When we speak on the phone for the first time I will ask a few questions to ensure that what I offer is what your pet needs. I would need to email you a veterinary consent form because the work I do is complementary to veterinary treatment, not to replace it. Depending on the nature of your concerns for your pet, or if your pet as not been checked by a vet, I may ask you to consult with your veterinarian before I see your pet. This is to ensure your pet has the full and correct assessment and support where needed.

Your first appointment with us is slightly longer to allow me to carry out an in-depth visual and hands-on assessment. I will be asking you questions while observing your pet’s behaviour, movement, gait, looking for any other visual cues to help with my assessment. Depending on the character of your pet, it may not be apparent but I will be using body language to connect with your pet. This is especially important when an animal is particularly nervous or timid. The timing of starting the hands-on physical examination will depend on entirely on how comfortable and safe your pet feels. Trust between your pet and myself is vital for them to allow me to give the relevant therapy my assessment identifies.

During the hands-on part of the assessment I will be feeling fur texture, quality, differences in certain areas of the body, muscle tone, and paying attention for subtle reactions from your pet which will indicate any areas for concern.

Although I am qualified in both WEBB for Pets bodywork and Traditional Chinese Medicine, my assessment covers all aspects of both. The therapy I then give would be dependent on my findings during the hands on. Sometimes just acupressure would be required, other times bodywork/ myofascial release work and other times a combination of of the two. Often the new sensations occurring within their bodies during therapy can feel strange and unnerving to a pet and they may feel the need to get up and move away; that is totally normal and part of the healthy therapy process. Owners do not need to be concerned that their pet is ‘not staying put’ – every pet is an individual and so too are their needs.

At the end of the session I allow a little extra time and welcome any questions a client may have. Back at the office I write up notes and my findings and these are done in accordance with GDPR principles. If required these can be forwarded to the pet’s veterinary surgeon or any other members of the Pets multidisciplinary team to support everyone working together in the interest of the pet. A follow-up appointment will also include an assessment in order to review any changes from the previous session.