Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation

The purposes of the Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation are...

To advance, support and empower qualified natural animal health practitioners world-wide by progressing the field of holistic animal health care through supporting qualified holistic animal health practitioners and by offering training in natural animal health and animal nutrition and educating the public about the benefits of holistic animal health care and the importance of seeking professional advice for their animals.

We are an Australian-based organisation but we provide online courses to students around the world and we offer accreditation to animal health practitioners world-wide. 

Our aim is to increase awareness and advance the field of holistic animal health by providing formal training and professional recognition of animal nutritionists, animal herbalists, animal naturopaths, holistic animal health practitioners, animal massage therapists and other natural animal health practitioners throughout Australia and internationally. We represent the interests of and provide support for holistic animal therapists through professional advice, education, resources, a referral system and an opportunity for social interaction.

HATO also sets professional standards and a code of ethics for animal naturopaths, animal herbalists, holistic animal health practitioners, animal nutritionists, animal massage therapists and other practitioner members. HATO approves suitable animal naturopathy courses and courses in animal nutrition, holistic animal health, herbal medicine for animals, animal homeopathy, equine and canine acupuncture, canine massage, equine massage and other education in natural animal health for practitioners and seeks affiliation and accreditation with like-minded groups and associations both in Australia and overseas to promote public awareness of holistic animal therapies and holistic animal care within the community.

The Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation also acts as a forum for discussion in animal naturopathy and holistic animal therapies and to foster the teaching of holistic animal healing principles through media channels, community groups and educational institutions and encourages networking between our accredited practitioner members and the veterinary profession for the benefit of all animals to increase holistic understanding between all species. HATO also aims to promote and educate people on animal naturopathy, holistic animal health care, animal nutrition and alternative health care and safe and effective natural animal therapies that do not cause pain and suffering and avoid the use of toxic drug therapy or products or invasive surgery when there are alternatives. HATO is the premier organisation for qualified animal naturopaths, holistic animal health practitioners, animal herbalists, animal nutritionists, animal homeopaths, canine and equine massage therapists and other accredited natural animal health practitioners.

About HATO

Holistic Animal Therapy Association of Australia was formed in 1998 and the Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation (HATO) was established in 2009 to replace HATAA, so we are the oldest natural animal health organisation in Australia.

Our mission is to empower and support qualified natural animal health practitioners world-wide by progressing the field of holistic animal health care. We aim to achieve this through supporting our members who are qualified holistic animal health practitioners and by offering training in natural animal health and educating the public about the benefits of holistic animal health care and the importance of seeking professional advice for their animals.

The goals of our organisation:  

1. To represent animal therapists employing a range of healing methods and resources to address the whole animal - on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels.

1. To unify 'non-veterinarian' natural animal therapists who are not adequately represented by existing associations.

1. To provide formal recognition for qualified holistic animal therapists and to offer members access to competitive professional insurance cover.

1. To provide a world-wide referral system for our accredited members that connects pet owners with the appropriate practitioners around Australia and overseas. 

1. To allow the general public to locate qualified natural animal health practitioners that have met the stringent criteria necessary to become a member of our organisation.

1. To progress the field of natural animal health world-wide through education, resources and networking.

Who are we?

HATO is an incorporated organisation representing qualified natural animal therapists that practice a range of animal therapy disciplines.

The following natural animal therapies are acknowledged by our organisation:

Naturopathic Animal Medicine, Natural Animal Nutrition, Herbal Animal Medicine, Holistic Animal Health Care, Animal Homeopathy, Animal Iridology, Clinical Animal Nutrition, Remedial Animal Massage, Chiropractic for Animals, Traditional Chinese Animal Medicine, Holistic Veterinary Therapy, Bowen Therapy for Animals, Animal Acupuncture, Animal Shiatsu, Acupressure for Animals, Craniosacral Animal Therapy, Equine Touch, Myofunctional Animal Therapy, Myofascial Animal Therapy, Animal Communication, Holistic Animal Behaviour Training, Aromatherapy for Animals, Biochemic Tissue Salts for Animals, Tellington T-Touch Therapy, Flower Essence Therapy for Animals, Grief Counselling, Animal Kinesiology, Alexander technique for Animals, Animal Reflexology and Reiki for Animals.

HATO practitioners may offer herbal remedies for animals, homeopathic animal medicines, nutrient supplements, dietary recommendations for dogs, cats, horses and other animals and holistic pet food advice, animal massage, dog behaviour training, and many other types of professional advice, natural animal remedies and holistic animal health treatments, depending on the practitioners individual qualifications and their areas of expertise in natural animal health.  

Sar Rooney BHSc., ND., DC., DASc., GDSc. (Hons) Zoology, is the Founder and Executive Director of The Holistic Animal Therapy Organisation and her aim is to advance the field of natural animal health by ensuring the education standards of natural animal health practitioners meet the strict criteria for practitioners to provide safe and effective, professional natural health care to animals.