Wellness & Wags provides in-home therapeutic canine massage and bodywork services in Chicago, IL
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Happy 4th birthday to my buddy, Hendrix! Honored to work with this guy monthly, to keep him moving well in his extra active lifestyle, which includes agility, Fast CAT, and scent work.
Long back and short-legged dogs can be prone to injury due to their build. Props to Hendrix’s mom for integrating wellness care early to help keep Hendrix’s body healthy.
I loved getting to celebrate your birthday with you, sweet boy ❤️
I have feelings about the trigger point work today.
-Lottie, as indicated by her facial expression
Miss Lottie loves her massage time but is very expressive during sessions, and always lets me know when we are working some tender spots. I started seeing this beauty last year after a stifle injury, but she is well recovered and we are continuing monthly massages for preventative and wellness care to supplement the monthly PT she also receives. Happy to report she is back to getting the zoomies, and I’m here to make sure it stays that way.
Could not have had a better start to my day, thanks to these two awesome doods 💕
I’m not sure why I now have to share massage time or post-session snacks with this little goober.
-Ainsley, probably
Welcome to massage time Frida, despite your big sister’s opinions. Your parents are so smart for introducing you to therapeutic bodywork early, knowing you have such an active life ahead.
And don’t worry Ainsley, our sessions will still generally be focused mostly on you.
Treats all around for these sweet gals 💕
Snuggle up to that stuffy and enjoy some massage time, Paolo. Love my sessions with this goofy boy. It’s been a for sure ❤️
Who would have thought we could enjoy an outdoor massage session in February? Bosco and I were both delighted to bask in the sunshine ☀️ Welcome to Chicago’s !
Hello friends! Please take note that as of the week of March 11, my prices will be increasing. With rising expenses the past few years, this price increase will help me continue to offer in-home services, which I feel is so important in keeping your pet calm and comfortable.
Phone consultations - will always be free!
30 minute session - $70
45 minute session - $95
60 minute session - $110
For those clients I visit outside of my service area (currently the north side of Chicago), travel fees are unchanged and will be added to your session fee.
And get excited! I will soon be adding new wellness services, including at-home laser therapy treatments and later this summer, therapeutic swimming + in-water massage sessions in partnership with . Stay tuned for more details!
Thank you so much for your ongoing support of Wellness & Wags.
-Caragh ❤️🐾
Hecka great day seeing my pal J today, and meeting his new chihuahua brother Frankie! My friend Rescueber does tremendous work transporting animals for rescue and I’m so grateful I got to catch up with her today and spend time with her own crew ❤️
Welcome Barbs! This gal is no stranger to massage, after she dealt with some stifle (knee) disease earlier in her life. But her mom is reintroducing bodywork to alleviate stiffness and help keep Barbs spry in her golden years.
Her mom texted me after our first session with this photo, sharing “Hi Caragh. Thanks again for today. Barbie’s post massage face - one happy customer.”
No better testimonial than this photo ❤️ See you again soon, Barbs!
Happy boy, Bernie! This cute guy was a foster fail about a year ago, and then was found have degenerative myelopathy, which results in hind limb weakness and later, paralysis. Luckily, it is not a painful condition, but it does put quite a strain on the body, as dogs overcompensate with their front limbs to maintain mobility as weakness progresses.
Bernie landed the jackpot with his new family, as they know that massage is a great tool for dogs with this condition, to address compensatory tension and also boost circulation and stimulate nerves in their hind end.
Bernie can occasionally be grumbly for some of our weekly sessions, but he was all smiles today. So happy to be part of his care team!
Tomorrow! I’m excited to participate in a great event at . We are fundraising for an incredible new facility, The K9 Corridor, that will bring together some incredible local pet professionals to offer canine enrichment, wellness, and community outreach.
I’ve got some big announcements coming soon about new service offerings due to my partnership with this amazing group of professionals (hint: massage + 💧).
Bring your dog and have some fun - games, drinks, DJ and prizes. And be sure to join us for the pet professional panel starting at 5pm to hear us all talk “dog.” Tix available at the door!
Tomorrow! I’m excited to participate in a great event at PupStars Pet Care. We are fundraising for an amazing new facility, The K9 Corridor, that will bring together some incredible local pet professionals to offer canine enrichment, wellness, and community outreach.
