Early beginnings

I feel incredibly lucky to have found my passion and purpose in life. Growing up in Northern Ireland, the natural world was my playground and my affinity with animals deepened with each pet that arrived in our home. Dogs were always my firm favourite, I couldn't imagine a home without one!

My first baby was a rescue greyhound cross called Valley. She had a pretty rough start in life and needed lots of love and care to be able to trust humans again. When I saw this broken soul in the shelter, I knew I could help her and that she still had so much to give. She taught me the meaning of unconditional love and became my saviour during some pretty dark times. She travelled with us all around the UK and even moved with us to the United States, where we lived for a couple of years. She was the most gentle dog I've ever known and I was blessed to have 10 years with her. I wish I had known about canine massage therapy all those years ago, I believe it would have been an incredibly healing tool in Valley’s recovery journey.

The Move to New Zealand

Fast forward to the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 which brought the decision to start homeschooling my two children, leading us all on a path of self-discovery. At the end of 2022, we boarded a plane and began our new life in New Zealand, happily coming to rest on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast. Here I get to embrace my love for dogs, of the natural world around us and cold water swimming!

A New Direction
Even before our move, I had long felt that I was being called in a new direction—one that would allow me to give back, to heal and to bring comfort to dogs in need. By March 2023, I had discovered canine massage therapy, researched courses and begun my new journey with the Rocky Mountain School of Acupressure and Massage, whose philosophy aligned most closely with the path I wanted to take. I have since travelled to Colorado to train in person with their passionate and gifted instructors—and with a wonderful variety of canine companions. Coastal Canines was born!

Taking Off
Well, it’s just taken off from there! I love to learn and I’m now a certified Canine Mobility Therapist and PBM (laser) Therapy Practitioner. I’m continuing to build on that foundation and am currently studying for my New Zealand Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy with K9 Aqua. It’s been an exciting next step and adds a whole new layer to the contract work I do as a Rehabilitation Therapist with Black Dog Physio and at Vets on Riverbank in Ōtaki.

Workshops

Owner education and empowerment is also very important to me. It has been incredibly rewarding to help owners to understand their dog’s body and feel that they are able to be part of their care, building stronger bonds and better outcomes. This is why I now offer in-person canine massage workshops: "The Owner's Guide to Canine Therapeutic Massage" to help owners understand their dogs needs and support them every day.

My passion is to help your dog to feel their best in body, mind and spirit, but this doesn't end with me. I will support you, their guardian, to be able to feel confident to improve their comfort, mobility and quality of life. Dogs bring so much love and joy to our lives, together we can give back to them.

Qualifications

I am certified in Canine Massage, Canine Mobility Therapy and Rehabilitation Exercise, Laser Therapy and Pet First Aid. I offer customised therapeutic massage, laser therapy and strength and conditioning programmes tailored to suit your dog. I work in partnership with you to help your dog recover from injury or surgery, or to achieve and maintain fitness and mobility.

About Me

My mission is to enhance the health, comfort and quality of life of every dog in my care through professional, compassionate and evidence-based therapies. I offer therapeutic massage, laser therapy and customised remedial exercise programmes designed to support recovery, mobility and overall wellbeing. Guided by respect for the canine body and spirit, I work in collaboration with owners and veterinary professionals to ensure a holistic approach that places the dog’s needs at the centre of every decision.

I am passionate about empowering owners to take an active role in their dog’s wellbeing. Through my massage education workshops, I provide clear, qualified guidance to help owners develop the skills and confidence to use safe and effective massage techniques at home. These non-certification workshops are designed to deepen understanding of canine anatomy and movement, enabling owners to recognise signs of discomfort or imbalance and to seek appropriate professional support when needed. Each session is grounded in the same principles that guide my therapeutic practice: compassion, respect and a commitment to improving comfort, mobility and quality of life.

I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct, integrity and animal welfare. The therapies and workshops I offer are informed by current research and clinical reasoning, and I undertake continual professional development through ongoing education and reflection. My qualifications, scope of practice and services are represented honestly and transparently and treatments are provided only when they are safe, appropriate and likely to be beneficial. Every session is delivered with genuine intent to enhance the comfort, function and quality of life of the dog in my care.

Respect and trust form the foundation of my practice. All dogs and owners are treated with empathy and dignity and client information is handled in confidence.

Practice Ethos

“Tara is a taonga! My beardie cross and myself have benefited greatly from her skills, knowledge and her excellent massage, exercise and laser treatments.

I now have carefully researched information and an exercise programme that fits well into our busy week. Thank you for the work you do Tara."

―Rob Browne, Otaki