A Note to Our Readers: While the following post is written directly to veterinarians, I believe in complete transparency for all my clients. I've made this public so that you, as a dog owner, can see exactly how I prioritize your dog's safety and respect the crucial relationship you have with your trusted veterinary team. This is my commitment to a safe, collaborative circle of care for your dog.
An open letter to veterinarians:
When a client asks for a referral for canine massage, it understandably gives you pause.
You’re a veterinarian. Your entire career is built on providing the best medical care while protecting your license and your practice. You see the potential benefits for a patient's comfort and mobility, but the valid concern of liability naturally causes hesitation. What if the practitioner oversteps their scope? What if they offer a diagnosis or promise a cure? In California, the legal line between wellness and treatment is incredibly fine, and the risk often feels like it outweighs the reward.
I get it. And I believe the onus is on the practitioner, not the veterinarian, to create a system that eliminates that risk.
A Closer Look at the Word "Referral"
The core of the issue lies in the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 16, which defines Animal Physical Rehabilitation (APR) as a veterinary practice. It explicitly states that APR is not just for injury, but also for "optimizing performance." This broad definition can be intimidating.
The code does, however, provide a specific exemption, stating that APR "does not include relaxation, recreational or wellness modalities, including but not limited to, massage...".
This is where I operate, and - as a former litigation assistant and paralegal - it's a line I take very seriously. A "referral" can imply that you are delegating a veterinary task. If a practitioner then performs work that could be interpreted as "treatment" or "rehabilitation," the liability can splash back on you. It’s a frighteningly gray area, and you are right to be cautious.
![A professional clipboard showing a Veterinary Clearance & Liability Shield form [cite: 1] [cite_start]for non-therapeutic canine massage[cite: 5], demonstrating a vet-safe process in California](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/y/y/g/temp-kedtkqlxavgojbdbimor/gemini_generated_image_94koww94koww94ko-high.png?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=864%2C1184%2Cx0%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=467&height=640)
The Solution: A Better Process, A Better Form
My practice, California Canine Myotherapy, is built to remove that gray area. I’ve structured my entire process around protecting the veterinarian and respecting the Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). It starts by throwing out the word "referral." Instead, I use a document called a Veterinary Clearance & Liability Shield.
This document is not a request for you to refer a patient for treatment. Its purpose is singular: to ensure the non-therapeutic wellness massage I provide is safe for the patient, and to shield you from liability.
Here’s how it works and what it makes explicitly clear:
- It is Not a Medical Referral: The form states in no uncertain terms that your signature "does not constitute a referral for medical treatment or delegation of a veterinary task".
- It Declares a Non-Veterinary Scope: I affirm up front that my services are for wellness and relaxation only, not for the "diagnosis, treatment, cure, or relief of any wound, injury, or disease"
- It is a Safety Check, Pure and Simple: Your signature is a safety clearance. You are simply confirming that, based on the patient's current health, there are no known medical contraindications that would make a general wellness massage unsafe for them.
The form also provides a space for you to list any diagnosed conditions or specific areas of the body I must avoid, ensuring I have all the information needed to work safely.
My Commitment
For me, everything comes down to one simple promise I make to every dog I work with: 'first, do no harm.' Beyond the paperwork and the professional process, my true focus is always on the dog's well-being and peace of mind.
My training as a student of the Galen Myotherapy® Diploma program is centered on this idea. The techniques are non-invasive, and the philosophy is all about respecting the dog's choice. We call it a 'Positive PACT,' which really just means the dog is the one in charge. I'm always watching their body language for the slightest cue—a flick of an ear, a shift in weight—it all tells a story. I’ll never hold a dog down or force them into a position. If they choose to get up and walk away, that choice is always respected. The goal is simple: to make every session a safe, relaxing, and even happy
As a practitioner, my role is to be a partner in a dog's overall wellness plan, not to direct it. I am a student of the rigorous Galen Myotherapy® Diploma program and carry comprehensive professional liability insurance for every session I provide.
My client consent forms reiterate that my sessions are not a substitute for veterinary care. I require clients to direct all questions about their dog's diagnosis, prognosis, or medical plan back to where they belong—to you, their licensed veterinarian.
Collaboration between veterinarians and qualified wellness practitioners should be safe, transparent, and beneficial for the patient. It’s possible, but only when the practitioner builds their business on a foundation of legal and ethical respect.
If you have any questions about my process or would like to see a copy of my Veterinary Clearance form, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to the possibility of being a trusted, safe, and respectful resource for veterinarians and their clients.
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