I’ve got some big announcements coming soon about new service offerings due to my partnership with this awesome group of professionals (hint: massage + 💧).
Bring your dog and have some fun - games, drinks, DJ and prizes. And be sure to join us for the pet professional panel starting at 5pm to hear us all talk “dog.”
Purchase tickets here, or you can buy at the door!
Pet Parent Pawty : Ask the Pet Professionals https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pet-parent-pawty-ask-the-pet-professionals-tickets-695475414687?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile
My new friend Gigi absolutely nailed her shot! Was so fun working with this cutie today. Massage is being integrated as Gigi has a history of luxating patellas (basically, knee caps that can pop out of place). I’m grateful to be a new part of Gigi’s care team to help keep her moving and feeling her best 💕
Some old friends and some new friends - I had a blast at Canine Therapy Corps first Barket Market today! I was thrilled to be part of this organization’s event, given the tremendous work they do in our community, offering animal-assisted therapy to help people recover from trauma. They also offer excellent training programs, if you are looking for some guidance for your pup.
Thanks for a great day Canine Therapy Corps and to all the amazing pups and humans that attended ❤️
Welcome Fig! This beauty is active in dog sports and agility, so her pet parents are implementing massage and bodywork now for overall wellness and injury prevention. Smart hoomans! Fig took to massage like a champ. I’m thrilled to be part of her care team 💕
Sugar, my very best girl. Beyond grateful to have been introduced to you thanks to The Booker Fund and the Live Like Roo Foundation. We thought your hotel stay and massage was part of your last hurrah, and then you proved us all wrong. I could not be more grateful to have been your “auntie” for nearly 3 years more. I just wish our last session together could have been in person, instead of virtual after you moved, so I could have kissed your sweet noggin. You defied the cancer odds and will always be an inspiration. I will miss you always 💔🌈
The Live Like Roo Foundation supported Sugar’s cancer care the second she was pulled from our city’s shelter, giving her so much extra time, just as her mom’s love did. Please consider helping this incredible organization. Even $5 makes a difference.
Ways to donate:
venmo: livelikeroo
zelle: [email protected]
paypal [email protected]
livelikeroo.org
Hiya Finley! I had my second session with this handsome dude today. He is 9 years old with a zest for life, but he tore his CCL a few years back and is also now dealing with arthritis in a number of joints. We are integrating massage to reduce pain, address soft tissue tension and improve joint mobility. After his first session, Finley’s mom shared that he was moving with much more ease and wanted to run!
So happy to be working with you, Finley ❤️
Every minute with tiny Thomas is special 💗
Welcome Rigby! This guy has recently been showing some signs of hind limb stiffness and mobility loss, and I was so happy to have a session with him to address soft tissue tension and provide comfort care. Rigby sweetly gave kisses and it was so lovely to see him relax into the bodywork. Can’t wait for our next session!
I had so much fun being a guest on the Wag Out Loud podcast. Canine massage is so much more than simply pampering your pet, and I was happy to talk through how dogs at every age and of every health condition can benefit.
Check out the conversation at https://bit.ly/MassageYourDog
Be sure to follow Wag Out Loud on your fave podcast provider. It covers so many great topics and has lots of great guests, all focused on keeping your dog healthy and well.
Thanks Krista for having me!
🚨 Adorable Adoptable Alert 🚨
Sweet Albie was rescued from South Korea by Alive Rescue. He is an approximately 2 year old Jindo/mixed breed and I was thrilled to work with him today. When he was found on the streets, he was malnourished and underweight. But he is making incredible strides in his foster home and is now a sweet, happy and friendly boy who loves pets and playtime. So happy his foster mom asked me to provide a session to offer some tension relief and overall comfort care given his history. Albie is available for adoption through Alive Rescue and the forever family that adopts him will be very lucky indeed.
Blissed out beagles. Love my weekly sessions with Oakley and Maddux!
