MEET VALERIE

I became a Canine Massage Professional (CMP) because of my love for dogs. I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a difference, while promoting their health and well-being. I have owned pets my entire life, and after thirteen years of full-time teaching, could no longer ignore my passion. In 2012, I began my journey to obtain my certification. 

International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB)

* based out of the United States, promotes "international recognition and accreditation for animal

   massage therapists and body workers and educates the general public about the benefits of 

   massage and bodywork for animals"

Alberta Association of Animal Owners' Rights (AAAOR)

* having started my profession in Calgary, I was a committed member of the AAAOR

* an organization dedicated to promoting optimum animal welfare and supporting responsible

   choice in animal health care in Alberta

* through their support, I hosted Alberta's first Small Animal Holistic Practitioners Conference in

   March 2017 

British Columbia Animal Owners Association (BCAOA)

* similar mission statement of the AAAOR; to support freedom of choice for owners in the selection

   of healthcare options for animals in British Columbia

British Columbia Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork Professionals (BCAAMBP)

* promotes "professionalism through education, self-development; and creates and maintains

   regulated standards for Animal Massage and Bodywork Providers" 

Registry of Allied Animal Health Practitioners of Canada

* whose mission is to provide a registry and oversight for qualified non-vet animal practitioners who 

   continue to provide and maintain proficiency in the highest standards of care
* whose vision is for an animal health care framework that facilitates independent non-vet animal 

   health practices in a collaborative environment, providing the best care options for animals and the 

   best access to care for their owners

Agility

* I had over 10 years of experience working with my dogs in the sport of agility

* I helped to organize the Agility Association of Canada's (AAC) inaugural National Championships at

   Spruce Meadows in Calgary, through my former club, the Calgary Agility Association (CAA) 

Cochrane and Area Humane Society (CAHS)

* member for many years and volunteered for almost three years performing rehabilitative

   and therapeutic massages on the shelter animals

* participated in their yearly "Mutt Strut" fund raiser while promoting canine massage 

Calgary Humane Society (CHS)

* was a long-standing member (20+ years) of the Calgary Humane Society (CHS) 

* participated in their yearly "Dog Jog" fund raiser while promoting canine massage and pet first aid

My yellow lab, Murphy (pictured bottom left), was adopted from the CHS in 1998 and, despite her severe arthritis, was a happy, healthy member of the family until July 2013.  

Murphy was my inspiration for pursuing a career in canine massage and my passion for dogs is undeniable.