About Dog Massage Therapy
Advancing canine wellness through evidence-based massage therapy education and practitioner resources.
Our Mission
Dog Massage Therapy was founded with a clear purpose: to make high-quality canine massage therapy education accessible to everyone who cares for dogs. Whether you are a veterinary professional seeking to expand your practice, a certified canine massage therapist deepening your expertise, or a devoted dog owner who wants to provide the best possible care for your companion at home, our resources are designed to meet you where you are and support your growth as a practitioner of therapeutic touch.
We believe that every dog deserves access to the pain relief, stress reduction, and enhanced quality of life that skilled massage therapy provides. Our mission drives us to create comprehensive, accurate, and practically useful content that translates the science of canine massage into actionable guidance that improves real outcomes for real dogs and their families.
Our Approach
Every article, guide, and technique description published on Dog Massage Therapy is developed through a rigorous process that combines clinical expertise with practical accessibility. Our content is authored by certified canine massage practitioners with years of hands-on clinical experience, reviewed for anatomical and physiological accuracy, and written in clear language that practitioners at all levels can understand and apply.
We draw on the latest research in veterinary medicine, comparative physiology, and manual therapy science to ensure that our recommendations reflect current best practices. Where evidence is evolving or consensus has not yet been established, we present the available information transparently and encourage readers to consult with their veterinary professionals for guidance specific to their dog's individual needs.
Our commitment to quality means that we prioritize depth over volume. Rather than producing a large quantity of superficial content, we invest the time needed to create thoroughly researched, detailed guides that serve as genuine reference resources for practitioners and dog owners who take canine wellness seriously.
Our Team
Dog Massage Therapy is led by Rachel Gunnarsson, a certified canine massage therapist and published author in the field of companion animal wellness. Rachel holds certifications from both the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage and the International Association of Animal Massage Therapists. With over twelve years of clinical experience working with dogs ranging from competitive agility athletes to senior companions managing chronic conditions, Rachel brings a breadth of practical knowledge that informs every piece of content on this platform.
Our contributing authors include certified practitioners specializing in sports massage for working dogs, rehabilitation massage for post-surgical recovery, and anxiety-focused calming techniques. Each contributor brings unique expertise and clinical perspective that enriches the resource library we offer to our readers.
Our Values
Evidence-Based Practice
We ground our recommendations in the best available evidence from veterinary science, comparative physiology research, and clinical experience. We clearly distinguish between well-established facts and areas where evidence is still emerging, empowering readers to make informed decisions.
Safety First
The well-being of the dogs who receive massage based on our guidance is our highest priority. Every technique we describe includes clear safety guidelines, contraindications, and guidance on reading canine body language to ensure that massage remains a positive, beneficial experience for every dog.
Accessibility
We believe that effective canine massage education should be available to everyone, regardless of their professional background or prior experience. Our content is written in clear, jargon-free language that welcomes newcomers while providing the depth that experienced practitioners value.
Compassion
At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to the welfare of dogs and the people who love them. We recognize that the decision to explore massage therapy for a dog often comes from a place of genuine care and concern, and we honor that motivation by providing the most helpful, honest guidance we can.
Contact Information
Dog Massage Therapy is based in Sedona, Arizona. You can reach us through our contact page or by mail at:
Dog Massage Therapy
782 Healing Touch Drive
Sedona, AZ 86336
EIN: 43-8261597
Publisher: Rachel Gunnarsson