I’m back in action, and what an amazing welcoming committee to 2023! Just look at all the cuties I got to visit today. So excited for the year ahead 🎉
Beyond amazing to see my friend Bruno today. He has been bravely fighting hemangiosarcoma, and I first met him this summer, offering a massage through The Booker Fund, a Live Like Roo Foundation program that helps with bucket list wishes. I could not have been happier to have his mom reach out, sharing that Bruno was still going strong and loving life, to arrange another session, again sponsored by the amazing Live Like Roo Foundation. He had no trouble settling in and falling asleep during his massage by the fire. Keep fighting the fight and enjoying the good life, Bruno - you are a good boy and are so loved!
Hi friends! I’m taking a winter holiday from December 23-January 2, to visit family and plan good things for 2023. I’ll be back in action on Tuesday, January 3.
During this time period, I’m available for phone consults and virtual sessions for any time-sensitive needs; message me directly to schedule.
Thank you all for making 2022 such a wonderful year. I can’t wait to see what fun we’ll have in 2023!
I had the best time at today’s Wag-O-Ween event, sponsored by Bosly's Backyard, benefitting the incredible Safe Humane Chicago. I met so many new pup friends and loved chatting with their parents about the benefits of canine massage. Thankful for all the cute and all the smiles ❤️
So thrilled to be participating in the Wag-O-Ween dog friendly market at Bosly's Backyard this Saturday! Did you get your tickets yet?
All ticket proceeds benefit the incredible organization Safe Humane Chicago, and I’m happy to join so many of my favorite local dog-focused small businesses that are always willing to give back to animals in need.
Goodies include a Halloween themed photo booth, costume contest, espresso bar, puppuccinos, mini massages, brush outs, pup cups, pet baked goods, custom pet portraits, doggy apparel, and more.
Hope to see you there!
https://facebook.com/events/s/wag-o-ween-dog-friendly-market/1728582230862509/
Hiya Lola! 👋 She had her first massage session today and thought it was pretty sweet.
Lola recently experienced a tear in her left CCL, but surgical repair is not a good option for her. We are initiating massage to help with general pain management and to address compensatory tension in an effort to prevent secondary injury.
Lola paid me in kisses and I can’t wait for our next session!
All the good vibes to my buddy Rufus! Tomorrow he will be undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous mass.
Today we focused on overall tension relief, but we also worked to prime the lymphatic system via manual lymphatic drainage to prepare Rufus’ body for the invasive nature of surgery and to help process the anesthesia.
I’ll be visiting Rufus again post-surgery, to provide comfort and pain relief, and to help clear any excess swelling related to his surgery.
You’ve got this Ru Bear ❤️
Full day, full heart ❤️
Any stern faces are definitively related to how slowly I hand out snacks.
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 15:00 |
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Missing these friends. Such beautiful souls. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2024.
Post-massage bliss. Live my sessions with this duo 💗
Hello friends! It’s been a wonderfully busy summer, but I also feel the loss of having to say goodbye to many dear friends in the past few months. I will be taking time off the week of October 3, to rest, recharge, and reflect, and also to plan good things for the future. During my hiatus, I remain available for any time-sensitive needs, including post-surgical or hospice care; message me directly to schedule. Happy fall, y’all!
When you are massaging Felix and Oscar be creeping… Frenchie Fridays are the best ❤️#wellnessandwags #caninemassage #caninemassagetherapy #caninemassagechicago #dogmassage #caninewellness #therapeutictouch #caninemobility #frenchie #frenchiefriday #frenchbulldog #frenchiesofchicago #chicagofrenchie #cutefrenchies #chicagofrenchbulldogrescue
When your massage services are in demand and you’ve got a bit of a traffic jam… A big welcome to Charlotte, a sweet Hershey’s Kiss of a pup, who started and ended this video. She’s just getting used to the kind of life she deserves, thanks to her rescuer MCP Rescue and Outreach, and her amazing foster mamas. Adoptable alert!
This is Barley, and she had her first massage today. She was very excited to learn that she earned treats for being a VGG during her session and couldn’t help but air chomp in anticipation. Welcome to the Wellness & Wags family, Barley 💕
My buddy Ghost was having a rough week and then tonight I got the cutest thank you that he was feeling much better after our session earlier today. Love this doofus, love this work!
