Pet Assisted Therapy

The human-animal bond is such a gift. Many of us enjoy caring for our companion animals, because we feel the benefits. They reward us when they stare with those adoring eyes, or as they offer endless snuggles and companionship; it just makes us feel so special. In the last 50 years, pet assisted therapy has become a supplemental approach to health care.

Did you know pet assisted therapy has some incredible emotional, psychological and physical health benefits?

  • Improvement in quality of life

  • Physical and emotional pain reduction

  • Stress reduction

  • Improvement in motor skills and mobility

  • Increase in self esteem

  • Increase in verbal communication

  • Motivated willingness to exercise

 

Mavis is Amber’s Border Collie Mix who adores loving touch, and especially humans. Her insatiable adoration for cuddles and petting makes her the perfect supplement for companion visits at the massage studio. When Mavis accompanies Amber, as part of a pet therapy team, both provide an enhanced experience for the client to become more relaxed and comfortable in an otherwise unfamiliar setting.


Goals for Pet Therapy in the Massage Workplace

  • Provide emotional comfort as well as physical comfort; potentially reducing pain, increasing range of motion and mobility

  • Provide opportunities to improve socialization, language, independence, enhanced self esteem, and therefore enhanced quality and meaning of life

  • Reduce acute stress and anxiety

  • Increase verbal communication

  • Provide a space of safety to ease the client’s mind

 

Amber and Mavis’ Earned Credentials

Certified in Professional Pet Assisted Therapy, June 2022

Windwalker Humane Coalition for Professional Pet Assisted Therapy

Click Here to View the Credentialing Guidelines

AKC Novice Trick Dog, January 2022

 

All pet therapy interactions are voluntary and complimentary. Amber does not charge a service fee for pet therapy.

If you have allergies or aversions to dogs, please let Amber know before your scheduled appointment and arrangements will be made to leave Mavis out of the office that day. It is important that we respect the safety and choices for our clients. Mavis maintains optimal veterinary health standards with annual health visits and letters of good standing from her veterinarian.