IAAMB/ACWT’s Code of Ethics / Standards of Practice

Each IAAMB/ACWT member agrees to abide by the following:

  1. Demonstrates commitment to provide the highest quality animal massage therapy/bodywork to those who seek our professional service.
  2. Acknowledges the inherent worth and individuality of each person by not discriminating or behaving in any prejudicial manner with clients and/or colleagues.
  3. Demonstrates professional excellence through regular self-assessment of strengths, limitations, and effectiveness by continued education and training.
  4. Acknowledges the confidential nature of the professional relationship with clients and respect each client’s right to privacy.
  5. Conducts all business and professional activities within their animal massage and bodywork scopes of practice, the laws of the land, and projects a professional image.
  6. Accepts responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of self, animal clients, their caregivers and associates.
  7. Maintains a sincere commitment to provide the highest quality of care to those who seek your professional services.
  8. Represents qualifications honestly, including education and professional affiliations, and provides only those services that you are qualified to perform.
  9. Accurately informs clients, other health care practitioners, and the public to the scope and limitations of their discipline.
  10. Acknowledges the limitations of and contraindications for animal massage and bodywork and refers clients to appropriate health professionals.
  11. Provides treatment only where there is reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the client.
  12. Conducts all business and professional activities with honesty and integrity, and respects the inherent worth of all persons and animals.
  13. Practices honesty in advertising.
  14. Promotes services ethically and in good taste, and practice and/or advertise only those techniques with adequate training and/or certification.
  15. Refuses to make false claims regarding the potential benefits of the techniques rendered. It is unethical to guarantee a cure.
  16. Safeguards the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is requested by the client in writing, is medically necessary, is required by law, or necessary for the protection of the public.
  17. Respects the client’s right to refuse, modify or terminate treatment regardless of prior consent given.
  18. Avoids any interest, activity or influence which might be in conflict with the animal massage and bodywork practitioner’s obligation to act in the best interests of the client or the profession.
  19. Refuses any gifts or benefits that are intended to influence a referral, decision or treatment, or that are purely for personal gain and not for the good of the client.
  20. Refrains from the use of any mind-altering drugs, alcohol, or intoxicants prior to or during professional sessions.
  21. Dresses in a professional manner, proper dress being defined as attire suitable and consistent with accepted business and professional practice.
  22. Actively participates in educating the public regarding the benefits of animal massage and bodywork.
  23. Follows the IAAMB/ACWT Standards of Practice, this Code of Ethics.

If desired, you can download a copy of this here: Code of Ethics