General Information |
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The term “Small Animal” is used generally to categorize companion animals (dogs, cats, etc.), while “Large Animal” is used to refer to those of an agricultural nature (horses, etc.).
Animal Massage is for all animals. Birds, fish, reptiles may benefit from “hands-off” energy modalities.
Fees for Animal Massage are comparable to their human counter-parts.
Initial sessions serve partially as an introductory meeting; becoming acquainted, building trust and acceptance between the animal and practitioner. It may involve observing gait; and noting history and personal information. Guardians can generally allow one hour, with the massage itself taking 15-20 minutes.
Follow-Up sessions may be from 30 to 60 minutes, depending upon the size of the animal and what their specific requirements are. Again, part of the session time may involve observing gait and updating information from the guardian. These sessions will be recommended or suggested depending upon the nature of the visit.
It is important to note that session duration may be determined by the animal. Animals may have days that they wish to enjoy their session or they may have days where they are not interested. It is not uncommon for initial sessions to be very short as an animal is usually not used to this. It is best to end sessions on a positive note, whatever the duration. Another session may be scheduled to slowly increase the comfort level. But once they get the idea that this is an enjoyable thing, they are usually quite excited to receive their massage.
Monthly massage sessions are a recommended minimum for animals with a regular routine. For animals that are competing (sports/show) or transitioning (lifestyle changes/newly adopted), three or four times a month would be suggested and therapeutic/rehabilitative (post-surgery/injury recovery/medical conditions) would be upon your veterinarian’s direction, usually ranging from daily to every three to five days. In addition to the performance animal’s regular maintenance massage, competition day pre-event massage will focus on aiding injury prevention while the post-event massage focus is body recuperation after exertion.
Therapeutic/Rehabilitative (post-surgery/injury recovery/medical conditions) massage programs would be upon referral of a veterinarian. All others need no prior consent. Please check with your animal medical coverage provider as many have provisions for animal massage.
Primarily Swedish Massage techniques are used with just a dash of Shiatsu or Acupressure thrown in for good measure. Various energy modalities are used as well.
You can prepare for your animal’s session by ensuring they have been exercised (if appropriate) and not eaten one hour prior to the visit. Also, a quick grooming is helpful.
While positive, reward-based training methods are our philosophy, treats or toys are not necessarily in order during session time. It is also requested that one animal be in the studio per session. A treat that you bring may be used in order to facilitate introduction to the Practitioner, however, treats and multiple animals generally tend to serve as a distraction to the client. There will be time afterwards for rewards and play.
When you arrive, please park on the street. Come into the carport and ring the doorbell for admittance. We will be right with you.
Greetings will be of a quieter nature as this is the purpose of the visit. The animal will be free to roam the secure grounds and relieve itself if necessary. Upon entry to the studio, soothing music will help create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The animal will be allowed to investigate the surroundings before settling down.
Bring your slippers and get comfortable as it is not uncommon for the guardian to become relaxed as well!
When the visit is over, the animal will again be free to roam the grounds as they will usually need to eliminate and have a drink of water. Drinking water post-massage is to be encouraged. Massage often tends to have one of two effects upon the animal. They may be energized and ready to go, or they may be very relaxed and want to have a nap.
Sessions are by appointment. Visits are at our comfortable in-home studio. Gift certificates are available.
For those that would like the leading edge that gets the most from their performance animal, personalized introductory stretching instruction is available.
We are also available for informational presentations (full-length or lunch & learns), education, special events and veterinary clinic or hospital visitations.
Animal Massage is NOT a replacement for veterinary treatment. Therapeutic programs would be upon referral and under the delegation and supervision of your veterinarian. |
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