Comments for Ojai School of Massage - Therapeutic Massage for Humans and Animals http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com 619 West El Roblar Drive, Ojai, California 93023 Tel: (805) 640 9798 – Fax: (805) 646 4612 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:15:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Comment on Animal Massage Graduates by admin http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/animal-massage-graduates/comment-page-1/#comment-88 admin Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:15:22 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?page_id=412#comment-88 We do not have onsite housing but we arrange with local residents for room rentals at a relatively low cost. We work with residents here who will allow pets. I hope this helps. We do not have onsite housing but we arrange with local residents for room rentals at a relatively low cost. We work with residents here who will allow pets. I hope this helps.

]]> Comment on Strategies For Increasing Water Intake In Cats And Dogs by admin http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/10/strategies-for-increasing-water-intake-in-cats-and-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-82 admin Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:35:06 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=370#comment-82 Great comment Jan. You are absolutely right, dry and processed foods have played a big part in dehydration in animals. Thanks for the comment and for sharing. Great comment Jan. You are absolutely right, dry and processed foods have played a big part in dehydration in animals. Thanks for the comment and for sharing.

]]> Comment on Strategies For Increasing Water Intake In Cats And Dogs by Jan http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/10/strategies-for-increasing-water-intake-in-cats-and-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-78 Jan Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:13:16 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=370#comment-78 Hi Nick, If animals are fed a raw diet, they will need to drink very little water because they are getting the necessary moisture from the food that they consume. When they are fed highly processed dry food, or even canned food, it is impossible for them to take in enough water from the food that they eat. Remember, our domestic felines come from African desert stock who have very little access to water and so don't drink alot in the wild. When our domestic cats are fed dry food, their instincts to drink alot of extra water to compensate for the lack they would get eating fresh killed food...simply aren't there. That's why there are so many kidney bladder problems in cats! Thanks Hi Nick,

If animals are fed a raw diet, they will need to drink very little water because they are getting the necessary moisture from the food that they consume. When they are fed highly processed dry food, or even canned food, it is impossible for them to take in enough water from the food that they eat. Remember, our domestic felines come from African desert stock who have very little access to water and so don’t drink alot in the wild. When our domestic cats are fed dry food, their instincts to drink alot of extra water to compensate for the lack they would get eating fresh killed food…simply aren’t there. That’s why there are so many kidney bladder problems in cats!

Thanks

]]> Comment on California Veterinary Law Review by admin http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/09/california-veterinary-law-review/comment-page-2/#comment-72 admin Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:25:17 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=287#comment-72 Danielle, If you are a registered physical therapist you physical therapy organization has a special interest group that works with the AVMA and sets standards and education requirements for physical therapists to work with animals. If you take some advanced courses at the University of Tennessee or the University of Colorado's veterinary physical therapy programs under the auspices of the APTA special interest group you could get a certification to do physical therapy on animals and you could legally do massage on animals. I will look at the physical therapy laws in California and see if it might be legal for a registered physical therapist in this state to work on animals as well as humans. I will get back to you once I have done a little more research. Danielle, If you are a registered physical therapist you physical therapy organization has a special interest group that works with the AVMA and sets standards and education requirements for physical therapists to work with animals. If you take some advanced courses at the University of Tennessee or the University of Colorado’s veterinary physical therapy programs under the auspices of the APTA special interest group you could get a certification to do physical therapy on animals and you could legally do massage on animals. I will look at the physical therapy laws in California and see if it might be legal for a registered physical therapist in this state to work on animals as well as humans. I will get back to you once I have done a little more research.

]]> Comment on California Veterinary Law Review by Danielle http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/09/california-veterinary-law-review/comment-page-2/#comment-71 Danielle Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:22:30 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=287#comment-71 Thanks again for all of the information. I am a Physical Therapist. Thanks again for all of the information. I am a Physical Therapist.

