FAQs

Which pets can benefit from massage?

  • Older pets with arthritis and other joint or mobility problems
  • Animals recovering from recent injury, illness or surgery (with your vet’s approval)
  • Pets with past injuries, genetic abnormalities or chronic conditions that continue to limp or move awkwardly
  • Pets with poor circulation
  • Pets that have been, or are about to be, confined for an extended period period such as boarding or recovery
  • Pets distressed before or after vet visits, grooming appointments, lengthy travel, etc.
  • Agility competitors before and after competition
  • Show animals that need to be relaxed and look their best
  • Any family pet in need of a little pampering!

I pet my animals everyday, isn’t this the same?

  • Petting is essential for your relationship with your pet. The intention of petting is enjoyment and communication. Massage on the other hand is a focused ad specialized form of therapeutic touch utilizing specific movements and pressures for specific results. The practitioner you choose should have an understanding of anatomy, physiology, psychology, and kinesiology. The results from consistent massage sessions will significantly impact your pet’s overall wellness; benefits most pets do not get from petting alone.

Will my pet like massage?

  • Most of the time, the answer is yes. Remember that every pet is unique so there are quite a variety of reactions. Some will fall asleep during a session while some leave extremely invigorated. No matter which of these categories (or somewhere in between) your pet falls into, the result will benefit their overall well-being.
  • Sometimes, especially during a first massage, an animal will be unsure of the intention of the massage. It is not uncommon at all for the animal to be overwhelmed at first but the uncertainty generally goes away and the pets enjoy massage.

Do all animals benefit from massage?

  • Massage addresses many health issues including prevention, maintenance, and recuperation. Because of the variety of techniques, a plan can be easily customized to suit the needs of a specific pet. Since it is non-invasive, almost any dog, cat, or other animal is a good candidate for massage or another method of bodywork.
  • Massage relieves pain, discomfort, and stiffness and helps advance the healing process for pets with a variety of ailments. Some examples may include: aiding growth and socialization, in the young, enhancing comfort and quality of life for seniors, maximizing performance and recovery for athletes and calming animals with behavioral issues related to physical ailments or emotional trauma. Even for your average companion, massage is a great tool for keeping your pet in top emotional and physical condition.

What if my pet won’t sit still for a massage?

  • Clients are often concerned about how their pets will react to a massage session and that they are receiving the treatment they’re paying for. At unRUFFled, our first step is to meet with you and your pet. During this consultation, we will discuss the pet’s needs, medical history, your goals for massage and even have an abbreviated session. With this, you will be able to see first-hand just how your pet reacts to a massage. Keep in mind that it is very common for pets to be apprehensive at first. It is also common, especially in small animals, to provide 10-15 minutes of massage, take a break and resume. Massage fees are based on actual time spent massaging the animals, not clock time. Occasionally, just like people, pets will have an “off day” or be unable to focus on the massage. In these instances, we will reschedule the massage and try again on a different day. Rarely do we encounter pets that do not like massage. If your pet is not relaxed and not benefitting from the massage, we will recommend an alternate treatment. Clients are always welcome to be in the room with their pets during the actual session.

How often should my pet get a massage?

  • All animals are different and have their own unique sets of conditions and circumstances. All of these factors help determine the appropriate schedule for your pets’ massage plan. A pet with chronic pain or mobility issues might benefit from a massage once or twice a week whereas a “healthy” pet may only require a session once or twice a month.

How does massage help an arthritic pet?

  • Massage increases and maintains flexibility and range of motion and keeps joints lubricated, often allowing for improved mobility. Along with exercise, nutrition, and proper veterinary care, massage can play and significant role in keeping pets beginning to show joint stiffness, those with joint disease or congenital joint malformation mobile and comfortable.

Is it true that massage has no benefits unless a pet has an ailment, condition or injury?

  • No! Regular, consistent massage is an invaluable opportunity to maintain your pet’s good health. It can potentially provide tremendous increases to an animal’s quality of life, longevity and mobility. When animals are massaged regularly, their bodies consistently function at a higher, more efficient level. This allows your pet’s self-healing properties to remain consistent, which can possibly ward off or ease the onset of inevitable or predisposed health conditions. In addition, massage provides numerous benefits to the mental health and behavior of pets.

Isn’t pet massage a frivolous expense?

  • Your best friend’s health is priceless. Massage provides a safe, natural, non-invasive method of maintaining your animal’s optimal health and quality of life. Regular massage sessions may, in some circumstances, reduce the frequency of veterinary visits or the need for medication or more invasive, painful treatments. Today, many veterinarians recommend massage as a supplement to their health care treatments.

Is it true that only old animals benefit from massage?

  • No! Animals of every age benefit from massage! Typically, it’s best to start a massage program with a young, healthy pet. This will prevent the animal and massage therapist from having to play “catch up” as is often the case with older pets that have never been massaged. Specifically, massage helps young animals develop properly aligned skeletal structures with strong bones and healthy tissues. This can be extremely helpful to large breeds and breeds that are predisposed through conformation to specific alignments. Massage helps to build relationships of trust with humans and to make handling of the animal easier.

When should I not have my dog massaged?

  • Massage, in general, can be performed on most pets and is only rarely contraindicated. An in-depth discussion will be conducted with the Pet Parent(s) to discuss medical history and/or concerns in order to determine if there are any contraindications. Always consult your veterinarian prior to seeking massage for your pet if they have any significant medical history such as prior surgery, trauma, illness, or cancer.

What are your qualifications?

  • unRUFFled Canine and Feline Massage is owned and operated by Kristen Marr. She has over 200 hours of animal specific massage training and received her Small Animal Massage Certification from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, Massachusetts. Additionally, Kristen has an AAS degree in Animal Care Specialty from North Shore Community College and is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR through Pet Emergency Education. Kristen continues to attend continuing education seminars regularly in order to better the massage experience.

** She is a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) and the International Association of Animal Massage Bodywork (IAAMB).