Ash & Oak Canine Therapy – In-home canine massage therapy services in the Greater St. Louis area.

why massage?

What makes canine massage so important

Behind the name

Our Story

Ash & Oak

In 2013, I lost my dogs Astrid and Marco unexpectedly to cancer. I’m certain they were responsible for leading me on my path to canine massage therapy, so I wanted to build a name and logo in their honor when creating my brand.

While researching name ideas, I came across a pronunciation key using “oak” for the sound of the second syllable in Marco. Oak brought me to Ash, which reminded me of a mistaken name of Ashtray for Astrid (we lovingly called her Ashtray from then on). Ash trees represent healing; Oaks represent strength and stability. As a canine massage therapist, I believe these qualities are exactly what I strive to provide in my work – a healing touch to help build strength and stability to my canine clients.

So thanks to Astrid (Ash) and Marco (Oak) for lighting the way on this journey. And thanks to all of you for being a part of it.

pricing

After initial consult, costs vary based on session length and the individual needs of the dog. Services are provided in-home in the Greater St. Louis and Metro East area or at Back On Track in O'Fallon, MO. (Additional travel cost may apply to those outside the serviced area)

Canine massage therapy is not a replacement for veterinary care. We strongly recommend an integrated approach with all health care practices & practitioners.

Gift Cards are available for purchase online:

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Testimonials

Most of my friends know that my sweet Sophie has been dealing with degenerative disc disease for a couple of years now. She gets laser therapy, supplements and lots of love and attention to help slow the affects. I’ve recently been able to add canine massage to the mix and the results have been tremendous. Alyson Snelling with Ash & Oak Canine Massage has a true gift for helping pups with issues – or to help prevent issues. I highly recommend both the therapy and Alyson’s gift for helping dogs – Sophie LOVES it when she walks in the door and is now giving my 5 month old Lily a run for her money. St. Louis is lucky to have this service!

Mary Krummenacher

When Maya met Alyson there was an immediate connection between the two of them and we could all feel it. I was amazed that a stranger was able to catch and hold her trust immediately. And the most incredible experience is that Maya became a young dog again. While we had not been seeing much of her for over a year except for feeding time and going out only once a day when she really had to. She would greet guests and immediately retreat back to her room upstairs. It had gotten to the point where she would not come to the door sometimes when we came home to greet us and she would eat very little. Since her treatment she is eating well again, has gained weight, in autumn enjoyed going out with the dogs to chase squirrels, go for long walks in the park, and best of all she has been spending her days with all of us, and just goes upstairs at bedtime. I don’t know how Alyson did it, but she made Maya feel so much better and younger.

Ute Aliah-Colgan

I always like to share great experiences, and this was one. My little dog hurt her back a few weeks ago, and we have done the steroid and muscle relaxers from the vet, but she is still having a lot of pain and back spasms. Alyson came over to our house and met Vienna. I will start by saying that my dog is a little a$$hole. She doesn’t like many people. Alyson came in and after a little help to introduce them got to work on Vienna’s back. Within 5 min, my dog relaxed. After the treatment, Vienna was wiggling her tail and had a bounce in her step that she hasn’t had for two weeks. I would totally recommend Alyson to anyone who has a dog with back, hip, or any muscle/skeletal issues.

Andy Winkler

My only regret is I did not do this sooner for my senior pittie Caspian. He would have been so much happier months ago! I have never seen my boy melt like butter until his first massage. Alyson has an immediate warmth about her when she walks into your home. Caspian wasted no time with getting comfortable on the mat and getting his massage on! If you are even tossing around the idea to have a massage for your dog, just do it.

Andrea Kaehler

We have used Ash & Oak Canine Massage twice and highly recommend Alyson! The first time we had her come to our house was for Norman, he was a new rescue and was very tense and nervous to be touched. We did five sessions with Alyson and by the end he was sitting in laps, more relaxed and less nervous about human contact. We used Ash & Oak again yesterday (6-27-2016) for Backup, late Sunday night the muscles in his back legs started spasming, we messaged Alyson on Monday and she was able to come that same day and gave Backup a half hour massage that helped to loosen his muscles and had him back to his goofy, running around the backyard self. We HIGHLY recommend Ash & Oak Canine Massage, we definitely plan to use Alyson again for all our dogs.

Melissa Belenzon

About Alyson

Alyson Snelling - NCCMT, CCFT, RP

After spending 20+ years in advertising as an Art Director, Alyson Snelling went after her life-long dream of working with animals. In 2015, Alyson gained her certification in Canine Massage Therapy, Pet CPR and First Aid through the Chicago School of Canine Massage (now Canis Bodyworks), followed by her National Certification through NBCAAM. She partnered with Canis Bodyworks in 2018 as Director of Marketing & Design and Lead Instructor, bringing canine massage and bodywork education to St. Louis. In 2020, she obtained her certification as Canine Fitness Trainer through the University of Tennessee.

Additionally, Alyson is an attuned Animal and Human Reiki Practitioner, Fear Free™ certified, and has been involved with several local rescue groups as both a foster parent and volunteer. She is dedicated to continuing to build her knowledge of canine massage, holistic modalities, animal behavior and communication. Her goal as a Canine Massage Therapist is to provide comfort and healing to those in need, and educate parents on helping maintain a healthy lifestyle for their pets.

Aside from her love of animals, Alyson is an avid gardener, foodie, and occasional knitter. She lives in Old Historic Ferguson with her husband Sam and their rescue dogs Ibbie, Arturo, Bishop, and Georgia.

Ash & Oak Canine Massage

why massage?

What makes canine massage so important

Loosen up

stimulate

relieve pain

less stress

Behind the name

Our Story

pricing

Initial visit

1/2 hour session

1 hour session

massage packages

45 min session

Virtual guided massage

Reiki Transition

Gift Cards are available for purchase online:

Testimonials

About Alyson

Alyson Snelling - NCCMT, CCFT, RP

Get in touch

Inquiries are answered within 24 hrs. If you do not hear from us, please email alyson@ashandoaktherapy.com