Ash & Oak Therapy - St. Louis, MO
After more than 20 years as an Art Director in advertising, Alyson Snelling made the leap into a field that felt more rewarding. She earned her Canine Massage Therapy certification through Canis Bodyworks in 2015, followed by her national certification through NBCAAM.
From there, Alyson launched Ash & Oak Canine Massage, offering massage both in-home and working out of Back On Track Veterinary Hospital and Rehabilitation Center. In 2018, she partnered with Canis Bodyworks as their Director of Marketing & Design and Lead Instructor, playing a key role in bringing canine massage and bodywork education to the St. Louis area.
During her massage training, Alyson discovered canine rehabilitation and fitness, and was instantly hooked. That interest led her to earn her CCFT from the University of Tennessee in 2020, as well as a secondary CPCFT certification through Debbie Torraca and Tara Monahan’s program in 2024. Alyson recently joined the CPCFT instructors and evaluators team to assist in educating and preparing students to enter the field of canine fitness and canine conditioning professionally.
Alyson’s certifications include Fear Free™ handling, Pet CPR and First Aid, and Animal and Human Reiki attunement. These additional tools support her gentle, compassionate approach to every animal in her care.
Alyson is always looking for ways to build on her existing knowledge and skill set, whether that means diving into the latest research, refining her techniques, or learning from other practitioners. What she loves most is bridging the gap between massage and conditioning by helping pet owners understand how to actively support their dog’s wellbeing, and guiding her clients toward sustainable, healthy lifestyles.
- Licensed
- Certified
- Insured
- Mobile Services
Specialties
- Animal Massage
- Animal Homeopathy
- Animal Reiki
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Cats
- Dogs
What size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- Certified Animal Communicator (Level One)
- Certified Animal Massage Therapist
- Certified Animal Reiki Practitioner
- Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT)
- Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT)
- Certified Canine Therapeutic Massage Therapist
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Nationally Board Certified Practitioner of Animal Acupressure or Massage (NBCAAM)
- Pet Tech Pet CPR & First Aid Certificate
Bonded and Insured
- Insured
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
What year did you begin serving pets?
Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?
ash & oak therapy
SERVICE AREA: Within 25 miles, including Greater St. Louis and Metro East
Regular hours
- Sunday Closed
- Monday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday Closed
- Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday Closed
- Friday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday Closed
Times shown in Central Time (CT). Exact hours may vary from week to week.
Distinction
Specialties
- Animal Massage
- Animal Homeopathy
- Animal Reiki
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Cats
- Dogs
What size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- Certified Animal Communicator (Level One)
- Certified Animal Massage Therapist
- Certified Animal Reiki Practitioner
- Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT)
- Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCMT)
- Certified Canine Therapeutic Massage Therapist
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Nationally Board Certified Practitioner of Animal Acupressure or Massage (NBCAAM)
- Pet Tech Pet CPR & First Aid Certificate
Bonded and Insured
- Insured
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
What year did you begin serving pets?
Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?
🦔 Animal Massage Therapist in St. Louis, Missouri | Alyson Snelling
💚 Mobile Animal Massage and In-Home Pet Wellness
Alyson Snelling provides personalized animal massage services for pets in St. Louis, Missouri, including St. Louis County and surrounding communities such as Florissant, Chesterfield, Belleville, O'fallon, Saint Charles, Maryland Heights, Granite City, Ballwin, Alton, East Saint Louis. Specializing in hands-on massage and bodywork for animals, Alyson works with pet parents to support their companion's comfort, relaxation, and overall wellness. Most appointments can be arranged as mobile, in-home sessions, allowing your pet to receive care in a familiar environment. Available services, animal specialties, and appointment locations depend on the professional.
🐾 What Is Animal Massage Therapy?
Animal massage is a hands-on wellness practice that uses gentle, purposeful touch and massage techniques to address muscle tension, encourage relaxation, and support comfortable movement. Depending on the professional's training and approach, sessions may incorporate techniques such as Swedish massage, gentle stretching, myofascial techniques, acupressure, or other forms of animal bodywork.
Animal massage is available for different types of companion animals, with many professionals specializing in canine massage, feline massage, or equine massage. Each animal is different, so the therapist adapts the session to the animal's species, temperament, comfort level, and individual needs.
