Massage is a complementary practice to traditional medicine, is non-invasive, and supports overall health and well-being. Laser therapy can also be included in massage treatments, offering a more complete rehabilitation experience with enhanced healing and pain relief.

Kathleen Crisley, CTMT (Canine Therapeutic Massage Therapist) CSMT (Canine Sports Massage Therapist)  Trained and qualified in the USA
Member, International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork
Member, New Zealand Companion Animal Council

Massage Benefits:

• accelerates healing
• provides drug-free pain relief
• supports muscle and joint health
• improves rehabilitation following injuries or surgeries

Laser therapy works best following a massage, although it may be performed separately.  The laser is a cold laser; no heat or pain is generated by its use.  The system is approved by the U.S. FDA for use on animals and has been imported into New Zealand specifically for my massage practice.

Massage and laser treatment are excellent for these conditions:

• arthritis and geriatric care
• cruciate ligament tears and post-surgery rehab
• degenerative myelopathy
• hip dysplasia
• lick granuloma
• other soft tissue injuries

I will compile a full health history of your dog at the first appointment to ensure a treatment plan is specific to your dog’s needs.  Wherever possible, and with your agreement, I will also discuss treatment with your vet to ensure continuity of care.  Massage is not a substitute for proper veterinary care.

This practice is a mobile service in metropolitan Christchurch.  Normal service area encompasses Belfast to the north, Hoon Hay/Cashmere to the south, Hornby to the west and Burwood to the east.  A surcharge for travel costs will ONLY apply outside of these areas (e.g., Lincoln, Tai Tapu, Sumner, Lyttleton, Kaiapoi). On Monday evenings, I practice at the Clarkville Boarding Kennels so customers do not have to incur a surcharge.

Contact Kathleen for a massage appointment by emailing her at info@caninecatering.co.nz Costs for massage vary according to the size of the dog.  Most dogs are in the $55-60 per treatment category, with extra-large size breeds charged out at $65-70 per treatment before any travel surcharges are applied.  Toy dogs may be slightly lower in price depending on your location.

In some cases, pet insurance may cover all/part of your dog’s massage and laser treatment.  Read my pet insurance fact sheet now.

I have traveled to the USA twice specifically for hands-on (not correspondence) training in canine massage at the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage. To achieve my qualifications, I had to successfully complete a series of case studies, practical and written exams.  My additional training has included study in Holistic Health for Animals at the Canterbury College of Natural Medicine (2006) and Pet Nutrition at Colorado State University (2009).

I adhere to the IAAMB Code of Ethics.  Download a copy of the Code here.

“Hunter is our 9 year old German Shepherd x Border Collie. Six months ago Hunter was diagnosed with lumbosacral disease which was causing her serious discomfort and pain. Our vet recommend acupuncture, swimming at Dog Swim Spa and massage treatments with Kathleen. In November Hunter underwent major spinal surgery and Kathleen has been an important part of the recovery process. Hunter has weekly treatments which benefit her enormously. Kathleen has a very special connection with animals and has a comprehensive knowledge to support her practical work. Kathleen has been a great support to us all and we are very lucky to have met her. All dog lovers should contact Kathleen- your dog will love you for it!!” -Mala Frost
“Kathleen has worked with my labrador Jet on a regular basis for several months and is an essential part of his ongoing rehabilitation after spinal surgery for a slipped disk (2008) and bilateral hip replacement to treat his arthritis (2009 & 2010). Jet is now 14 and still very active both on his walks and swimming at Dog Swim Spa. He loves his weekly massage and afterwards I notice that his movement has freed up and he is wonderfully relaxed. I call Kathleen ‘the dog whisperer’ because Jet is so excited to see her and tells her all about his week. I love watching them together and feel very fortunate that Kathleen’s services are available in Christchurch.” -Jane Newman
“Sophie was always an old girl, but she was very active.  I always thought of her as part Labrador , part mountain goat.  We spent many hours together in the weekends enjoying bush walks and beaches.  When arthritis took away her ability to run up and down hills and jump onto precarious look-outs, it was very sad.  She had got to a point where she couldn’t even complete a walk around our local park.  When my vet suggested alternate therapies to ease Sophie’s joints I was all for it.  She seemed to really benefit from a mix of therapeutic massage form Kathleen and hydrotherapy.  Sophie enjoyed the sessions with Kathleen, often becoming so excited she would start barking; although it’s possible she was excited about the little homemade treat she would get at the end of the session.  Having had sports massage myself to help with my own joint problems I know that massages helped to keep Sophie moving freely.  It was obvious in the fact our daily walks around the park had resumed and she needed no assistance to make it home.  I am very grateful to Kathleen for the fantastic treatment Sophie received and for her amazing patience when dealing with my house full of energetic dogs.  She was an important part of Sophie’s treatment and if I ever again have a dog with joint or muscle problems, I will be calling Kathleen” -Raewyn Crosbie

“Our Staffy cross Lucky has grown in stature over the years and is now having mobility problems due to excess weight and arthritis.  Kathleen has recommended a course of action with his diet and her massage and laser has seen an improvement with his arthritis and mobility.  I recommend Kathleen to anyone with a dog with joint or mobility problems and have done so to several of our clients through our pool.” – June Blackwood (co-owner of the Dog Swim Spa)		“Renee is a 12 year old Newfoundland who started having spinal problems which affected her back leg.  Since Kathleen has been giving her massage therapy, Renee is now pain free and has shown good improvement.  Kathleen is very professional and has a great affinity for animals.” – Denise North

“Olliver is a senior dog with arthritis, we starting having massage treatments over a year ago to help improve his circulation, mobility and overall well-being. Last July, he suddenly lost the ability to walk and veterinarians haven’t been able to diagnose a cause. Olliver is trying hard to walk again, aided by his wheelchair and the expert efforts of people such as Kathleen. Massage has now become an essential and critical part of Olliver’s recovery and rehabilitation.” – Guy Holdsworth, owner of Olliver the Dalmatian “Kathleen has a calm, organised and relaxed manner.  She was always on time and easy to make arrangements with.  She is able to answer questions on a broad range of canine-related topics.” – Kathryn Fortescue, owner of Solo (a Cocker Spaniel)

“It’s been great to have Kathleen come around weekly and work with Charlie-Pete.  She was thoughtful about engaging with an unwell dog.” – Maggie-Lee Huckabee, owner of Charlie-Pete (a boxer/greyhound cross) “Very professional, understanding and patient.” – Nikki Jerard – owner of Flynn (a Border Collie)