Frequently Asked Questions
The CherCare Experience
Q: What can I expect from my pet’s first massage session?
A: When I meet a client for the first time, my primary goal is to develop a rapport with them. For some animals, the first session may cause too much excitement or disorientation to relax on the floor with me and receive a full body massage. This is normal! In many cases, by the second or third visit, your pet knows why I’m there and is happy to work with me.
The initial session lasts about 60-70 minutes. You will be sent intake forms to fill out and remit prior to the session so that I may familiarize myself with your pet. In the session we will make introductions, find the best setting for the massage and do a conformation and palpation assessment. The remaining time will be spent introducing the animal to a variety of superficial strokes and finding out how they prefer to be touched.
Q: How long are follow-up sessions?
A: After the first consultation, unless your pet experiences significant changes in their condition, sessions will last between 40 and 60 minutes.
Q: How should I prepare for a massage treatment?
A: Your pet will be able to enjoy the massage and experience optimal results if you follow these guidelines
•Identify a quiet and peaceful location in your home where your pet will be able to relax and focus on learning the skill of receiving massage
•Try to walk/curb your pet prior to treatment
•Do not feed your pet within an hour before the massage
•Try scheduling a massage at a time when you think your pet will be most relaxed
•Avoid scheduling a massage when there is a lot of activity in or around the home, i.e. housekeeping, visitors, deliveries, landscaping/mowing, trash/recycling collection
Q: What should I expect after the massage?
A: Massage affects all animals differently. Some can be ready to romp, some are a little woozy and many just sack out for a bit. I recommend lots of water and light exercise in the 24 hours after treatment to release and flush toxins from the muscle tissues.
Q: How often should my pet receive a massage?
A: Every animal has their own unique set of conditions and circumstances. Pets with chronic pain or mobility issues may benefit from massage once or twice a week, whereas healthy, active animals may only require biweekly or monthly sessions. We can decide together what is necessary and appropriate for your pet.
Q: Can you diagnose injury or illness?
A: As a Small Animal Massage Practitioner, I am not able to diagnose any injury or illness. My scope of practice is specifically limited to providing therapeutic massage techniques. Only a licensed veterinarian is qualified to diagnose your pet’s injury or illness. If I suspect that your pet is experiencing a serious health issue, I will certainly recommend that you schedule an appointment with your vet or seek urgent care.
Q: How do I know if my pet is a good candidate for massage?
A: If your pet loves touch or is resistant to touch, plays hard or hardly plays, is young and frisky or just young at heart, they could greatly benefit from massage. Sometimes clients accept massage instantly and other times it takes us a few sessions to get accustomed to each other. In rare instances, an animal will decide that massage isn’t their cup of tea. This is precisely why I offer a 3-session introductory package for new clients. It gives your pet and I ample time to give it a whirl and determine if massage is a viable treatment option.
Healthwise, I always encourage owners to clear any pet massage treatment with their veterinarian before booking. There may be existing conditions that require specific consideration, or avoidance of massage altogether.
Q: Is tipping customary for pet massage?
A: Providing a gratuity for your pet’s massage is entirely based on personal preference. Whether or not you decide to tip, the next best form of showing appreciation for massage services is telling all your pet parent friends about CherCare Pet Massage!
Q: Do you give treats during the massage?
A: I do bring homemade gluten-free treats for after the session. I will always check with owners if it is okay to give a treat.