🌿 Potential Benefits of Animal Massage
Pet parents explore animal massage for a variety of wellness goals. Depending on the animal and the techniques used, massage may help support:
Relaxation: Gentle hands-on attention may encourage relaxation and help some animals settle during or after a session.
Muscle Comfort: Massage techniques may help address areas of muscle tightness and tension.
Mobility and Flexibility: Appropriate bodywork and gentle movement techniques may support comfortable movement and flexibility.
Senior Pet Wellness: Older animals may benefit from individualized sessions focused on comfort, gentle touch, and relaxation.
Active and Athletic Animals: Some pet parents seek massage as part of a broader wellness routine for working, sporting, or physically active animals.
Individualized Attention: Sessions give the therapist an opportunity to work at the animal's pace and adapt techniques to its comfort and tolerance.
Animal massage is a complementary wellness service, not a replacement for veterinary care, physical rehabilitation, or medical treatment. If your pet has an injury, ongoing pain, a medical condition, or has recently undergone surgery, consult your veterinarian before arranging a massage session.
💖 Personalized Massage for Dogs, Cats, Horses, and Other Animals
Animal massage professionals may specialize in one species or work with several types of animals. Depending on Alyson Snelling's training and experience, services may include:
Dog Massage: Canine massage sessions tailored to a dog's size, age, activity level, temperament, and individual wellness needs.
Cat Massage: Gentle, appropriately adapted massage for cats that are comfortable with hands-on interaction.
Equine Massage: Massage and bodywork for horses, including recreational, working, and performance animals, where offered.
Other Companion Animals: Some professionals work with additional species. Contact the therapist to confirm experience and availability for your particular animal.
🚗 Mobile Animal Massage at Your Home
Many PetWorks animal massage professionals offer mobile services, traveling to the pet parent's home to provide an in-person session. In-home appointments can be convenient for pets that are more comfortable in familiar surroundings and for families who prefer not to arrange transportation.
Depending on the professional's service arrangements, appointments may take place:
At Your Home: The therapist travels to your residence and works with your pet in an appropriate, comfortable space.
At a Professional Location: Some therapists offer appointments at their own studio, practice, or another designated location.
At an Equine Facility: Equine massage professionals may travel to a barn, stable, or other horse facility within their service area.
Before booking, confirm the appointment location, travel availability, any additional mobile service fees, and what space or preparation may be needed for your pet's session.
👐 What to Expect During an Animal Massage Session
Every animal responds differently to hands-on care. A session with Alyson may begin with a conversation about your pet's history, activity level, behavior, and wellness goals. The therapist may observe your pet's movement and comfort level before choosing appropriate techniques.
During the session, the professional works at your animal's pace, adjusting touch and techniques based on its response. Some animals relax into the experience, while others need time, breaks, or a more gradual introduction. The therapist should respect your pet's comfort and stop or adjust the session if the animal shows signs of distress.
Session length, techniques, and recommendations for follow-up appointments vary by professional and by animal. Ask Alyson what is included in the service you are considering and whether any preparation is recommended.
📋 How to Prepare Your Pet for an Animal Massage
A few simple steps can help make an appointment more comfortable and productive.
Share Relevant Information: Tell the therapist about your pet's age, activity level, temperament, medical history, and any areas of concern.
Discuss Veterinary Guidance: Let the professional know about injuries, recent procedures, medications, or health conditions, and consult your veterinarian when appropriate.
Choose a Comfortable Space: For mobile appointments, provide a quiet area where your pet can settle and the therapist can work safely.
Allow Time to Get Comfortable: Give your pet an opportunity to become familiar with the therapist and surroundings before hands-on work begins.
Follow Your Pet's Lead: Animals have different comfort levels with touch. Allow the therapist to adjust the session to your pet's responses.
📍 Animal Massage in St. Louis and Surrounding Areas
Alyson Snelling is based in St. Louis, Missouri and provides animal massage services to pet parents throughout St. Louis County and nearby communities, including Florissant, Chesterfield, Belleville, O'fallon, Saint Charles, Maryland Heights, Granite City, Ballwin, Alton, East Saint Louis. Mobile appointments may be available throughout the professional's service area, depending on travel distance and scheduling. Contact Alyson to confirm whether your location is covered and whether sessions take place at your home or at another appointment location.
