Life Of A Cowgirl™

IAATH's Mission

IAATH is committed to the continuing development of education, communication, support and opportunities for all those interested in animal health care. IAATH is a platform where all healing modalities may come together to work for the welfare of the animal kingdom. We advocate a strong code of ethics for animal therapy professionals.

Why IAATH?

Throughout history new ideas and methods have challenged traditional thinking. With the new millennium comes the opportunity for growth and consciousness expansion. New thoughts on what constitutes optimal health care have entered mainstream thinking. Today we seek more complete and concerned approaches to health care for ourselves and our animal companions. The organization was formed in response to:

• The growing number of people in addition to veterinarians who are seeking professions working with animals.
  
• The increased awareness and desire of animal guardians (owners) to have choices and take part in their animal's health care. Huge numbers of consumers are seeking non-veterinary health assistance with their animal, and are demanding a right to choose the type of health care they want.
  
• The need to address legalities in various countries and jurisdictions concerning who has the right to provide health care to animals. In many states and countries, out-dated laws make it illegal for a veterinarian to refer to non- veterinary health care professional such as a chiropractor, behaviorist, nutritionist, acupuncturist, or massage or physical therapist.
  
• Veterinarians who wish to find and refer to other health care professionals.
  
• The need to determine competency in these emerging fields.

To assist in the development of these new animal health care options and their associated careers IAATH recognizes the need to:

• Define the language and careers of the new health care fields.
  
• Educate the public, practitioners and students.
  
• Ensure the options for professional animal health.
  
• Provide a model for professional standards.
  
• Offer common ground for sharing information and research.

The information on the IAATH web site is an evolving attempt to address these needs. Here you will find forms for joining, a wonderful online discussion group, information about "alternative" therapies, a directory of our sponsors and their areas of expertise and much more. We welcome you.

As program director of IAATH, I have been honored to be a part of this incredible journey. 

Bennie Jean Kuehnle, Program Director
IAATH, Internation Alliance of Animal Therapy and Healing
http://www.iaath.com