The first step is reaching out to me with my booking form. There I ask for some basic information to get started.

Then, I contact your veterinarian to get a signed referral form. In the state of Oregon, dog massage practitioners work under your vet’s license. That means I need to check in with them to make sure it’s safe for your dog to get a massage. Some medical conditions, like skin or heart problems can be a contraindication and a massage wouldn’t be beneficial for your dog. I also have a consent release form, and a very basic health intake form for you to fill out. These can be handled the day of the massage if needed.

Once your vet has cleared your dog for massage, we can schedule an appointment. The best time to get the most of the massage is when your dog is at their calmest naturally. For some that means mornings after a walk, for others maybe in the afternoon after a few hours at doggy daycare. For the first appointment, it is best if you or another family member is there to facilitate my meeting the dog and getting situated in your home. After that I am happy to come give your pooch a massage while you’re away.

During the massage we need a quiet, calm space with minimal distractions so both your dog and I can focus. On their favorite bed, the couch, in a guest room, or a rug on the floor are all excellent options. I play soft music to set the tone and help hide external sounds. Some dogs respond really positively to harp or classical music. You are welcome to sit quietly with us, or leave us be while you work in another room. Some dogs do better with their owner’s presence, some do better without. Either way, I will be taking notes about what I feel in your dog’s soft tissues, what I’ve done about it, and what the outcome was.

After the hour-long massage, your dog may be thirsty and need to go outside. Like human massage, moving fluids around the soft tissues encourages hydration, and drinking water right away really helps extend those benefits and minimizes soreness the next day. All these moving fluids can also mean a sudden need to urinate or defecate, which is normal. You will also get a typed-up version of my notes for your own records. It will include a visual and text-based representation of how the massage went. If you’re home, I will also give you an update then and there, and you may of course ask any additional questions you have.