massive improvement in Lottie, her movement is so much more ‘open and free’, and at a recent competition her times compared with dogs half her age!
Our 12 year-old Golden Retriever, Bailey, was really struggling with arthritis, on top of his Cushings disease. He doesn’t trust easily but the Guild therapist took time and patience to establish a relationship. What a difference!! Massage has not only improved his mobility he also so much happier and has a twinkle back in his eye. Don’t hesitate to try this therapy for your dog. #goldenretriever #goldies #guildtherapist #dogsarthritis #caninecushings #happydog
When my Flo was having trouble with her hind leg, I booked her in for a Clinical Canine Massage session. Our Guild Therapist suggested she may have luxating patella, but advised me to go to my vet for diagnosis. It turned out she was correct. She then helped Flo recover from her operation with Clinical Canine Massage. #luxatingpatella
Twix, a 7-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, and Dash, a 3-year-old Cocker Spaniel Terrier cross, are both competing agility dogs. Our Guild therapist is there throughout the season providing the expertise to spot even the slightest injuries, regular check-ups and Clinical Canine Massage treatments that ensure my dogs are in best condition to face the rigors of agility. #JackRussellTerrier #CockerSpanielTerrierCross #Agility
After three sessions of Clinical Canine Massage, Daisy, my 8-year-old Collie with spondylosis, appears less stiff in her lower back area and her gait has improved. I am especially delighted as I knew this treatment would be a challenge for her as she is not comfortable being touched, yet our Guild therapist was able to make gentle progress each Clinical Canine Massage session until Daisy was relaxed and clearly enjoying herself. #Collie, #Spondylosis
My little rescue terrier Dimi, now 5 years old, competes in agility and had lost enthusiasm in the ring. I couldn’t see anything physically wrong with him, but our Guild therapist was able to find several sore spots. After only one Clinical Canine Massage treatment he was back to his old enthusiastic, exuberant self. I can’t recommend this treatment highly enough. #Terrier #Agility #Muscular Injury
My 12 year Collie cross,Tilly, had bilateral TPLO surgery. Clinical Canine Massage helped with recovery from this as well as the aches and pains that come with being an older dog. I’m so happy to see Tilly enjoying the therapeutic benefits that come from Clinical Canine Massage. #TPLO/#Cruciate ligament surgery #collie #seniordogs
Wull, my 11-year-old Labrador, retired from competitive agility following surgery for a cervical disc extrusion. I noticed he had a’ twitching skin’ response along the length of his back when touched. After just three Clinical Canine Massage sessions, Will is much happier, his overall mobility has improved and he’s wanting to play with the pup again. #agilitydog #surgery #MFP
When Tasha was 10-years-old she tore her cruciate ligament. This was 4 years ago now. My Guild Therapist worked her magic to help build up muscle tone in her injured leg. She also relieved tightness in muscles in other areas of her body. Tasha is now running about like a pup at 14-years-young. #cruciateligament #injury
Clinical Canine Massage - discover the difference it can make to your dog!
Find a therapist
Have a look at our Register to find the Canine Massage Guild therapists in your area.
What to expect
Find out why your dog might need a massage and what to expect in our Owner Zone.
What people say
Read some of the many testimonials from satisfied Canine Massage Guild clients.