]]> Comment on California’s Voluntary Massage Law by admin http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/09/californias-voluntary-massage-law/comment-page-1/#comment-64 admin Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:29:45 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=284#comment-64 Micaela, California's voluntary massage law does not apply to animals. DVM's are the only ones who can legally do massage on animals in this state. There are exceptions to this and if you read my blog on California Veterinary Laws you will see more information about this. California's Voluntary Massage law is in jeopardy right now because one congressman from Oakland has introduced a bill that would return regulation of massage back to the cities and counties so that they can set their own standards. Right now in California there hasn't been a push by DVM's to go after massage therapists who are doing massage on animals. There are many reasons for this: one being that there hasn't been any complaints by the general public that massage therapists are hurting animals, two being that the state is broke and can't afford to go after massage therapists who are working on animals, three if there was any disciplinary action taken by the veterinary board here there would be a class action law suite against the state and the board to have them prove that massage is harmful to animals and thereby subject to regulation by the state, four being that since over 60% of the animal owning public has used some type of complementary health care practitioner other then a DVM the board would be going against the publics demand and wishes for the option to access the health care options that they want for their animals. The AVMA is currently working on an advisory statement about complementary health care practice in veterinary medicine and how vets should deal with this in their practice so this should tell us how they plan to deal with this issue nationally. Micaela, California’s voluntary massage law does not apply to animals. DVM’s are the only ones who can legally do massage on animals in this state. There are exceptions to this and if you read my blog on California Veterinary Laws you will see more information about this. California’s Voluntary Massage law is in jeopardy right now because one congressman from Oakland has introduced a bill that would return regulation of massage back to the cities and counties so that they can set their own standards. Right now in California there hasn’t been a push by DVM’s to go after massage therapists who are doing massage on animals. There are many reasons for this: one being that there hasn’t been any complaints by the general public that massage therapists are hurting animals, two being that the state is broke and can’t afford to go after massage therapists who are working on animals, three if there was any disciplinary action taken by the veterinary board here there would be a class action law suite against the state and the board to have them prove that massage is harmful to animals and thereby subject to regulation by the state, four being that since over 60% of the animal owning public has used some type of complementary health care practitioner other then a DVM the board would be going against the publics demand and wishes for the option to access the health care options that they want for their animals. The AVMA is currently working on an advisory statement about complementary health care practice in veterinary medicine and how vets should deal with this in their practice so this should tell us how they plan to deal with this issue nationally.

]]> Comment on California’s Voluntary Massage Law by Micaela Hase http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/09/californias-voluntary-massage-law/comment-page-1/#comment-63 Micaela Hase Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:16:49 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=284#comment-63 Does this also apply to Small Animal and Equine Massage Therapists? Does this also apply to Small Animal and Equine Massage Therapists?

]]> Comment on California Veterinary Law Review by admin http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/09/california-veterinary-law-review/comment-page-1/#comment-56 admin Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:06:43 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=287#comment-56 Danielle, The law specifically states under Section 4827 that as long as you are a legitimate employee of the animals owner or as long as you are assisting the animals owner gratuitously that "nothing in this chapter prohibits any person from" doing massage or any other practice that would normally be considered veterinary medicine. Gratuitously according to the Webster's dictionary means "given or done free of charge". You stated in your last post that you are very concerned about protecting your license. What license are you trying to protect? Also the best way to clarify any legal issues is to contact the California Attorney General: http://ag.ca.gov/opinions.php and get a legal opinion from the highest legal authority in the state. If the Attorney General of California gives you a legal opinion that says it would be legal to do what you want to do then you can rest assured that the legal authorities in this state would not go after you. I hope this helps you. Danielle, The law specifically states under Section 4827 that as long as you are a legitimate employee of the animals owner or as long as you are assisting the animals owner gratuitously that “nothing in this chapter prohibits any person from” doing massage or any other practice that would normally be considered veterinary medicine. Gratuitously according to the Webster’s dictionary means “given or done free of charge”. You stated in your last post that you are very concerned about protecting your license. What license are you trying to protect? Also the best way to clarify any legal issues is to contact the California Attorney General: http://ag.ca.gov/opinions.php and get a legal opinion from the highest legal authority in the state. If the Attorney General of California gives you a legal opinion that says it would be legal to do what you want to do then you can rest assured that the legal authorities in this state would not go after you. I hope this helps you.

