Canine Massage and Fitness in Wellington, the Hutt Valley and the Surrounding Areas

Helping your dog move more comfortably, recover well, and stay active for longer

Maybe your dog hesitates before jumping into the car now. Maybe they're slower getting up after a nap, or your agility dog seems a bit off after a competition weekend. Maybe the shuffle you've started noticing on walks feels like the beginning of something, not just old age.

Or maybe none of that's happened yet, and you'd simply like to keep it that way.

Whatever brought you here, you want your dog to move comfortably, and keep enjoying the things they love.

That's what I help with.

Together, we’ll make your dog’s day better.

My whole-dog approach: massage and fitness, together

I combine hands-on massage therapy with targeted fitness and mobility exercises, because each supports the other.

Dogs that are active benefit from massage, and dogs that receive massage are more active. 

It's a loop, and I work both ends of it: easing muscle tension and supporting nerve function with my hands, then building strength and better movement patterns through exercise, so what we gain in a session actually lasts between them.

This is what sets my approach apart from either service on its own. Whether we're building strength, recovering from injury, or simply keeping an older dog comfortable, working both sides gets better, more lasting results than either alone.

What happens at the first visit?

If your dog has had an injury or is experiencing pain, it makes sense that they may be sensitive to touch or hesitant about new experiences. And if you're picturing something clinical, let me fix that. Here's roughly how it goes:

1. I come to you. In-home appointments mean your dog is in a familiar space, not a strange clinic with people they've never met.
2. We get to know one another. No rushing in with hands out! While your dog decides how they feel about me, we'll chat through their history.
3. I watch them move. Walking, turning, getting up from a lie-down. This tells me a lot before I've touched them.
4. They find their spot. The floor, the sofa, wherever they're relaxed. I don't use a table.
5. Our work begins. There are breaks (and snacks) whenever your dog wants one.
6. You get a plan. A few simple exercises to build on between visits, explained so you know why you're doing them.

No table, no restraint. A cooperative process that puts your dog's comfort first, because I'm Fear Free and Low-Stress Handling certified and this is how I work with every dog, every time.

Many dogs who initially seem worried actually begin to enjoy and seek out their massage sessions once they realise how good it feels.

Why I do it this way

Massage and fitness aren't separate strings I picked up along the way. My own dogs are why I do this work at all.

Wolly came into my life frightened and nearly impossible to vet. Getting him comfortable with handling took years of cooperative care, and massage became part of how I did that: a way to make hands-on touch something he could learn to trust, rather than something to brace against. He's older now, still gets taped for his twitchy back, and still stands for snacks.

Then came Tigg, and with her, a hip dysplasia diagnosis when she was one. I learned firsthand how much a joint issue ripples out into the rest of the body: the compensations, the tight muscles, the movement patterns that get worse if left unaddressed. Strength work and massage have been part of her life ever since, and it's why she can still do the thing she loves most: full-tilt running and leaping. No sedate leash walks for Tigg!

I use these skills on my own dogs every day. Because it's what keeps them moving well.

(You can read more of the story here: How I Ended Up Doing This Work)

Which dogs benefit?

All dogs can benefit from massage therapy and targeted fitness, regardless of age, size, or activity level. Combining manual therapy with appropriate exercise supports better movement, comfort, and overall wellbeing throughout their life.

Puppies and young dogs. 

Young dogs are building the foundation for a lifetime of movement. Confidence-building exercises and gentle handling help puppies learn how to move well from the start, and build comfort with touch before it's ever needed.

Active dogs and canine athletes. 

Active dogs and canine athletes need bodies that can handle their demanding lifestyles. Whether your dog runs agility courses or hikes the hills, massage speeds recovery and targeted strength work helps catch small imbalances before they turn into injuries.

Senior dogs. 

Staying active shouldn't come with a use-by date. The shuffle and struggle so many people accept as just old age often responds well to the right combination of movement and bodywork. Neither Wolly nor I are ready to accept old age as an answer, and I don't think your dog should have to either.

Dogs recovering from injury or managing a chronic condition

Does your dog have hip dysplasia, luxating patella, or arthritis? I work alongside local rehab professionals, picking up ongoing support once a dog is cleared from intensive rehab, so the gains made there don't slide backwards.

"Annie has been so helpful with both my dogs. Both who have had injuries and also now get regular massages. Annie is knowledgeable, responsive, and builds great connections with the dogs." - Google review

What working together looks like

In-home appointments are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, across Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Visiting you at home ensures a familiar environment for your dog.

Because I work at your dog's pace, sessions may run a little under or over the scheduled time. Your dog's comfort comes first, not the clock. 

Every appointment includes:

• A full history and gait and posture assessment
• Hands-on massage therapy paired with exercises specific to your dog
• Home and lifestyle adjustments where they'll help
• Written notes and resources after each visit
• Email support between sessions

Here's what happens next

1. Book your appointment
2. Complete a short intake form
3. I'll review everything and request your dog’s vet notes 
4. We meet in your home
5. You receive a tailored plan, practical next steps, and ongoing email support.

Foundation Session - $270

A 90-minute first session to assess where your dog's at, talk through your goals, and build a plan. 

Best if you want an initial assessment, guidance on maintaining your dog's current condition, or you're simply not sure yet whether this approach is the right fit.

Three-Session Bundle - $495

One 90-minute foundation session, then two 60-minute follow-ups to track progress and build your confidence. 

Best if you're maintaining fitness in an active dog, managing mild mobility issues, or want to learn techniques you can keep using at home.

Five-Session Bundle - $730

One 90-minute foundation session, then four 60-minute follow-ups for structured, ongoing support. 

Best if your dog is a senior needing consistent care, recovering from injury or surgery, or you're working toward a sustained shift in strength and mobility.

Ongoing support is available through single sessions or convenient multi-session bundles.

Follow-up sessions build on your dog's progress. We'll review what's changed, adjust exercises where needed, and keep supporting their strength and movement over time.

Ready to get started?

Book your Foundation Session and we'll start with a proper look at how your dog's moving, feeling, and coping.

Not sure which option is right, or whether this is even the right fit? 

Book a free 15-minute Connection Call  and we'll figure it out together, no pressure either way.