Joanne Lang, Inc., d.b.a.
The Lang Institute for Canine Massage
Canine Massage Program
Approved and Regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board
Catalog #4
Edition 2024
L.I.C.M. 5942½ Puma Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
P.O. Box 2786
Loveland, CO 80539-2786
970-691-3985
From Joanne…
Thank you for your interest in the Canine Massage Program offered by the Lang Institute for Canine Massage!
This catalog gives you an overview of our program, including its curriculum, schedule, costs, and requirements. You’ll meet our staff and learn about the support you’ll receive both during and after your training.
You are cordially invited to join our winning force and to share our dedication to the standards of excellence in canine massage.
The Lang Institute for Canine Massage wishes you all the best and looks forward to working with you in the future.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction
The Lang System Canine Massage Provider
Business Start-Up Preparations
Section 2: Canine Massage Program
Program Completion Requirements
Section 3: Application Details
Section 4: Tuition and Payment Schedule
Your Estimated Cost as a Student in the Canine Massage Program
Section 5: Legal Standing of Animal Massage
Section 6: School Information
Insurance
1… Introduction
The Lang Institute for Canine Massage was founded upon this one mission:
To provide the best training available in canine massage, enabling graduates
to work side-by-side with veterinarians and dog owners.
To achieve this mission, the Lang Institute has designed the Canine Massage Program, which:
- Trains students to become highly-skilled canine massage providers
- Utilizes the Lang System to understand motion and structure in canine clients
- Offers business strategies to help students start their own canine massage businesses
- Raises canine massage standards
Our program uses various teaching methods, including a home-study course, homework assignments, interviews with veterinarians, dog handlers, groomers, obedience instructors, pet owners, and members of various dog associations, video demonstrations, lectures by guest speakers, and hands-on work with a variety of dog breeds and temperaments. There is no such thing as passive learning at the Lang Institute!
We strive for excellence in the training we offer our students. We provide the tools and training to help our graduates excel in the field of canine massage. And we encourage our students always to keep learning after they have completed our program.
Your Instructors
Executive Director: Joanne Lang, M.C.M.T
With over a decade of experience in providing massages for canine, feline, equine, and human clients, Joanne Lang has achieved the title of Master Certified Massage Therapist in human massage. She has pioneered her unique canine massage system and used it to help thousands of companion animals — from champion show dogs to beloved family pets to handicapped animals. Persistent in the face of skepticism, Joanne has shown that her methods do enhance motion and muscle tone in her animal clients, often to a remarkable degree.
Joanne continues to help hundreds of animal clients each year through her successful business. She also works as an author, video producer, and workshop instructor. You may have seen her on the Discovery Channel, Horse Network, or Outdoor Life Network, sharing her massage knowledge with the donkey and mule world.
Contributing Instructor: Joni L. Freshman, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Joni is a veterinarian specializing in clinical internal medicine. She has earned both a Master’s degree in Clinical Sciences in the area of reproduction as well as the rank of Diplomat in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Joni has worked at the Denver Zoo, Auburn University, and Colorado State University. She has written dozens of professional articles and a book about canine reproduction and neonatology.
For the Lang Institute, Joni serves as our expert on canine anatomy, physiology, pathology, nutrition, first aid, and much more. Joni and her Belgian Tervurens are involved in both professional dog competitions and Therapy Dog International community work. Joni currently offers writing, speaking, and consulting services through her new business, Canine Consultations.
Contributing Instructor: David S. Miller, MS, DVM, DACZM
Dr. David Miller is a 1992 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, and has also worked as a wildlife biologist. His private practice experience includes working with exotic, small, and large animals. He has also worked in emergency medicine practices and several zoos. He is currently working on wildlife disease issues with several organizations.
Contributing Instructor: Dr. Sue Ware, Ph.D.
Dr. Sue Ware, Ph.D., is a Research Associate at the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries in Los Angeles, CA as well as holding that same position at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in the departments of Earth Science and Zoology. She holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in paleopathology and comparative osteology from the Union Institute and University, an M.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in juvenile corrections from the University of Northern Colorado, an M.A. in Anthropology with an emphasis in physical anthropology and forensics from the University of Colorado and a B.A. in Education from Loretto Heights College.