]]> Comment on California Veterinary Law Review by Danielle http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/09/california-veterinary-law-review/comment-page-1/#comment-55 Danielle Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:46:48 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=287#comment-55 I feel silly asking for one more clarification but here it goes....about the exchange of money... "As long as you are not charging for a service you can so anything that you like or as long as you are a bona fide employee of the animal owner or caretaker then you can do massage legally on the animal. " "They would for have to prove that you were doing the massage for money because the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Veterinary Medical Board only have jurisdiction over professional business practitioners who are required to be licensed in this state. So, unless there is a check made out to the practitioner, a witness that saw the massage happen and the check or money order being given to the practitioner after the massage was performed or a regulatory officer for the state Department of Consumer affairs or a law enforcement officer present that records this infraction of the law I fail to see why massage practitioner are so afraid of doing massage on animals. So, is it correct to say...as long as there is no exchange of money ( do it for free?) it is ok to perform massage in private or in public? It would seem to me then that anyone that has an animal massage business working at athletic events or in someone's home is still a problem. If you charge for this service then it must be peformed under vet supervsion? I just want to make sure I am doing what is legal in California. I am very concerned about protecting my license. I am so sorry to consume more time here. I really appreciate your input...I am happy to email you privately if this is too much for the blog. :-) Danielle I feel silly asking for one more clarification but here it goes….about the exchange of money…

“As long as you are not charging for a service you can so anything that you like or as long as you are a bona fide employee of the animal owner or caretaker then you can do massage legally on the animal. ”

“They would for have to prove that you were doing the massage for money because the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Veterinary Medical Board only have jurisdiction over professional business practitioners who are required to be licensed in this state. So, unless there is a check made out to the practitioner, a witness that saw the massage happen and the check or money order being given to the practitioner after the massage was performed or a regulatory officer for the state Department of Consumer affairs or a law enforcement officer present that records this infraction of the law I fail to see why massage practitioner are so afraid of doing massage on animals.

So, is it correct to say…as long as there is no exchange of money ( do it for free?) it is ok to perform massage in private or in public? It would seem to me then that anyone that has an animal massage business working at athletic events or in someone’s home is still a problem. If you charge for this service then it must be peformed under vet supervsion? I just want to make sure I am doing what is legal in California. I am very concerned about protecting my license. I am so sorry to consume more time here. I really appreciate your input…I am happy to email you privately if this is too much for the blog. :-)
Danielle

