Animal massage therapists won the right Tuesday to practice in the state of Arizona without a veterinarian license.
Previous laws under the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board made it illegal for anyone except licensed veterinarians to provide animal massage. And those who practiced without a license could face up to $3,500 in fines.
In 2014, three animal massage therapists filed a lawsuit stating the law was unconstitutional and animal massage is a separate discipline.
Effective immediately the court decision allows animal massage to be practiced without a veterinary license. And masseurs will no longer be required to work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