Sue has over 30 years of teaching experience with both children and adults and is an accomplished artist. She currently teaches classes on osteology, paleopathology, animal behavior, and Egyptology and has published in these same areas. Currently, Sue is the CEO of Flatline Consulting & Research, a Denver-based consulting company.
Board of Directors:
- Joanne Lang, MCMT
- Dr. David Miller
- Nita Bitner
Levels of Training
In human massage, there are fundamental distinctions between basic, wellness, and medical massage. These three levels are based on the education of the massage provider as well as what they seek to accomplish during the massage session(s).
| Basic Massage | Done by a person with minimal, if any, training (less than 50 hours). |
| Wellness Massage | Performed by a massage provider with at least 500 hours of training in the canine sciences of anatomy, physiology, pathology, nutrition, and behavior, as well as appropriate massage techniques. |
| Medical Massage | Performed by a massage provider with at least 500 hours of training in the canine sciences and appropriate massage techniques. The provider works with specific goals in mind that are accomplished in an explicit time frame. The provider may work with other canine professionals and/or under the supervision of a veterinarian. |
We are proud that the Lang Institute for Canine Massage has the background and expertise to train its students in the two top levels of Wellness and Medical Canine Massage. However, we encourage you to carefully research the school you choose to attend to achieve your career goals.
The Lang System
The cornerstone of the Canine Massage Program is the Lang System. This system provides a combination of standards and massage techniques. You first determine whether a dog client is standing, sitting, walking, or running correctly or incorrectly. You then draw up a set of suggestions to help the dog’s posture and movement. These suggestions can include massage, referrals to veterinary care, exercise regimes, and nutritional considerations.
Why would a dog owner use the Lang System? Just like people, dogs experience aging, bumps and bruises, injuries, or even serious trauma during their lifetimes. But even after every injury receives appropriate veterinary care, a dog can continue to experience residual negative effects such as incorrect or awkward posture and movement, or decreased flexibility. Over time, these residual effects can accumulate to cause a noticeable decline in the dog’s overall energy and zest for life. The Lang System teaches you to recognize these challenges and gives you the tools to address the aches and pains of canine aging and “life’s bumps,” to refer dog owners to veterinary care, or to follow a veterinarian’s suggestions or directions in massaging dog clients.
Canine Massage Outlook
Surprisingly, not all canine massage schools provide such fundamental classes as canine anatomy, pathology, physiology, movement, nutrition, and behavior. Without these fields of study, you are extremely limited in what you can achieve with massage, leaving you frustrated and your clients looking elsewhere for help.
Limiting yourself to just a couple of massage patterns or recipes is not sufficient. In fact, it may stifle your growth and creativity in the canine massage world. Would you expect to understand an entire novel by just reading the cover?
The fundamental classes of canine anatomy, pathology, physiology, nutrition, and behavior offered by the Lang Institute for Canine Massage give you the foundation on which to grow, prosper, and be creative and successful. They also enable you to build a solid, loyal client base. You will be able to easily understand and communicate with veterinarians as well as pet owners. Not only do we at LICM open the novel, we teach you to grasp the entire contents.
Career Outlook
There is no doubt about the explosive growth and awareness of animal massage in today’s society. In conjunction with this awareness is the expanding concern of pet owners about the well-being of their companion animals. Knowledgeable pet owners understand that massage may assist an animal in maintaining proper form and movement and in dealing with the soreness and stiffness that come with aging. In addition, massage can be both proactive in enhancing canine fitness and reactive in addressing old or current conditions. As a result, massage can be an essential part of their dog’s overall wellness routine.
The Lang System Canine Massage Provider
A canine massage provider is able to:
- Be an active part of a canine’s wellness team, working side-by-side with the animal’s veterinarians and owner.