]]> Comment on California Veterinary Law Review by admin http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/2009/09/california-veterinary-law-review/comment-page-1/#comment-54 admin Thu, 03 Jun 2010 22:56:24 +0000 http://www.ojaischoolofmassage.com/?p=287#comment-54 Danielle, The AVMA's main role is to support their members which are licensed DVM's in the United States and it makes sense that they would protect their members from encroachment on their practice. The AVMA does not have an enforcement capability in the state of California because they are not the legal authority in California. The California Department of Consumer Affairs, the California Attorney General and the California Medical Board are the only parties that can pursue enforcement actions in the state of California regarding veterinary laws. I have always hesitated in getting into the politics of veterinary laws because of the history of actions that have been taken by professional organizations such as the AVMA, AMA and various massage and chiropractic boards against people who don't agree with them. This is not to say that I am afraid to speak my mind though when I see them acting in ways that harm the public by restricting the publics right to the medical treatments of their choice. While the states have the right to regulate professions as they see fit in order to protect the public from harm, the state does not have the right to regulate practices that have no proven harm to the public. The states have long taken advantage of the publics ignorance and lack of interest to take away the citizens rights to medical care of their choice. It is only when the public stands up and challenges these restrictive laws and regulations instituted by these states and organizations; that the laws are changed back to benefitting the people. The AVMA paid a lot of money to make sure that only their members would be able to help animals. Through lobbying efforts they worked closely with legislative staff to make sure that no one but their members would be able to work in animal health legally. They literally have a monopoly on veterinary medicine and monopolies are illegal in this country unless you get the federal government to give you a monopoly franchise like the NFL, NBA, or some other sports franchise monopoly. Some people choose to fight this cozy relationship that the AVMA has with the government and some of us work quietly in the background to change this from the ground up. The California public spends a lot of money on complementary or what some call alternative health care for their animals and money talks more then words and legal actions. Well over 30% of animal "owners" use complementary health care treatments for their animals. The AVMA and the Department of Consumer Affairs Veterinary Medical Board can not stop this. They don't have the resources. Even the Veterinary Medical Board on their website lets us know that it is very hard to prove a complaint. This was taken from their site. The Complaint Review Process The VMB receives hundreds of complaints each year regarding the conduct of veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, unlicensed persons, or conditions of a veterinary facility. The initial complaint review determines whether the VMB has jurisdiction. The VMB's authority to investigate is limited to administrative violations of the California Veterinary Practice Act, including, negligence, incompetence, fraud, deception, unprofessional conduct, and sanitary condition of a facility. If the initial review reveals that the complaint is regarding a fee dispute or collection methods, the complaint is closed. Consumers are notified that the VMB has no jurisdiction and are provided with information outlining the procedures for a small claims court action. "Once jurisdiction is established, the persons named in the complaint are contacted and asked to submit written statements and copies of any available medical records, x-rays or laboratory reports. As soon as this information is received, the complaint file is reviewed by the VMB's veterinary medical advisor. The advisor makes a determine to either: (1) close the case; (2) refer it to the VMB's complaint review committee for further review; (3) issue a citation and fine, or (4) refer it to the Department of Consumer Affairs' Division of Investigation (DoI) for a formal investigation." "Complaints under investigation contain essentially unsubstantiated allegations and the information contained in the file is exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act. Complaint information is only available via subpoena after the investigation is closed." "Who Can or Should File a Complaint Anyone who witnesses or believes that a licensed veterinarian or unlicensed person's behavior or activities may cause harm (or the potential for harm) to animal patients or may be illegal, can file a complaint. The most effective complaints contain, firsthand, verifiable information. While anonymous complaints will be reviewed, they may be impossible to pursue unless they contain documented evidence to support the allegations." As you can see from this last section there must be witnesses to the person's behavior or activities that may cause harm to an animal and this must be verifiable and documented. It is very hard for the board to go after massage therapists unless someone has made a complaint to the board and then they need to be able to prove the illegal activity. They would for have to prove that you were doing the massage for money because the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Veterinary Medical Board only have jurisdiction over professional business practitioners who are required to be licensed in this state. So, unless there is a check made out to the practitioner, a witness that saw the massage happen and the check or money order being given to the practitioner after the massage was performed or a regulatory officer for the state Department of Consumer affairs or a law enforcement officer present that records this infraction of the law I fail to see why massage practitioner are so afraid of doing massage on animals. We are walking in the jungle and we do need to watch our actions and be aware that there are wild animals out there who do not play well with others and are looking to harm others or protect their own territory. When walking in the jungle walk quietly and know who is lurking around you and take precautions to protect yourself. The police departments can tell you how hard it is to catch and prosecute prostitutes in this state. In fact they are trying to make sure right now that they have full control over the California Massage Therapy Board so that they can have extra tools to weed out prostitution in this state. If they can't handle prostitutes, drugs and violent crimes in this state then you can rest assured that you have as little chance of getting prosecuted for doing massage on animals as you do of winning the lottery. Sometimes it is best to hide the light from the encroaching forces of darkness so that it can stay alive. Only when the encroaching forces are threatening to blow the light out should we resist this force. Wasting energy on fighting only leads to more fighting and exhaustion. Concentrating on the light and building the light within will make the light brighter and help animals more. As complementary health care practitioners we should spend our energy on helping animals become free from pain and suffering and not on battling with others. We should not fear the darkness either because one ray of light illuminates the darkness if it is strong enough it will illuminate a vast amount of darkness. I do hope that the AVMA will not continue to veil the light of our practice but will work with us to benefit animals. Danielle,
The AVMA’s main role is to support their members which are licensed DVM’s in the United States and it makes sense that they would protect their members from encroachment on their practice. The AVMA does not have an enforcement capability in the state of California because they are not the legal authority in California. The California Department of Consumer Affairs, the California Attorney General and the California Medical Board are the only parties that can pursue enforcement actions in the state of California regarding veterinary laws. I have always hesitated in getting into the politics of veterinary laws because of the history of actions that have been taken by professional organizations such as the AVMA, AMA and various massage and chiropractic boards against people who don’t agree with them. This is not to say that I am afraid to speak my mind though when I see them acting in ways that harm the public by restricting the publics right to the medical treatments of their choice. While the states have the right to regulate professions as they see fit in order to protect the public from harm, the state does not have the right to regulate practices that have no proven harm to the public. The states have long taken advantage of the publics ignorance and lack of interest to take away the citizens rights to medical care of their choice. It is only when the public stands up and challenges these restrictive laws and regulations instituted by these states and organizations; that the laws are changed back to benefitting the people. The AVMA paid a lot of money to make sure that only their members would be able to help animals. Through lobbying efforts they worked closely with legislative staff to make sure that no one but their members would be able to work in animal health legally. They literally have a monopoly on veterinary medicine and monopolies are illegal in this country unless you get the federal government to give you a monopoly franchise like the NFL, NBA, or some other sports franchise monopoly. Some people choose to fight this cozy relationship that the AVMA has with the government and some of us work quietly in the background to change this from the ground up. The California public spends a lot of money on complementary or what some call alternative health care for their animals and money talks more then words and legal actions. Well over 30% of animal “owners” use complementary health care treatments for their animals. The AVMA and the Department of Consumer Affairs Veterinary Medical Board can not stop this. They don’t have the resources. Even the Veterinary Medical Board on their website lets us know that it is very hard to prove a complaint. This was taken from their site.

