Your dog must be on a leash or in a carrier when they arrive at their appointment.  When you arrive, you will text Dr. Mueller to let her know you are there and she will let you know when she is ready, as only one client or family comes in at a time.  Please be on time, and she will do her best to stay on schedule.

You will fill out some brief paperwork and Dr. Mueller will take your dog's history, and observe them as they get used to the space and her voice.  When you've finished your paperwork, you'll hold your dog facing you on the table if they're small, or on the floor if they're large.  Dr. Mueller will get them used to her touch on their back and gradually start palpating and working with their muscles and doing a chiropractic evaluation and adjustment.  She'll work from their pelvis and hindquarters toward their head, gently stroking and reassuring them.  Most dogs do fine for chiropractic adjustments, even their first time.  With your permission, she'll give them special treats to help them relax and keep it fun.  (If your dog  has special dietary concerns, please bring your own treats.)  In fact, many dogs get so excited to come for their chiropractic treatments, they eagerly come into the clinic, and some don't want to leave! 

Note--Mueller Animal Chiropractic is in a divided but shared space with Poodle Creek Grooming.  This is a mutually respectful, cooperative arrangement.  Please be patient with dog grooming sounds if they occur.
 

When can I get an appointment?

Dr. Mueller is available for animal chiropractic appointments on Thursdays, at Poodle Creek Grooming in Bellingham, Washington.   Appointments can be made by email at rmgross19@gmail.com, text or phone at (360) 738-3763, or in person during your appointment.

How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by emailing our scheduler at rmgross19@gmail.com, text or phone at (360)738-3763, or in person during your appointment.  It is recommended to reschedule at the time of your appointment as appointment times do fill quickly.

Does Dr. Mueller make house calls?

Dr. Mueller does not make house calls.  

Does Dr. Mueller see cats, horses, or other animals?  

Dr. Mueller no longer sees cats, other pets, or horses.

Do I need to wear a mask?

At this time you do not need to wear a mask.  Dr. Mueller will usually be wearing a mask.

How long are appointments?

First visits for new clients are approximately 45 minutes.  Much of this time is for taking your pet's history and ensuring they are comfortable, and taking lots of time with their first adjustment in new surroundings.  

Repeat  visits are 20-30 minutes.

What method of payment can I use?

We accept cash, check, or Venmo.

Is  the treatment painful for my dog?

Dogs that come for chiropractic on a regular schedule are excited to come for their treatments and are happy to see Dr. Mueller.  This tells us that their treatments are not painful, that they love us, they love our treats, they feel better after coming here, or most likely all of the above.  

If you are bringing a very painful dog to a chiropractic appointment, for example if they are crying out with severe back pain,  it is possible that any kind of touching or handling may be painful.  Be sure to give all prescribed medications on schedule before your chiropractic appointment so that their pain is as well-controlled as possible.  This will help minimize any discomfort due to just being touched or held.  The chiropractic adjustment itself is rarely painful but just being held in different positions might be uncomfortable if their pain is substantial.

What is a typical schedule for repeat treatments?

A new pet just starting out with chiropractic treatment often comes several times at 1-2 week intervals, then increases the interval between treatments.

Each pet is different, but for a typical senior dog,  a chiropractic adjustment every 1-3 months can help them stay in great alignment, barring any traumatic events.