- Understand the sciences of the canine body in order to consult and discuss case histories with veterinarians as well as with the canine’s caretakers.
- Fully comprehend the benefits and contraindications of massage.
- Recognize when massage is and is not appropriate and when to refer a dog and its owner to a veterinarian.
- Discuss and suggest nutritional information for a canine to reach the ideal weight appropriate for its age, size, breed, and activity level.
- Discuss, recommend, and apply an appropriate and effective exercise program.
- See and feel physical limitations as well as appreciate and recognize ideal structure and movement of canines.
- Detect areas of tightness or laxity in order to locate strained bands of muscle, lack of muscle tone, atrophy, etc.
- Distinguish correct and incorrect movement and conformation in all canines.
- Accurately and optimally massage each dog when suitable.
These abilities can be learned and are extremely important to becoming a skilled canine massage provider. We teach you techniques to learn and develop both your sense of touch and your visual appraisal skills. Our school includes such fundamentals as canine anatomy, physiology, pathology, movement, and much more. This combination of knowledge and technique will differentiate you from others who receive typical canine massage training.
The market for trained canine massage providers is definitely exploding! As a Lang System graduate, you will be in demand. Your training will set you apart because you can do the appropriate bodywork and competently discuss movement, nutrition, anatomy, and other canine sciences with your clients and veterinarians.
About Canine Massage
Massage is not new to the canine industry. It has been used on people, horses, and other animals in ancient China as early as 3000 BC. Today, massage for animals has gained popularity due to many animal owners’ increased interest.
Massage can be beneficial when muscle tissue becomes tight and knotted from overuse, overstretching, or an old or recent injury. If a muscle cannot fully contract or fully release from a contracted state, a dog cannot move properly. The result is pain, restricted motion, and a decline in fitness. As a result, the dog may be unable to perform at its expected level (whether that is at the competitive level or in simple day-to-day living).
Besides restoring muscle flexibility, massage offers numerous physical benefits. Anxiety and fatigue can be reduced through the proper use of massage techniques. In addition, massage is proactive as well as reactive, able to help tone a dog’s body to withstand future stress and strain, as well as help old or chronic problems.
Because massage may offer so many benefits, we have made it the core modality that underlies the Lang System.
Business Start-Up Preparations
The costs of beginning a canine massage business depend on two factors: how simple or complex you want your business to be, and your business’ geographic location.
Regarding the first factor, the following list provides a simple business setup, followed by ideas for enhancing and diversifying your business:
| Simple Setup | Massage table
Linens Smock Cleaning supplies Telephone |
| Enhanced Setup | All of the items listed above
Office space Marketing materials (brochures, business cards, advertisements) Dog treats Leashes and collars Wall charts of dog breeds and dog anatomy Retail sales items (such as food and treats) Display racks Utilizing the services of lawyers and accountants Business email address, website, and hosting services |
2… Canine Massage Program
The Canine Massage Program (CMP) consists of two components: a Home-Study Course and the Colorado Practicum. A Student can enroll at any time during the year.
Length of Program
| Course Component | Type of Instruction | Total hours of instruction |
| Home-Study Course | Correspondence | 652 |
| Colorado Practicum | Classroom instruction at the Lang Institute’s headquarters | 36 hours (four days) |
Course Breakdown
|
Module Title |
Projected hours |
Home Study / Practicum / Lab |
| 1) Course Introduction | 1.5 | Home Study |
| 2) Betting Beyond Basic Dog Massage: The Lang System | 1.5 | Home Study |
| 3) Canine Anatomy | 137 | Home Study + Practicum + Lab |
| 4) Canine Physiology | 73 | Home Study + Practicum + Lab |
| 5) Canine Orthopedic Pathology | 71 | Home Study + Practicum + Lab |
| 6) Canine Structure and Movement | 80 | Home Study + Practicum + Lab |
| 7) Canine Disease and Hygiene | 50 | Home Study + Practicum |
| 8) Canine Massage Overview | 60 | Home Study + Practicum + Lab |
| 9) Canine Overview Nutrition | 75 | Home Study + Practicum |
| 10) Breed and Breed Characteristics | 35 | Home Study + Practicum |
| 11) Marketing | 48 | Home Study + Practicum |
| 12) Ethics | 10 | Home Study |
| 13) Legal | 10 | Home Study |
| 14) Hands-on Instruction | 36 | Practicum |
The amount of time needed to complete the Home-Study Course depends on several factors, such as:
- how much time you devote to your studies each week
- your ability to understand and remember technical information
- and the effort you put into completing the homework assignments.
