Why Pet Massage Therapy?

Massage is great for all ages of dogs from geriatric dogs all the way down to young pups. Young dogs are still developing their immune system, and massage is great for encouraging its growth and strength. This is also a good time to create a hands-on bond with your dog and to teach them how to relax and enjoy life. If youʼve got an older dog,massage can be great for keeping those joints less stiff and your dog more mobile. And with any age, animal massage is fantastic for creating an even closer bond with your best friend. Touch is a wonderful way to bring calmness and well-being to both you and your pet!

Heal offers patients at Pearl Animal Hospital the option of massage as part of a healthy routine either at the hospital or at your home.

Heal also offers “Basic Dog Massage for Owners” classes at Pearl Animal Hospital. Touch is a wonderful way to bring calmness and wellbeing to both you and your pup! To find out when the next class will be held please contact Rubi or PAH.

Massage is very useful in keeping an eye on your petʼs health by knowing its body better. It can be a beneficial maintenance treatment, as well as relaxing and pain relieving for them

Benefits of massage include:
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Relieves inflammation and joint pain
• Strengthens atrophied and weak muscles
• Increases range of motion
• Strengthens the immune system
• Enhances the health and nourishment of the skin and coat


Here are a few common questions I get asked:
1) Is massage good for pre- and post-surgical animals?
Massage protocol will differ depending on the surgery. Before surgery, massage helps
boost immune function and stabilize circulation, for being under anesthesia. It is a good
idea to begin post-surgical massage soon after surgery. The time frame for post-surgical
massage varies depending on the surgery, so contact me for more information.
Massage not only helps flush the anesthesia from their body, but also increases blood
flow and nutrient flow, which speeds up post-surgical recovery time.

2) Do I use different techniques for different animals or conditions?
Each patient is different, so the techniques I use will vary. I tailor each session to
address the specific needs of your pet, as well as their certain likes and dislikes.

3) What are my qualifications?
My qualifications include certification through the Northwest School of Animal Massage
in Maintenance, Performance and Rehabilitation Massage Therapy, assistant instructor
with the Northwest School of Animal Massage, featured in Portland Monthly as the ʻBest
Animal Massage Therapistʼ in Portland, Spot Magazineʼs “Top Dog” first place winner for
holistic wellness three years in a row, prior veterinary technician duties, member of the
International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork, certification in Pet First Aid,
as well as featured in “Careers With Dogs” by Kim Campbell Thornton-published
January, 2011.

4) What is the process for signing my four-legged friend up for a session?
To sign your pet up for a session you can get a hold of me directly. My contact
information is rubi@healnw.com or 503.380.4487.