Comprehensive Curriculum
5-Week Intensive Training; approximately 55 Hour Certification Program.
Hands-On Experience
Practice on real canine models to perfect your techniques.
Mentorship-Based Learning
Get certified and start your journey as a professional Canine Massage therapist
About the Course
Dogs give us their trust without hesitation. Learning canine bodywork is a way to give something profound back. Through touch, observation, and anatomical understanding, you'll learn how to support mobility, comfort, recovery, and quality of life in dogs. This training isn't just about technique—it's about developing feel, awareness, and the confidence to help dogs move and live more comfortably.
Meet Your Mentor
With 21 years teaching equine and canine massage and 40 years as an Police dispatcher, Karen brings unique trauma-informed insight to animal bodywork. A certified trauma instructor who has trained Ukrainian psychologists since 2020, she blends anatomy, nervous system understanding, and compassionate practice to create confident, skilled practitioners.
Course Curriculum
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1
Module 1: Skeletal System - The Support System
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(Included in full purchase)
Understanding Canine Movement
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(Included in full purchase)
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2
Module 2: Back and Pelvis - The Propulsion Hub
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(Included in full purchase)
Safety and Ethics in Canine Massage
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(Included in full purchase)
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3
Module 3: Legs & Respiration - The Motion and Air Core
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(Included in full purchase)
Trigger Point Therapy
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(Included in full purchase)
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4
Module 4: Nervous System - The Neural Superhighway
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(Included in full purchase)
Marketing Your Massage Practice
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(Included in full purchase)
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5
Module 5: Putting it all together - Mastery Week
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(Included in full purchase)
Analyzing Case Studies
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(Included in full purchase)
What our Graduates Are Saying
Discover how our mentorship program is transforming the lives of aspiring Canine Massage therapists
My name is Dusty (my humans call me “Buns”), and I am a 14+ year old Border Collie Lab cross who was rescued through Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). For the last two years I have struggled more and more to go for long walks and runs around the yard. My humans thought it might be arthritis in my hips, but the Dog Doctor said “No”. We did not know what it could be. My human decided to enroll in a Canine Massage and Bodywork course to see if that might help me. Well, after one treatment, I am prancing through my daily walk again and running laps around the yard with my fur brother Teddy. My human jokes and says “What happened to Buns? This can’t be our dog”. I feel great – wagging my tail and enjoying how “spunky” I feel. Thanks, Miss Karen, for teaching my human Canine Massage!!
Las Vegas, NV
When I was doubting if I could finish this course she (Karen Saindon) was the driving force. She believed in all of her students and she has a way that makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. She is an amazing person.
Manitoba, Canada
Karen is not only an outstanding teacher but also a fantastic mentor, and I will always take any opportunity to learn more from her.
RAD Equine Services
Karen is an exceptionally knowledgeable, kind and patient instructor who demonstrated genuine passion for both teaching and animal care.
Manitoba, Canada
My name is Dusty (my humans call me “Buns”), and I am a 14+ year old Border Collie Lab cross who was rescued through Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). For the last two years I have struggled more and more to go for long walks and runs around the yard. My humans thought it might be arthritis in my hips, but the Dog Doctor said “No”. We did not know what it could be. My human decided to enroll in a Canine Massage and Bodywork course to see if that might help me. Well, after one treatment, I am prancing through my daily walk again and running laps around the yard with my fur brother Teddy. My human jokes and says “What happened to Buns? This can’t be our dog”. I feel great – wagging my tail and enjoying how “spunky” I feel. Thanks, Miss Karen, for teaching my human Canine Massage!!
Las Vegas, NV
Karen is not only an outstanding teacher but also a fantastic mentor, and I will always take any opportunity to learn more from her.
RAD Equine Services
When I was doubting if I could finish this course she (Karen Saindon) was the driving force. She believed in all of her students and she has a way that makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. She is an amazing person.
Manitoba, Canada
Karen is an exceptionally knowledgeable, kind and patient instructor who demonstrated genuine passion for both teaching and animal care.
