About Lisa Ruthig
Video: Fergus, Age 11
My journey into animal massage began with my puppy, Fergus. After he was hit by a car and required surgery to repair a broken femur, I was left feeling helpless in his recovery. I wanted to do more than just hope for the best—I wanted to actively support his healing and long-term well-being. This led me to complete the Small Animal Massage Certification at the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in 2008, followed by their Equine Massage Certification. My goal was not only to help Fergus age comfortably but also to support other animals and their owners facing similar challenges.
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Over the years, I have developed a specialized system for working with nerves in small animals, incorporating nerve stimulation, neurovascular release, and nerve gliding. These techniques are particularly effective for dogs with neurological conditions, mobility issues, and chronic pain.
A Trust-Based Approach
Massage is most effective when animals feel safe, comfortable, and in control of their own experience. I take the time to earn their trust, read their body language, and respect their boundaries, ensuring that each session is a positive and beneficial experience. By allowing the animal to set the pace and engage on their own terms, I create an environment where they feel at ease—leading to better results, faster.
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Experience & Credentials
I’ve been deeply involved in the field of animal massage for over 15 years, balancing hands-on work with teaching and professional leadership:
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Board Certified: Nationally board certified in both canine and equine massage
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Educator: Since 2009, I’ve taught Equine Anatomy & Physiology and massage courses at the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, where I also served as Director of Animal Programs. I love training the next generation of animal massage therapists.
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Professional Leadership: I am the Past Chair of the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM), an organization dedicated to upholding high standards and advocating for legal recognition of animal massage.
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Veterinary Background: I worked as a veterinary assistant for four years in small animal practice.
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Continuing Education: My practice is informed by advanced training in Reiki (Level 2), Myofascial Release (canine & equine), Shiatsu, Neurovascular Release (human), Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization IASTM, Facilitated Movement, TTouch, Animal Communication, and Equine Manual Lymph Drainage.
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Service Areas
Visit my Franklin, MA office at Destination Dog, or enjoy the convenience of in-home sessions within a 30-minute radius of Thompson, CT. Equine massage is available within 45 minutes of Thompson, CT or near Franklin, MA.
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Ready to book a session?
a yoga ball each day with treats to help him stretch his back legs and to massage him as best I could using what she taught me.
He is a mild, loving animal who follows me around the house. He loves to see Lisa and has improved very much with her visits and the once a month visit to the chiropractor. They both communicate with each other to keep up-to-date with Jake's progress. He hasn't lost any function to walk or chase his beloved large tennis ball.
I can't tell you how much I have appreciated Lisa's work with him. He is now 9 years old, and I want him to have the best that I can do for him while he is with me. - Jeanne Thompson [Jake is maintained with massage and PROM every other week, NSAIDS and supplements from his veterinarian, and monthly chiropractic.]
My vet diagnosed Jake, a german shepherd, with hip dysplasia as well as arthritis last year and suggested surgery in the spring of 2013, at the age of 6. I didn’t want to put Jake through surgery and opted to try massage and chiropractic. I started out with a once a month appointment with the chiropractor and every week for Lisa to work on Jake. I have since had Lisa come to the house every other week. She gave me some things that I have tried my best to do, working with Jake, i.e., using