Information for New Patients, Fees and Payments

Thank you for choosing me to be part of your dog's healing process. I am confident that acupuncture and Oriental medicine will help restore your pet to a state of health and balance. As you may know, there is a considerable body of research supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of a wide range of canine health issues. If I can help you research your condition, please let me know.

House Calls on the North Shore of Massachusetts

What you should know before your dog's first acupuncture treatment:

Dogs are most comfortable surrounded by familiar scenery and smells.

Pick the room where your dog is most comfortable. Perhaps a family room, or a sleeping place. If the dog has a favorite blanket or bed, please have it available and find a place on the floor for the treatment. I prefer to treat dogs while they are on the floor (and the dogs like it that way too). You or a family member will need to be present during the entire treatment.

Please schedule your house call during a quiet time. Loud music, television or other disturbing noise, telephone conversations, people coming and going, household chores, will all affect the treatments negatively. Your dog should be able to relax. Environment plays a large role in the effectiveness of an acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture and Dogs

Worried about how your dog will react? Dogs actually like acupuncture. Most dogs fall asleep or become very relaxed once the needles are placed.

Acupuncture is very effective for a wide range of canine ailments, but don't expect too much from a single treatment. Acupuncture in dogs (and humans) has a cumulative effect.

The treatment is often used for pain and chronic disease, and movement disorders such as hip dysplasia, especially in older dogs. Acupuncture works through helping to maintain the health of the body. The basic principles of acupuncture are the same in animals as in humans. Chinese medical theory states that disease is the result of a blockage in energy flow (Qi or Chi) along pathways in the body. Inserting needles into these pathways unblocks the energy and restores health. I sometimes use magnets and lasers to enhance the effectiveness of the needles. Though many people are a bit squeamish about needles, most dogs don't mind at all. Acupuncture in animals was first used on the horses of Chinese emperors over 2,000 years ago and has been widely used in the treatment of horses in America for decades.

Nutrition and herbal therapy play a crucial role in canine health as well. An herbal and nutritional consultation is part of the initial treatment package. It's an opportunity for us to discuss your dog's diet and try to find ways that food is either hurting or helping the healing process.

Important: Prior to treatment, please mail or email to me a list of any medications your dog is taking, the name and phone number of your veterinarian, and the diagnosis (if any).

New Clients: Canine Health History Form

Below is a link to a health history form (in PDF) that you may print and fill out before your dog's first acupuncture treatment. Completing the form before our appointment will save time and allow me to spend more time with your dog.

Click here to download the New Client Health History (PDF) or complete our online Canine Health History Form.

Paying for treatments

Payment is due at time of service. Other arrangements must be made in advance.

Cash, credit cards and personal checks are accepted.

Please make personal or business check payable to "Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac."

I do not bill pet insurance companies directly. However, I am happy to give you a detailed receipt (superbill) that you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement of your acupuncture fees, to the limits your policy provides. Contact your insurer for more information.

Treatment Fees

• Free 15 minute consultation by phone or in person
• First visit $115-$125
  • Includes:
  • Check up
  • History and intake
  • Diagnosis
  • Acupuncture
  • Nutritional and herbal recommendations (herbs not included)
  • A Four Paws Acupuncture Welcome Package, containing information and product samples to help you care for your dog naturally.
  • Brief acupressure lesson with information where and how to massage your dog.
• Followup treatments: $65-$85 (add $10 for Saturdays)
• 2nd patient same house call: $55 ($75 if second dog is a new patient.)
• 15% discount on service fees for Greyhound rescue dogs.

A travel fee is applied for housecalls involving travel greater than 10 miles or 25 minutes from my location in Salem, MA. Call for more information.

Emergency Treatment (after hours, Sundays, holidays): add $65 to regular fees.

Cancellation Policy: Any appointment missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full fee amount.

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