A general estimate is that it will take 5 – 7 months of study if you consistently devote 15 – 20 hours a week to the course. The total time for the course is 688 hours.
The four-day Colorado Practicum is done onsite at the Lang Institute’s headquarters in Loveland, Colorado. It is full-time, with daily sessions ranging from 7 – 9 hours each.
Each Practicum’s class size is limited to ensure you receive personalized instruction. In your massage training sessions, you will work on many dogs with various temperaments and breeds. We believe this intensive training is essential to your success and growth as a canine massage provider.
The Practicum is held at the Lang Institute’s teaching facility in Loveland, Colorado, a town located midway between Denver, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Our classrooms are furnished with modern equipment, massage tables, canine skeletons, charts, diagrams, video equipment, and other training tools that supplement the hands-on opportunities to work with canine clients during the practicum.
Progress Policy
To successfully pass the Home-Study Course component, you must:
- Complete the Home-Study Course within one year after enrolling and receiving the first student packet, including all homework and reading assignments.
- Achieve a minimum passing grade of 75% on each module examination within one year of enrolling. It is your responsibility to mail each completed module test to L.I.C.M., PO Box 2786, Loveland, CO 80539-2786. L.I.C.M. will correct each test and return it to you within three weeks from the date received. A charge of $75.00 will be assessed to re-take any previously failed module exam.
| Home-Study Course: Grading Criteria | |
| Grade | Explanation |
| 75% and higher | Satisfactory/pass |
| Below 75% | Unsatisfactory/fail |
After you satisfy these requirements, you are eligible to participate in the Colorado Practicum within 18 months of your acceptance of the enrollment application.
To successfully pass the Colorado Practicum, you must:
- Attend and participate in all Practicum sessions and activities within 18 months of your acceptance of the enrollment application.
- Demonstrate proficiency in massage techniques and dog-handling skills.
- Pass the Practicum examination with a grade of 75% or higher.
| Practicum: Grading Criteria | |
| Grade | Explanation |
| 75% and higher | Satisfactory/pass |
| Below 75% | Unsatisfactory/fail |
Placement Assistance
The Lang Institute for Canine Massage offers employment assistance to graduates by maintaining a referral list for inquiring interested parties. While assisting with your job search, we make no guarantees, expressed or implied, of future employment. Current law prohibits any school from guaranteeing job placement as an inducement to enroll students.
Attendance Requirements
- A student must complete the Home-Study Course within one year of the date of acceptance of the enrollment application.
- A student must complete the Colorado Practicum within 18 months of the date of acceptance of the enrollment application.
- A student must successfully complete all program completion requirements.
- Students must successfully pass all Home-Study Course examinations to be eligible to attend the Practicum; each examination will be used to evaluate the student’s progress and understanding of the material.
- Students must successfully pass an examination approximately every two months before progressing to subsequent course material.
- To complete successfully the Home-Study Course within one year, a student will need, on average, to complete one module per month.
- There are 13 Home-Study modules and 10 examinations, as well as the Practicum and its examination:
| Home-Study Module | Examination After? |
| 1 | No |
| 2 | No |
| 3 | Yes |
| 4 | Yes |
| 5 | Yes |
| 6 | Yes |
| 7 | Yes |
| 8 | Yes |
| 9 | Yes |
| 10 | Yes |
| 11 | No |
| 12 | Yes |
| 13 | Yes |
| 14 Practicum | Yes |
- Students must attend and participate in all Practicum sessions and activities, and successfully pass the Practicum examination to receive a certificate.
