TheAntiPam
01-24-2003, 11:55 AM
Human-Pet Massage Areas May Be Banned
Thu Jan 23, 8:17 AM ET
EASTHAMPTON, Mass. - The idea of people and pets getting professional massages in the same place rubs city officials the wrong way, so they're trying to tighten some health regulations.
The Board of Health is considering a proposal to differentiate between animal and human clients of massage therapists.
"We don't want (massage therapists) massaging animals at the same facility where humans are massaged," Health Agent Dennis Lacourse told the Daily Hampshire Gazette. "Do physicians let you bring your dog into the examining room? No."
Lacourse said human clients in massage facilities used by animals could potentially be exposed to parasites and disease, and animal hair can cause allergic reactions.
"Pets have fleas," Lacourse said. "Fleas carry the plague."
The Board of Health will hold a public hearing Feb. 3 on a proposal that would require therapists providing massage or muscular therapy to animals to set up a facility specifically for them.
Massage therapists say their practice can be every bit as soothing and relaxing to pets as it is to their owners.
"It's been gaining popularity in the last 10 years," said Lola J. Michelin, founder of the Northwest School of Animal Massage in Redmond, Wash. "The market is definitely growing and expanding."
Thu Jan 23, 8:17 AM ET
EASTHAMPTON, Mass. - The idea of people and pets getting professional massages in the same place rubs city officials the wrong way, so they're trying to tighten some health regulations.
The Board of Health is considering a proposal to differentiate between animal and human clients of massage therapists.
"We don't want (massage therapists) massaging animals at the same facility where humans are massaged," Health Agent Dennis Lacourse told the Daily Hampshire Gazette. "Do physicians let you bring your dog into the examining room? No."
Lacourse said human clients in massage facilities used by animals could potentially be exposed to parasites and disease, and animal hair can cause allergic reactions.
"Pets have fleas," Lacourse said. "Fleas carry the plague."
The Board of Health will hold a public hearing Feb. 3 on a proposal that would require therapists providing massage or muscular therapy to animals to set up a facility specifically for them.
Massage therapists say their practice can be every bit as soothing and relaxing to pets as it is to their owners.
"It's been gaining popularity in the last 10 years," said Lola J. Michelin, founder of the Northwest School of Animal Massage in Redmond, Wash. "The market is definitely growing and expanding."