Manitoba, Canada
A Groundbreaking Approach to Canine Bodywork
At Willowbrook Wellness Academy, we don't believe in teaching to a test. We believe in teaching to mastery. Our canine massage certification is built on mentorship, not memorization—ensuring you graduate with complete confidence, not knowledge gaps. This 5-week, 55-hour dog bodywork training program combines live virtual instruction with practical demonstrations and hands-on homework. You'll learn from Karen Saindon, a highly qualified and experienced instructor who brings depth, care, and real-world expertise to every lesson.
What's Included in your Canine Massage Certification?
Check out the highlights of the course below.
5 Weeks of Live Virtual Classes
Weekly online sessions that blend theory, discussion, and guided learning in a connected classroom environment. Learn from anywhere in the world while staying connected to your instructor and cohort.
5 Hours of Weekly Homework
A thoughtful balance of coursework and hands-on practice with a canine (felines love it too!), allowing concepts to settle into your body—not just your notes. Complete with study guides to support your learning.
Video Demonstrations
Practical, easy-to-follow demonstrations to support your learning and build confidence in your canine bodywork skills.
One-on-One Virtual Instruction Available
Personalized guidance where learning comes alive through focused practice, feedback, and connection.
Post-Graduate Mentorship
One-on-one mentorship is available to answer questions as you grow in your new profession. Mentorship doesn't end when the course ends—we're here for your entire career journey.
In-Person Training Available
Depending on your location, in-person training can be included. This is the fastest way to get a the feel for Canine Massage and Bodywork.
Is this Canine Massage Certification Right for You?
The ideal canine bodywork student is compassionate, observant, and eager to learn. If you feel called to make a meaningful impact in animal wellness through gentle, hands-on work with dogs, this program provides the knowledge, skill, and confidence to build a rewarding career—or enhance your existing pet care practice. Here are some characteristics that would be an asset in a student:
Academic and Cognitive Qualities:
-Strong interest in anatomy, physiology, and animal biomechanics. -Keen observational skills to detect changes in movement or muscle tone. -Ability to think critically and apply learning in practical settings. -Intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Physical and Technical Abilities
-Good manual dexterity and coordination. -Physical stamina and proper body mechanics for safe, effective work. -A calm, steady touch adaptable to each dog's temperament. -Comfort working with dogs of all sizes, from toy breeds to giant breeds.
Professional and Ethical Standards
-Commitment to animal welfare and ethical practice. -Reliability, attention to detail, and accountability. -Dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth. -Understanding of the importance of collaboration with veterinary professionals.
Career Possibilities:
Start Your Own Mobile Canine Massage Practice
Launch a flexible, rewarding business providing in-home bodywork services for dogs. Work with pet owners, senior dogs, performance dogs, and dogs recovering from injury or surgery.
Add Canine Bodywork to Your Existing Pet Care Business
Enhance your current services as a dog trainer, groomer, pet sitter, or dog walker. Stand out in your market by offering therapeutic bodywork that truly helps dogs feel better.
Work in Veterinary or Rehabilitation Settings
Join veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or canine rehabilitation facilities as a certified bodywork specialist. Support dogs through post-surgical recovery, injury rehabilitation, and pain management.
Career Possibilities:
Serve Performance and Working Dogs
Work with agility dogs, hunting dogs, service dogs, police K9s, and sporting dogs to optimize performance, prevent injury, and extend their working careers.
Help Senior Dogs Live More Comfortably
Specialize in geriatric canine care, helping aging dogs maintain mobility, manage arthritis pain, and enjoy their golden years with greater comfort and quality of life.
Support Rescue and Shelter Dogs
Volunteer or work with rescue organizations and shelters, using bodywork to help traumatized or stressed dogs relax, heal, and become more adoptable.
Build a Sustainable Practice
Canine massage sessions typically range from $50-$150 per session depending on your location, experience, and service offerings. Many practitioners offer: Individual sessions Package deals (4-6 sessions) Monthly maintenance plans Corporate wellness events (working dogs, police K9s) Workshops and educational seminars With dedication and marketing, full-time canine bodywork practitioners can build thriving, flexible businesses while making a real difference in dogs' lives every day.
Ready to Transform Lives Through Canine Massage?
Enroll now to kickstart your journey towards becoming a certified Canine Massage therapist. $500 Deposit Required. Payment due in full prior to the first day of class.
$1,500.00