- Students who do not successfully pass either an individual Module Examination or the Practicum Examination will need to pay a fee (see Program Completion Requirements) to retake the examination.
- Students who fail to successfully complete the course must reapply for admission to the program.
Program Completion Requirements
Successful completion of the program requires the following:
- Completion of the Home-Study Course, including all homework and reading assignments.
- Students will be asked to watch online videos; therefore, students must have technology skills.
- Successfully passing all examinations for modules.
- Attend and participate in all Practicum sessions and activities with satisfactory performance.
- Successfully pass the Practicum examination.
- Students must mail in all examinations after completion and before progressing to subsequent material. Students are required to make copies of all examinations as a backup in the event of mailing difficulties.
- Successful completion of all Module and Practicum examinations is required to receive a certificate.
- Students must successfully complete all program completion requirements. Students must successfully pass all examinations to attend the Practicum; each examination will be used to evaluate the student’s progress and understanding of the material.
- Students must successfully pass an examination before progressing to subsequent course material.
- To complete successfully the Home-Study Course within one year, students will need, on average, to complete one module per month.
- There are 11 modules and 8 examinations, as well as the Practicum and examination:
| Home-Study Module | Examination After? |
| 1 | No |
| 2 | No |
| 3 | Yes |
| 4 | Yes |
| 5 | Yes |
| 6 | Yes |
| 7 | Yes |
| 8 | Yes |
| 9 | Yes |
| 10 | Yes |
| 11 | No |
| 12 | Yes |
| 13 | Yes |
| 14 Practicum | Yes |
Practicum Conduct Policy
All students are expected to act in a respectful manner toward all other students and faculty members. Behavior that is illegal, unlawful, disrespectful, or disruptive to the activities of the Practicum, including, but not limited to, possession of weapons, illegal drugs, and/or alcohol of any kind will not be allowed. Students engaged in such activities can be immediately dismissed from the school and not allowed back on school property or into any of the school’s facilities. Any violation of school policies can result in permanent dismissal from school.
Leave of Absence Policy
Students who are unable to continue classes for medical reasons or severe personal problems will need to take a leave of absence. A written request from the student that explains the type of emergency and the period of time for which they are requesting a leave of absence is required. This request is to be submitted to the Board of Directors for review and consideration. If the school requests it, the student will promptly provide written verification from a healthcare provider or other appropriate person verifying the medical reason or severe personal problem. The Board of Directors will provide a written response via certified mail or priority mail, confirmation receipt, within 30 days of receiving the student’s request. A 60-day grace period for tuition, charges, and attendance will be granted while the student’s request is being considered.
A leave of absence of up to one year may, at the school’s sole discretion, be granted on an individual basis after discussions between the Board of Directors and the student. The Board will then set forth the conditions under which the student may re-enter the program after a leave of absence. After the grace period and leave of absence have passed, or if the student’s request is denied and the student chooses to withdraw from the program or otherwise fails to complete the program, the student must apply for readmission to the program.
Leave of absence tuition refunds are determined by:
- The amount of course materials the student has received.
- The amount of time from the signature of approval on the “Submission of Application” in the Canine Massage Program Application to the official date of absence.
Refer to the refund page for details of refund.
Probation Policy
Any student may be put on probation for violation of any regulation or regulations and/or the conduct policy or policies of the school. A student may also be put on probation by the school if he or she does not prepare sufficiently, neglects assignments, or makes unsatisfactory process. The Board of Directors, after consultation with all parties involved, makes the final decision as to such matters.
Dismissal Policy
Any student may be dismissed for violation of any regulation or regulations and/or the conduct policy or policies of the school. A student may also be removed by the school from classes if he or she does not prepare sufficiently, neglects assignments, or makes unsatisfactory process. The Board of Directors, after consultation with all parties involved, makes the final decision as to such matters.
