I was born in Minneapolis, but grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating with a degree in Biology from Kansas State University, I graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota in 2002. I practiced in Minnesota, North Carolina, and Michigan before moving to California. I currently share my home with my wife, Jennifer, two crazy cats, Mae and Ellis, and two rescued dogs, Hayden and Theo. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with the dogs, traveling, yoga, making and eating a variety of cheeses, and sharing good food and wine with friends.
How I Became Interested in Acupuncture
I was introduced to acupuncture in vet school. My friend brought her older Labrador Retriever, Bonnie, who was suffering from severe arthritis secondary to hip dysplasia to our introduction to acupuncture course. Bonnie had been having trouble getting up from a laying down position and getting into the car or onto the couch despite being on pain medications. After a single acupuncture treatment, Bonnie jumped into the car that afternoon for the first time in years. As my friend was crying with happiness at seeing her old friend be able to regain her independence and move with less pain and more joy, I knew that acupuncture was something I wanted to be able to offer to my patients.
Professional Interests and Certifications
- Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) 2005
- Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) 2009
- Certified Veterinary Tui-Na Practitioner (CVTP) 2011
- Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapist (CVSMT) 2015
- Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist (CVCH) 2016
- Certified TCVM Palliative and End-of-Life Practitioner (CTPEP) 2018
- Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) 2019
My professional interests include nutrition, pain management, and integration of Western and Eastern veterinary medicine. I became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in 2005 and traveled to China in 2008 to further my knowledge of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). I then completed my course work at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) in 2009. I continued my education at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine becoming a Certified Veterinary Tui-Na Practitioner (CVTP) in 2011, a Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist (CVCH) in 2016, a Certified TCVM Palliative and End-of-Life Practitioner (CTPEP) in 2018, and a Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) in 2019. In 2015, I also became a Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapist (CVSMT) and am certified by the College of Animal Chiropractors. I have been practicing integrative medicine exclusively since 2014.
Treatment Philosophy
I believe that medicine is truly an art and that the best medicine is often achieved by integrating Western and Eastern medicine to help your pet. In my years of practice, I have seen many pets with chronic diseases. Regardless of the type of treatment, the most important factors in maintaining or restoring the health of your pet are communication and allowing you to be an advocate for your pet. Therefore, I welcome your questions and am happy to share my knowledge with you, as we establish a relationship with one goal in mind: to help your pet be as happy and healthy as possible.
“The vet is now a member of your dog’s health care team, and you get to be the team captain.” – Dr. Nancy Kay Speaking for Spot
Please contact me at DrH@redwoodanimalacupuncture.com if you have any questions about how I can help you and your pet.