FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5621

C 297 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing animal massage.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Sheahan, Shin, Roach, Constantine, Patterson, Prentice, Thibaudeau and Kohl‑Welles).

Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

House Committee on Appropriations

Background:  The definition of veterinary practice includes prescribing or administering any treatment, method, or practice, and performing any manipulation on an animal.  The Board of Veterinary Governors has concluded that providing massage treatments to animals for pay is a veterinary practice which is only to be done by a licensed veterinarian.

Massage practitioners must be licensed by the state to perform massage therapy.  Massage is defined to include the external manipulation of pressure to soft tissue for therapeutic purposes.  To obtain a license, the applicant must complete an approved course of study, an examination, and be 18 years old.

Summary:  An individual who is licensed to practice massage therapy and who completes 100 hours of specialized training may apply for an endorsement to practice animal massage.  The endorsement may be either for small animal or large animal massage.

However, an applicant who applies within the first year may submit documentation of at least 50 hours of training and up to 50 hours of practical experience or continuing education to fulfill the requirements for an endorsement.

The Board of Massage may adopt implementing rules upon consultation with the Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors and licensed massage practitioners with training in animal massage.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate471

House     95 0 (House amended)

Senate    46 3 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001