Re-Admittance Policy
Students who are dismissed, put on probation, or removed from the program who wish to be re-admitted must appeal in writing to the Board of Directors within one year of dismissal. If re-accepted into the program, students will be responsible for a $500.00 re-admittance fee plus the cost of tuition for materials not previously sent through certified mail or priority mail, confirmation receipt, using the current price for tuition before resuming instruction.
3… Application Details
Student Background
Our program is comprehensive and designed to help students train for a new career in canine massage. To maximize our students’ chances for success, we suggest that the applicants meet the recommended as well as the required criteria listed below:
| Required | Applicant must be of legal age. |
| Applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalency diploma. If applicants are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance and do not possess a diploma or equivalency diploma, they may complete an ability-to-benefit test approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. The Lang Institute does not administer this test but provides information on availability when requested. | |
| Applicant must complete and submit an enrollment application along with the $150.00 application charge. | |
| Applicant must be able to lift dogs onto a table, stand for long periods of time, and be flexible in their joints, (especially the wrists, hands, elbows, knees, and ankles). Canine massages can be physically demanding on the provider. There may be times when you have to work on the floor. |
| Recommended | Applicant should be a self-starter. During this program, the applicant is expected to interview and work with veterinarians, animal massage providers, dog trainers, and dog owners where the applicant lives |
| If the applicant lacks experience with dogs, the applicant may want to volunteer or obtain employment at a shelter, kennel, veterinary clinic, or dog daycare center. | |
| Applicant should be self-disciplined. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make steady, consistent progress through the Home-Study Coursework. Only students who successfully pass the examination for their home-study work are permitted to attend the Practicum. | |
| Applicants should receive at least four professional full-body massages from four different massage therapists. |
The Lang Institute does not discriminate based on race, sex, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, or disability.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the enrollment application. Include with your application:
- An application fee of $150.00.
- After the Lang Institute has reviewed your completed application, the acceptance offer will be sent to the applicant at that time.
4… Tuition and Payment Schedule
Tuition
Money order, cashier’s check, Visa, MasterCard, Venmo, or personal check in U.S. dollars can be used to pay tuition to Joanne Lang, Inc. Any credit card payments over $250.00 will have an additional 3% fee. Due dates depend on the payment plan selected. The Lang Institute offers four payment plans.
|
Plan A |
Early Bird Special: One payment of $3,750 if tuition is paid in full by April 1, 2024. |
$3,750.00 |
|
Plan B |
One Payment of $3,900.00 |
$3,900.00 |
|
Plan C |
Two Payments of $2,145.00 each. |
$4,290.00 (Plan B includes a 10% finance charge of $390.00.) |
|
Plan D |
12 Payments of $373.75 each. |
$4,485. (Plan C includes a 15% finance charge of $585.00.) |
The cost of credit is included in the price quoted for the goods and services in Plan C and Plan D. Students selecting Plan C or D will receive a payment plan with their enrollment form. Payments for plan D will be due on the 1st day of each month with a $30.00 late fee for every 5 days the payment is paid after the 1st day of the month. The final payment for students in these plans will be net of the $150.00 application charge. A diploma of completion will be sent when the last payment is received.
Additional Charges
Students must also expect to pay other required costs in addition to tuition and charges. These additional educational expenses may vary by area and are subject to change.
| Books, charts, supplies | $175.00 and above |
| Four professional massage sessions | $200.00 and above (rates will depend on the professional performing the massages and on the region) |
| A third-party training class in Canine CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
(if your state or jurisdiction has this) |
$30.00 and above (rates will vary by region) |
| Travel, meals, accommodation, and other related or ancillary charges or expenses | $0 – $3,000.00 |
Service Charges and Fees
These additional fees may be charged as described below.
