Mountain Mutt Massage

Certified Canine Massage Therapy

Working with dogs of all ages, sizes, and stories
- from shy rescues to beloved seniors -
to ease pain, calm anxiety, and support whole-body wellness through compassionate connection and healing touch

WHY CANINE MASSAGE? 

ENHANCES HEALTH

& HAPPINESS

Canine massage supports and enhances health, happiness, and quality of life. It provides loving comfort, eases tension, supports mobility, and creates an overall sense of wellbeing.

PROMOTES HEALING

& WELLNESS

Massage is wonderful after an injury or a surgery - increasing circulation, reducing swelling and pain, and promoting healing - all through safe, informed touch.

REDUCES STRESS

& ANXIETY

Massage helps calm anxiety, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild trust. It allows dogs to feel more safe and comfortable in their own bodies and with the people who love them.

QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR SENIOR DOGS

Gentle sessions can be especially impactful for senior dogs, providing comfort and helping to warm, soften, and ease stiffness and discomfort in muscles and joints.

About

Hi, I’m Rachel and I’m so excited that you’re interested in canine massage!  This is an emerging field with countless physical and emotional benefits for your best doggy friend.  

I feel extremely thankful to do this work - I’ve always worked with animals but this is by far my favorite modality. My degree is in animal science from NC State and I have years of experience as a vet tech. When I stumbled across this field, though, I knew it was special. I completed my training through Canis Bodyworks, an immersive hands-on program, and am certified by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage. Techniques I practice include relaxing Swedish strokes, trigger point therapy and myofascial work, orthopedic friction, energy work, and manual lymphatic drainage.  Through massage I can connect with your dog, understand their needs, and help them live their best life.

WOOF! 

WOOF!  image

I believe strongly in trust and relationship building. Earning your dog’s trust and establishing a connection with them is the basis of all I do and is absolutely essential for this work. I’ll ask you for background information, but I’ll also get a LOT of information directly from your dog. This allows our sessions to be fully customized to each dog, each time, for maximum therapeutic benefit.




Please note: Massage is a wonderful complement to veterinary care, but doesn't replace it. I'm happy to work alongside your vet to support your dog's overall wellness. 

Services

Canine Massage Therapy

Mountain Mutt Massage is a mobile service. We offer consultation (with plenty of love and treats) and holistic, non-invasive canine massage in your own home to support your dog's physical health, emotional balance, and vitality. In home massage therapy: $75 per session I believe all dogs should have access to massage, so I offer a $10 rescue discount and a sliding fee scale when needed.

Certified and Insured

Certified by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and fully insured by Hands On Trade Association

F.A.Q

Anyone can rub a dog, right?  Well, yeah, but not like this.  In order to receive certification, a CMT must pass a national exam after completing an extensive training program including anatomy, behavior, massage theory and a deep dive into various techniques.  A certified CMT has tons of hands-on experience with different dogs addressing different issues. Basically, we have the knowledge and experience to interpret body language, assess tissues, and proceed in the way that’s most beneficial for your pup!
I ask that new clients fill out an intake form before our first session so I can start learning about your dog and anticipating their needs. Sessions are conducted in your home, where your dog feels most comfortable and relaxed.  When I arrive, I’ll spend some time getting to know you and your dog.  I want to hear all about them and their feelings, habits, quirks, and needs.  It’s also helpful for me to watch them move around - observing their gait and confirmation gives me a lot of information about their physical comfort.  Then I’ll give your dog some love and slowly transition into gentle massage techniques.  How we proceed from there will be informed by your dog’s reactions, comfort level, and physical/emotional needs.
Massage is a very different type of touch than petting, and dogs are aware of this.  Most dogs enjoy this type of therapeutic TLC, but it’s often helpful to have some treats to encourage them to relax and stick around at first.  Fearful dogs may take longer to warm up to the process, but I’ve had remarkable success with some such dogs. It just takes time and patience. Some other dogs are all in from the very beginning and may really enjoy deeper work to release muscle tension and trigger points.  Regardless, I will ensure that your dog feels safe and comfortable by listening to them and working within their consent, always.

Contact

  • Asheville, NC and surrounding areas