The Complaint Review Process
The VMB receives hundreds of complaints each year regarding the conduct of veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, unlicensed persons, or conditions of a veterinary facility. The initial complaint review determines whether the VMB has jurisdiction. The VMB’s authority to investigate is limited to administrative violations of the California Veterinary Practice Act, including, negligence, incompetence, fraud, deception, unprofessional conduct, and sanitary condition of a facility. If the initial review reveals that the complaint is regarding a fee dispute or collection methods, the complaint is closed. Consumers are notified that the VMB has no jurisdiction and are provided with information outlining the procedures for a small claims court action.

“Once jurisdiction is established, the persons named in the complaint are contacted and asked to submit written statements and copies of any available medical records, x-rays or laboratory reports. As soon as this information is received, the complaint file is reviewed by the VMB’s veterinary medical advisor. The advisor makes a determine to either: (1) close the case; (2) refer it to the VMB’s complaint review committee for further review; (3) issue a citation and fine, or (4) refer it to the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Division of Investigation (DoI) for a formal investigation.”

“Complaints under investigation contain essentially unsubstantiated allegations and the information contained in the file is exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act. Complaint information is only available via subpoena after the investigation is closed.”

“Who Can or Should File a Complaint
Anyone who witnesses or believes that a licensed veterinarian or unlicensed person’s behavior or activities may cause harm (or the potential for harm) to animal patients or may be illegal, can file a complaint. The most effective complaints contain, firsthand, verifiable information. While anonymous complaints will be reviewed, they may be impossible to pursue unless they contain documented evidence to support the allegations.”

As you can see from this last section there must be witnesses to the person’s behavior or activities that may cause harm to an animal and this must be verifiable and documented. It is very hard for the board to go after massage therapists unless someone has made a complaint to the board and then they need to be able to prove the illegal activity. They would for have to prove that you were doing the massage for money because the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Veterinary Medical Board only have jurisdiction over professional business practitioners who are required to be licensed in this state. So, unless there is a check made out to the practitioner, a witness that saw the massage happen and the check or money order being given to the practitioner after the massage was performed or a regulatory officer for the state Department of Consumer affairs or a law enforcement officer present that records this infraction of the law I fail to see why massage practitioner are so afraid of doing massage on animals. We are walking in the jungle and we do need to watch our actions and be aware that there are wild animals out there who do not play well with others and are looking to harm others or protect their own territory. When walking in the jungle walk quietly and know who is lurking around you and take precautions to protect yourself. The police departments can tell you how hard it is to catch and prosecute prostitutes in this state. In fact they are trying to make sure right now that they have full control over the California Massage Therapy Board so that they can have extra tools to weed out prostitution in this state. If they can’t handle prostitutes, drugs and violent crimes in this state then you can rest assured that you have as little chance of getting prosecuted for doing massage on animals as you do of winning the lottery.

Sometimes it is best to hide the light from the encroaching forces of darkness so that it can stay alive. Only when the encroaching forces are threatening to blow the light out should we resist this force. Wasting energy on fighting only leads to more fighting and exhaustion. Concentrating on the light and building the light within will make the light brighter and help animals more. As complementary health care practitioners we should spend our energy on helping animals become free from pain and suffering and not on battling with others. We should not fear the darkness either because one ray of light illuminates the darkness if it is strong enough it will illuminate a vast amount of darkness.

I do hope that the AVMA will not continue to veil the light of our practice but will work with us to benefit animals.

]]>