💬 How to Book an Animal Massage Therapist on PetWorks
Finding an animal massage professional on PetWorks makes it easy to review services, compare credentials, and arrange an appointment that fits your pet's needs.
Book Now: If Alyson Snelling offers available pricing packages or appointment times, select the service you want, choose an available time when scheduling is enabled, provide details about your pet, and submit your booking through PetWorks.
Get Custom Quote: Request a personalized quote if you have questions about your pet's needs, want to arrange a mobile appointment, or need to discuss travel distance, session length, or a specialized service.
Send Message: Contact Alyson directly to ask about experience, certifications, animal specialties, appointment locations, and availability before booking.
Secure Online Payments: PetWorks accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, and Klarna where available. Payments are processed securely through the PetWorks platform.
Bookings made and paid through PetWorks include Care Coverage and access to the PetWorks Concierge Team for booking questions and support. If a professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. Other cancellations are subject to the applicable cancellation policy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Massage
What does an animal massage therapist do?
An animal massage therapist uses hands-on techniques adapted to an animal's species, size, temperament, and comfort level. Sessions may focus on relaxation, muscle tension, comfortable movement, and general wellness.
Can an animal massage therapist come to my home?
Many PetWorks professionals offer mobile animal massage and travel to the pet parent's home. Check the listing for mobile services and confirm the travel area, appointment location, and any additional fees before booking.
What animals can receive massage therapy?
Animal massage professionals may work with dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals. Each therapist has different training and species specialties, so confirm that the professional has experience with your particular animal.
What is the difference between canine massage and general animal massage?
Canine massage focuses specifically on dogs and uses techniques adapted to canine anatomy, behavior, and comfort. Animal massage is a broader category that may include dogs, cats, horses, and other species.
Can massage help an older dog?
Some pet parents seek canine massage for senior dogs as part of a wellness routine focused on relaxation and comfortable movement. Discuss your dog's age, health, mobility, and any medical conditions with your veterinarian and the massage professional before scheduling.
Can animal massage help with muscle tension?
Massage techniques are often used to address muscle tightness and promote relaxation. The techniques appropriate for an individual animal depend on its condition, comfort level, and the therapist's training.
Is animal massage a substitute for veterinary treatment?
No. Animal massage is a complementary wellness service, not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, or prescribed rehabilitation. Consult your veterinarian if your pet has pain, an injury, an illness, or a medical condition.
How long does an animal massage session last?
Session length varies by professional, species, and service package. Some appointments are shorter introductions, while others allow more time for hands-on work. Review the listed package or ask the therapist what is included.
How often should my pet receive massage?
There is no single schedule that works for every animal. Frequency depends on your pet's needs, response to massage, and the professional's recommendations. Discuss an appropriate schedule with your veterinarian and therapist when relevant.
Do I need to prepare anything for an in-home massage appointment?
Ask the therapist what they need before arriving. Typically, a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can settle is helpful. Share relevant information about your pet's health, behavior, and routine in advance.
How do I find a certified animal massage therapist?
Browse PetWorks listings to review each professional's certifications, training, experience, species specialties, and client reviews. Certification requirements vary by organization and specialty, so check the specific credentials displayed on the therapist's profile.
How much does animal massage cost?
Pricing depends on the therapist's experience, session length, animal species, service location, and whether mobile travel is required. Review the professional's listed packages or request a custom quote for your appointment.
Can I book an animal massage appointment online?
Yes. If the professional offers Book Now packages or online scheduling, you can select an available service and submit your booking through PetWorks. You can also request a custom quote or send a message to discuss your pet's needs.
What happens if the animal massage therapist cancels?
If a professional cancels a confirmed PetWorks booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. Other cancellation situations are handled according to the applicable cancellation policy.
❤️ Find an Animal Massage Therapist in St. Louis, Missouri
Give your pet the opportunity to experience personalized, hands-on wellness care. Explore Alyson Snelling's profile, review available services and credentials, and arrange an animal massage appointment in St. Louis, Missouri or surrounding communities through PetWorks.