Service Description

A thoughtful first visit designed to understand how your dog moves, where they may be compensating, and what kind of support is most appropriate for the dog in front of me. The appointment begins with a functional movement and postural assessment, looking at how your dog stands, sits, rises, walks, turns and loads each limb. I then assess tissue quality, muscle tone, fascial mobility, regional warmth, sensitivity, guarding and other repeatable patterns that may help explain how the body is adapting. The assessment is followed by individualized canine massage + multimodal bodywork, which may include Swedish and rehabilitation-focused massage, myofascial release, trigger-point support, circulatory techniques, acupressure, craniosacral work, gentle mobility or stretching, and NIR light therapy when appropriate. The goal of the first visit is not simply to find “tight spots.” It is to establish a useful baseline, provide comfortable hands-on care, and identify what is worth monitoring over time. After the session, you’ll receive practical observations, individualized recommendations and clear next steps—whether that means ongoing bodywork, MOVE + MASSAGE, home exercises, maintenance care, or simply monitoring. Ideal for seniors, active dogs, arthritis, mobility changes, veterinary-diagnosed orthopaedic conditions, recovery support and dogs whose movement or comfort has changed. Soul Paws works alongside veterinary care and does not diagnose medical conditions.