Have you ever tried rocking your pet? It can be incredibly soothing. I got to hang with my friend Mac at a fundraising event today, and he was a little anxious at times. The rhythm of rocking lulled him to sleep. Note that in this video I was sitting in a straight-backed chair. Rock from your core and keep the rhythm steady. Let me know if your pet enjoys it!
Hi friends! Please note that I will be taking time off the 4th of July weekend, and will not be taking sessions July 3-5. If you regularly see me on Saturdays or Mondays, I’ll be chatting with you during our upcoming appointments to find an alternative time to see your pup. The 4th of July is a scary time for many pets, including my own guy Oscar. Stay tuned for some tips to help manage your pet’s anxiety during a fireworks-filled weekend.
You all know I appreciate a positive toot review 💨 (Sound on, watch til the end) Thanks for a great session, Chompers ❤️
Love my sessions with Clint Barkton! ______________ Repost @petsofbet Another #timelapse of my favorite thing: massages with @wellnessandwags ❤️💖 at @amcchi
I love that Chompers’ mom posted this little clip on Insta today. It serves as a great reminder that your pup does not need to be fully settled, sitting, or lying down, to reap the therapeutic benefits of massage. I’ve been visiting Chompers regularly for over a year to alleviate pain and address compensatory tensions due to a luxating patella, as surgery was not a viable option for him. Despite all our sessions together, he still demands treats and he still prefers to stand for the entire session. But at age 15, he is as active and sassy as ever, has a more balanced stance, and is actually off his pain meds! So much therapeutic work can be done while still respecting your dog’s “comfort zone.” Schedule a phone consult if you wish to learn more!
Thank you to everyone who committed to their pet’s wellness during October, National Pet Wellness Month, by booking a massage session or attending my pet parent massage workshop. Congratulations to Ole, the winner of our raffle! He will receive a free 30-min massage session. The question is, do you think he’ll share the session with his foster sister??
It’s Motor Boat Monday and you can bet that I have her purrs on repeat 😻 This Alive Rescue cutie is receiving amazing care at Integrative Pet Care for her hind limb paralysis but I’m adding some supplemental bodywork to keep her feeling her best! _________________________________ #wellnessandwags #petmassage #felinemassage #specialneedspets #differentlyabled #aliverescue
I’m so proud to announce I have received national certification in canine massage. Read on to learn what this means! _____________________________ Not all canine massage training programs are created equally. As an unregulated industry, people can take a weekend workshop, or train online and call themselves a canine massage therapist. The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM) was founded to establish professional standards for the industry. To be eligible to take the national certification exam, you must demonstrate you have completed a rigorous amount of training, understand anatomy and physiology, and have a certain amount of supervised hands-on training. And then, of course, you have to pass the exam! _____________________________ NBCAAM certification is certainly not a requirement for practicing. Heck, I obviously started my business without it! But I pursued this certification because it is so important to me that when I put my hands on your dog, you feel confident that I do so with the training and expertise to apply techniques safely and effectively. Your pet is a beloved part of the family and deserves the best level of care. And I will always keep learning and training to provide them just that. _____________________________ #wellnessandwags #wellandwagging #caninemassage #nbcaam #dogmassage #caninewellness #petwellness #caninemassagechicago #dogsofchicago #healingfordogs
Happy National Dog Day! Thank you for letting me be part of your dog’s life 💗 Sending love and cuddles to all the dogs out there, with special wishes to the pups still waiting for a furever home. 🐾 🐾 #wellnessandwags #caninemassagechicago #nationaldogday #rescuedogschicago
We hear you Bill. Bring on the weekend! #readyforhisnap 🐾 #wellnessandwags #wellandwagging #caninemassagetherapy #caninemassage #caninemassagechicago #dogmassage #dogwellness #dogsofchicago #cockerspaniel
Here at wellness & wags, we love mutts! It was my own mutt Oscar who inspired me to pursue my passion and fill my days with all things dog, and it’s a happy life indeed. Hope our mixed breed friends are getting some extra treats and snuggles today. Happy National Mutt Day! 🐾 #wellnessandwags #wellandwagging #nationalmuttday #adoptdontshop #caninemassagetherapy #caninemassage #caninemassagechicago #dogsofchicago #rescuedogs
For the record, Sassy seemed to enjoy her massage tonight 💤
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