| Reasons for additional fees | Amount of fee |
| A 1-month extension of the Home-Study Course required beyond the original one-year enrollment period. | $ 125.00 |
| Repeat of the Colorado Practicum to satisfy the Canine Massage Program’s completion requirements. | $ 2,000.00 |
| Late charge for an installment payment postmarked more than 3 days after its due date. | $ 30.00 |
| Tuition that is delinquent more than 30 days will have 15% added on to the payment total. | 15% |
| Tuition that is delinquent more than 60 days will require a reinstatement fee of $250.00, in addition to the 15% delinquent fee, and the student must apply for reinstatement. | $250.00 |
| Charge for a personal check that is returned for insufficient funds. | $ 50.00 |
Your Estimated Cost as a Student in the Canine Massage Program
| Application Fee | $150.00 |
| Tuition | $3,750.00 – $4,485.00 |
| Books, charts, and supplies | $175.00 – $200.00 [estimate] |
| Four professional massages | $200.00 – $300.00 [estimate] |
| Canine CRP training class | $30.00 – $50.00 [estimate] |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,305.00 – $5,185.00 [estimate] |
In addition to the above, there will be travel, accommodation, meal, and other expenses that might or will be incurred when traveling to and from the Lang Institute and any other travels or trips that might have to be undertaken in connection with doing the Lang Institute’s course of studies.
Should you not be a U.S. Citizen or a lawful resident of the United States of America, it is your sole responsibility to obtain and pay any required fees or charges for any required visa, permit, approval, or permission from the appropriate agency of the United States Government to travel to the United States of America and to be a student at the Lang Institute.
Refund Policies
A student will have one year from enrollment to complete the program. Should a student voluntarily leave the program for any reason, tuition refunds are determined by:
- Determined by amount of time from the signature of approval on the “Submission of Application” in the Canine Massage Program Application.
Applicants who are not accepted into the program are entitled to a full refund of any monies paid.
- Students who decide to discontinue the program within three business days of signing the enrollment application or making an initial payment are entitled to a full refund of any tuition paid, provided the applicant has not commenced training. You must contact L.I.C.M. in writing within three business days of signing the “Submission of Application” in the enrollment application.
- Refunds will be provided within 30 days of termination.
- If the school discontinues a course or program of education during a period of time within which a student could have reasonably completed the same, the student will receive a full refund of tuition and fees paid.
- The policy of granting of credit for previous training shall not impact the refund policy.
- Refunds will be calculated based the time from the signature of approval on the “Submission of Application” in the Canine Massage Program Application. Once a mailing is received via certified mail or priority mail, confirmation receipt, he or she is financially responsible for that mailing and all previous material received.
- If the student has requested and received corresponding packets beyond the dates in the time allowed column, the level for the corresponding packet applies.
- A full refund will be given if education service is discontinued by the school.
- There is a $150.00 cancellation charge.
| Student is entitled to upon withdrawal/termination | Refund |
| Within first 10% of program | 90% less cancellation charge |
| After 10% but within first 25% of program | 75% less cancellation charge |
| After 25% but within first 50% of program | 50% less cancellation charge |
| After 50% but within first 75% of program | 25% less cancellation charge |
| After 75% (Lesson 13) [if paid in full, cancellation charge is not applicable] | NO Refund |
The official date of termination or withdrawal of a student shall be determined in the following manner:
- The date on which the school receives written notice of the student’s intention to discontinue the training program.
- The date on which the student violates any school policy which allows for termination.
Students who are dismissed due to violation of a school policy of the Lang Institute will not receive refunds for material already received by certified mail or priority mail, confirmation receipt.
5… Legal Standing of Animal Massage
Federal, state, and/or foreign laws, such as, but not limited to, veterinary practice acts, massage therapy or parlor acts, chiropractic acts, physical therapy acts, and other laws, rules, and regulations pertaining or possibly pertaining to animal massage can and do vary from state to state. It is also possible that local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations may also pertain to or affect animal massage. It is further possible that court or licensing authority decisions construing and interpreting such laws, rules, regulations, and/or ordinances might also have an effect upon animal massage and/or which persons may engage in such activities or endeavors. Laws, rules, regulations, and court decisions may and can change without advance notice and may affect whether and how an animal massage provider is or is not able to engage in animal massages.
