The International Alliance for Animal Therapy and Healing is a project of the Congressional District Programs — a registered 501(c) (3) public charity.

All funds raised by The International Alliance for Animal Therapy and Healing are received by Congressional District Programs (CDP) and become the sole property of CDP which, for internal operating purposes allocates the funds to the project.  The Program Manger makes recommendations for disbursements which are reviewed by CDP for approval.

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The International Alliance for Animal Therapy and Healing (IAATH) is dedicated to the advancement and awareness of healing and health options for animals.

History of IAATH
IAATH was founded in 1999 after several years of organizational meetings by dedicated and diverse professionals wanting to help others in their fields. The founding council members contributed hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to ensure a solid foundation for IAATH with nothing to gain for themselves as all were professionals with successful practices. The vision was to help set standards and guidance in these emerging careers and dissolve the fear and conflict through collaborative models of working together for the well-being of animals.

IAATH's Original Founding Council Members

IAATH was Established in 1999

Original Founding Members
Mary Ann Simonds
Linda Tellington-Jones
Donna M. Starita, DVM

Dennis O'Brien, DC
Jim Helfter
Gail Wetzler

Bruce Jackson, DC

Mimi Porter

Advisory Board Council

Mary Brennen, DVM

Mary Bromily

Don Burt

Marvin Cain, DVM

Mike Foss, DVM

Michael Fox, DVM

Mike Gleason, DC

Kevin Haussler, DVM, DC, PhD
Fran Jurgan

David Miller, DVM
Grant Myhre, DVM
Kerry Ridgway, DVM
Allen Schoen, DVM
Jim Waldsmith, DVM

Today, IAATH invites you to share the vision of the founding council and members to help support and develop our international network and data base of information and resources in the animal therapy and healing fields. From massage therapy to aromatherapy and behavior to veterinary medicine, IAATH is the only integrated voice representing all disciplines in animal health care. Thank you for joining us!

What is IAATH?
IAATH is an alliance of professional healers, therapists, concerned companies and individuals dedicated to assisting in the maintenance, balance and enhancement of the body, mind and spirit of all animals. IAATH is a project of Congressional District Programs Inc., a registered 501(c) (3) public charity and your contributions are tax deductible.

IAATH is a foundation based on diverse backgrounds, ideas, expertise and education. We have come together as an alliance to share our vision and raise consciousness. For more information about IAATH, please download our brochure:

Download the IAATH brochure (331K)

Our 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 this 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.

Please consider joining IAATH and becoming a sponsor (The legal nature of our association makes it necessary for us to call our members "sponsors"). Our sponsors are health care practitioners, conscientious guardians, educational institutions, healers and animal lovers of all breeds. We welcome your support.