Animal Careers & Animal Jobs

Unusual Animal Careers Part Thirteen
Pet Acupuncturist

All content © by Diana L. Guerrero unless otherwise noted and may not be reprinted without prior written permission. All rights reserved. Contact arkanimals.com for reprint permissions and fees.

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.

Editor's Note: This is the continuation of an ongoing series related to animal careers. To reap the benefits of all the tips and requirements of this series it is suggested that you read them in order. You can do this easily by going back to the animal career index page.

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.

Diana Guerrero, author of this series, has extensive experience in many areas of the animal world. She offers animal career counseling and related programs.

Special offer: Get free insider information about pets, animals, animal careers, and learn more from Diana L Guerrero when you sign up for the newsletter! Signup today and read excerpts from two of her books.