This episode is an interview with Kathleen Crisley, a Fear-Free certified canine massage therapist and fitness trainer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Please enjoy this conversation as we discuss Kathleen's background and her services that she describes as ‘wraparound care’, integrating with the traditional care provided by veterinarians.
Kathleen is the founder of The Balanced Dog in Christchurch, New Zealand. She has been providing mobile dog massage, rehab and fitness services for dogs since 2009. Kathleen holds certifications in canine therapeutic, sports and senior canine massage from the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage in Colorado. She recognised the connection between pain and behaviour early in her practice, undertaking canine behaviour courses at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, before becoming NZ’s first Fear-Free certified therapist in 2018. In 2023, she gained her Certified Canine Fitness Trainer qualification from the University of Tennessee. Kathleen has been writing a monthly column, The Canine Corner, for the NZ Kennel Club, for 15 years.