The pet-pampering industry continues to grow — and Bob Freeborn of Federal Way is keeping right up with it.

Freeborn offers a small animal massage service at his Federal Way clinic, Freeborn Natural Health. He massages mostly dogs, although he sometimes massages cats as well. Pet massages cost $75 for 45 minutes.

Freeborn began his career massaging people. He took those skills and massaged his own dog, a Siberian husky named Sierra Kai, for about 12 years.

He also worked on friends’ and family members’ dogs. Eventually, he went to school at the Northwest School of Animal Massage and earned a certificate.

“It wasn’t until everyone begged me enough to really do it,” he said. “They said ‘You’ve got to do it because these dogs are in need.’”

Freeborn treats dogs for a variety of reasons including improved athletic performance, incontinence, old age and general wellness.

“There’s really a multitude of reasons why animals come in,” he said. “There’s a lot of dogs I see that the owners just want to have the quality of their life better.”

After working on an older dog, Freeborn said he can see an instant improvement in the dog’s behavior.

“They’re bouncing and springing and bending in ways that they haven’t done for years,” he said.

Kathy Farrill of Maple Valley brings her Australian Shepherd, Skid, in to see Freeborn for regular massages. Skid is a champion agility, dog and Farrill partly credits his performance to regular massage therapy.

“To keep him in the best condition, I’ve been bringing him to Bob,” Farrill said. “I feel like I have a competitive edge because I feel like I’m not going to hurt his body or he has a solid body going into it.”

After beginning regular treatments, Skid’s performance on agility courses and his mobility improved, Farrill said. He also has a faster recovery time from muscle tension and strains.

“What the vets are having them do in four weeks, Bob is doing with massage,” Farrill said.

In addition to improved performance, Farrill takes pleasure in knowing that Skid feels good after a massage.

“Taking care of them is important for peace of mind because they’re a companion as well as a competition partner,” she said.

Although a dog can’t discuss aches or pains, Freeborn said he can sense where an animal most needs massage.

“The body will tell you where to go and what to work if you’re in tune with your hands and other senses,” he said. “Their body really is not that different from ours.”

Whether it’s a canine athlete, an elderly dog or a puppy, all dogs can enjoy the benefit of massage, Freeborn said. “When we’re done they’re always very happy, very grateful.”

Contact Margo Hoffman: mhoffman@fedwaymirror.com