Unusual Animal Careers
A Series about Careers with Animals
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Unusual Animal Careers Part Thirteen
Pet Acupuncturist
Animal careers, animal schools, & animal courses are just a few topics you will find here. You can read about careers with animals, discover animal programs, and enroll in unique animal career seminars. This is part thirteen in an unusual animal career series. In this section you will learn about alternative animal therapy and a career as an animal acupuncturist.
Alternative Health Positions: Pet Acupuncturist
The animal industry is changing by leaps and bounds. As more pets enter into human homes new demands for innovative services will increase. Non-traditional services and alternative therapies are two areas experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing numbers of pet households.Animal health related concerns are generally of a veterinary nature. Alternative practitioners can be found through the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
Innovative services are more widely accepted in urban environments and more affluent societies. In some areas, veterinarians augment their practices with alternative services or practices.
Acupuncture is a technique where thin needles are used to trigger the body to heal itself. Based on the belief that life energy or chi can become unbalanced due to injury or illness, the flow is thought to be restored by placing needles at strategic points along energy paths known as meridians.
The tradition is believed to be an ancient one established prior to 5,000 years ago and has become popular with humans and only recently with pets. Many human practitioners are training specifically for pets and making a career change to pets.
Training programs are necessary along with certification. In the United States you will have to investigate what requirements your region requires. In addition, developing a business sense is helpful. Most practitioners need to manage their business or handle professional services for appointments, book keeping and related tasks.
If you are interested in learning more about animal acupuncture or photonic therapy, another practice that uses light instead of needles, you should start with human programs or a veterinary medical focus.
In most cases you will need the minimum of a Master's degree in the human oriented practice with additional studies specific to animals or a Doctorate in Veterinary Medical science.
Specialty training can be obtained through the Tai Sophia Institute in Columbia, Maryland. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine offers an introductory course. Colorado State University also offers alternative programs. Interested students should investigate the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
About this animal career specialist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.
