Initial visit (60-90 minutes): $175

Follow up visit (30-45 minutes): $100

The prices listed above include mileage fees and travel time within the service area. If you live outside the service area, please contact us for an estimate of additional mileage cost.

Typically, four visits are necessary to determine if pets will respond to acupuncture. Long-term treatment may or may not be necessary.

Payment is due at the end of the house call.

Payment is by cash, check, or credit card. There is a $30 fee for all returned checks.

Dr. Reading treats dog and cats. Treatment of other small animals (rabbits, ferrets, rodents) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss your pets need.

We do not treat large animals such as horses and cattle.

We recommend treatment in a room your pet is most comfortable in. Be sure to have their bed or favorite blanket in there so that they can rest during the treatment. We recommend using a special treat or toy to distract your pet during the session. Most dogs start relaxing after 5-10 minutes and may not even need this, but we like to give them something ” positive” during their session to make them remember a positive and special experience. We also recommend playing calming music to help get them and keep them relaxed.

If your pet is a cat, please keep he or she indoors and able to be found prior to your scheduled appointment time.

Dr. Reading will perform a full physical exam at the initial visit, which includes listening to the heart and lungs, and palpation of the abdomen and lymph nodes. She will gently and carefully feel the muscles, skin, and fascia to help determine where to place acupuncture needles. Dr. Reading will also test reflexes as part of a neurologic evaluation. The goal is to keep your pet as relaxed and comfortable as possible throughout the entire initial exam process. An abbreviated exam will be performed at each follow up visit to help assess your pet’s response to therapy.

After the examination, Dr. Reading will begin placing acupuncture needles. Every patient is different. Some animals will accept only 1 or 2 needles for a few minutes; others will gladly relax for 20 needles or more. Both scenarios will provide benefit and treatment is ultimately determined by the patient’s willingness to participate in acupuncture therapy.  At the end of the treatment, all needles are removed and counted, and a gentle massage is performed.

Although many animals experience immediate relief from acupuncture, a small number have increased soreness after the treatment. There are no activity restrictions after acupuncture, and patients can resume their normal daily activities right away.

Dr. Reading will prepare a written summary of her exam findings and treatments. A copy will be electronically provided to you and to your pet’s primary care veterinarian. If any abnormalities were found on the exam (i.e., ear infection, skin infection, etc.), Dr. Reading will refer your pet back to his or her primary care veterinarian for further evaluation of these issues.