What holistic veterinarians are and their education

You’ve probably gotten here because you’ve thought, “What are holistic veterinarians and do they even go to vet school?” There is a lot of confusion about what holistic vets are and are not. Read to learn more about holistic vets and what they do as well as some of the common misconceptions.

Who they are

Holistic veterinarians are licensed veterinarians who take an integrative approach to animal healthcare, combining conventional veterinary medicine with alternative or complementary therapies. Their goal is to treat the whole animal—physically, mentally, and emotionally—rather than just focusing on specific symptoms or diseases. They often emphasize prevention, natural healing, and the animal’s overall well-being.

Holistic vet schooling

As for veterinary school, holistic veterinarians follow the same educational path as conventional veterinarians initially. They must:

1. Complete a Bachelor’s degree (typically with a focus on sciences like biology or animal science).
2. Attend an accredited veterinary school to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree, which takes about 4 years.
3. Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and obtain a state license to practice.

After becoming licensed, those interested in holistic approaches pursue additional training in alternative therapies. This might include certifications in acupuncture (e.g., through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society), herbal medicine, or other modalities. These programs are not part of standard vet school curricula but are offered as postgraduate education or continuing education courses. Some holistic vets also gain experience through mentorships with established practitioners.

So, while they start with the same rigorous vet school foundation as other veterinarians, holistic vets go beyond that to specialize in integrative care. Their approach appeals to pet owners looking for less invasive or more natural options alongside traditional treatments.

Common practices used by holistic veterinarians include:

• Acupuncture: Stimulating specific points on the body to relieve pain or promote healing.
• Chiropractic care: Adjusting the spine and joints to improve mobility and health.
• Herbal medicine: Using plant-based remedies to support health.
• Homeopathy: Using highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural healing processes.
• Massage or physical therapy: To aid in recovery and reduce stress.
• Nutrition therapy: Focusing on diet to prevent or treat conditions.

Common misconceptions about holistic vets

Holistic vets don’t prescribe traditional medication

Actually, yes, many vets do. Many assume holistic vets only use alternative treatments like acupuncture, herbal remedies, or homeopathy and shun traditional methods. In reality, most holistic vets are trained in conventional veterinary medicine and use it alongside complementary therapies, tailoring treatments to the animal’s needs. They shouldn’t be confused between naturopathic and homeopathic medicine. Remember, they look at the whole picture in order to best treat their patients. They will often suggest lifestyle changes to help combat issues affecting pet health

Holistic vets don’t perform surgeries

Holistic veterinarians often combine conventional treatments such as surgery or medicine with alternative methods, ensuring the best outcome for the pet.

Holistic care is just a trendy buzzword with no substance

Some view holistic vet care as a marketing gimmick rather than a legitimate approach. While it’s true the term “holistic” can be misused, certified holistic vets often have additional training in modalities like nutrition, chiropractic care, or Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), backed by science and clinical experience. You can even take holistic training yourself.

Holistic vets reject science

This is far from true. Many holistic vets integrate traditional Western medicine with alternative therapies, creating a comprehensive treatment plan.

Holistic vets are anti-vaccine.

This stems from a broader skepticism about vaccines in some holistic circles. While some holistic vets may advocate for titer testing (to measure immunity) or customized vaccine schedules, most aren’t outright opposed to vaccinations. They tend to prioritize minimizing over-vaccination based on an animal’s lifestyle and risk factors. They do give vaccines but evaluate the whole health of the pet. Many still recommend vaccines such as calicivirus (cats), canine adenovirus (dogs), distemper (dogs), feline panleukopenia (cats), feline rhinotracheitis (cats), parainfluenza (dogs), parvovirus (dogs), and rabies (dogs).

It’s prohibitively expensive.

There’s a belief that holistic care is a luxury only for wealthy pet owners. While some therapies (like acupuncture sessions or organic supplements) can add costs, holistic vets often emphasize preventive care—nutrition, exercise, and strevss reduction—which can reduce long-term expenses by keeping pets healthier.

All holistic vets are the same.

People might assume every holistic vet offers identical services. In truth, their approaches vary widely—one might focus on raw diets and herbs, another on energy work or laser therapy. It depends on their training and philosophy.

Summary

So, while they start with the same rigorous vet school foundation as other veterinarians, holistic vets go beyond that to specialize in integrative care. Their approach appeals to pet owners looking for less invasive or more natural options alongside traditional treatments.

Should you choose a holistic vet? The choice is yours. However, no matter whether you choose traditional vs holistic, remember the care given is only as good as the vet. Be sure to research your vet first by checking reviews on Google, Facebook, and other websites. There’s nothing worse than seeing a loved pet receive horrible medical treatment. When Maximus was neutered, the original clinic botched his surgery. Luckily, we found a vet who was compassionate and didn’t charge an arm and a leg.