The Lang Institute for Canine Massage is not able to provide any legal advice on laws, rules, or regulations pertaining to or affecting animal massage. It is the sole responsibility of individuals who are considering applying to the Lang Institute for Canine Massage to determine fully and accurately what the laws, rules, regulations, and court and licensing authority decisions are in the jurisdictions, states, localities, or countries where they intend to engage in animal massage and to stay fully abreast of such laws, rules, regulations, court, and licensing authority decisions in those jurisdictions, states, localities, or countries, while enrolled at Lang Institute, and after fully completing their studies at Lang Institute.
6… Student Requests
Student Grievance Procedure
Student complaints should be brought to the attention of the L.I.C.M. Board of Directors. There is a two-year limitation (from the student’s last date of test or participation at practicum). Attempting to resolve any issue with the School first is strongly encouraged. Complaints may be filed by a student or guardian at any time online with the Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS) within two years from the student’s last date of attendance or at any time prior to the commencement of training at http://highered.colorado.gov/dpos, 303-862-3001.
Previous Credits
Credits from another institution are not accepted unless there is a written agreement with the Lang Institute and the other institution. Lang Institute does not guarantee the transferability of its credits to any other institution unless there is a written agreement with the other institution. Credit granted for previous work will not impact the refund policy.
Modifications
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this Catalog, Enrollment Application, on its website, and in any other materials written or issued by the Lang Institute at the time the copy for such is prepared for publication, printing, or posting on its website, the Lang Institute fully reserves the right to make any changes, additions, and/or deletions to its Catalog, Enrollment Application, website, or any other materials written or issued by the Lang Institute without prior notice and to apply such changes to applicants and new and current students alike.
Should any dispute or claim of any nature whatever arise between an applicant or student and the Lang Institute and/or any of its officers, officials, members, employees, agents, or representatives, then such dispute will be resolved or such claim will be determined under the laws of the State of Colorado. In the event of any judicial or court action or proceeding, such action or proceeding will exclusively be before the District Court of Larimer County, Colorado, U.S.A., or any court of competent appellate jurisdiction therefrom.
Postponement Policy
Postponement of a starting date, whether at the request of the school or the student, requires a written agreement signed by the student and the school. The agreement must set forth:
- Whether the postponement is for the convenience of the school or the student, and:
- A deadline for the new start date, beyond which the start date will not be
If the course is not commenced, or the student fails to attend by the new start date set forth in the agreement, the student will be entitled to an appropriate refund of prepaid tuition and fees within 30 days of the deadline of the new start date set forth in the agreement, determined in accordance with the school’s refund policy and all applicable laws and rules concerning the Private Occupational Education Act of 1981.
Postponements do not affect the school’s refund policy. Tuition refunds are determined by:
- The amount of course materials the student has received.
- The amount of time from the signature of approval on the “Submission of Application” in the Canine Massage Program Application to the official date of postponement.
Refer to the Refund Policies section for further details.
School Calendar
The school is closed and has limited administrative functions during the following holidays:
- Fourth of July
- Summer break: July and August – open for partial administrative functions only
- Thanksgiving Week
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Day
A Student can enroll at any time during the year. If an application is received during holiday periods, the application will be processed no later than 10 working days after the school reopens. For beginning and ending dates of enrollment periods, please see “Application Process.” Students have 18 months to complete to program from the date signed on the “Submission of Application.”
Liability insurance
REQUIREMENT with free insurance option
LICM’s insurance carrier Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) requires that all students have liability insurance. For students who are not currently massage professionals, the ABMP offers free liability insurance for students. LICM will submit student’s names to the ABMP for the free insurance coverage, and the ABMP will subsequently provide students with information on how to activate the insurance.
Students are responsible for activating their free ABMP insurance. Students will not be able to practice or participate in the Practicum until proof of coverage is provided to LICM. Current massage professionals can use their existing policy to meet the liability insurance requirements.
Contact Information
The current president of the Lang Institute for Canine Massage is Joanne Lang, Inc.
Lang Institute for Canine Massage
P.O. Box 2786
Loveland, CO 80539-2786
Telephone: 970-691-3985
Website: www.dogmassage.com
Email: lang@dogmassage.com