Frequently Asked Questions
What is animal chiropractic?
Animal chiropractic is a hands-on therapy that addresses restrictions in the spine and joints, helping to restore normal movement, reduce pain, and support overall mobility in dogs, cats, and horses. It's performed by providers specifically trained and certified to work on animals — not by a human chiropractor without that training.
Is animal chiropractic safe?
Yes, when performed by a properly trained and certified provider. Dr. Kristen and Dr. Alicia are both certified through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA), the established certifying body for animal chiropractic in the U.S. Certification requires specialized hands-on training beyond standard veterinary or chiropractic education.
Do I need a referral from my veterinarian?
No referral is required, but we always recommend keeping your regular veterinarian informed and involved. Animal chiropractic works alongside conventional veterinary care, not in place of it — we're happy to coordinate directly with your vet if helpful.
What conditions can animal chiropractic help with?
Common reasons owners seek care include stiffness, uneven or shortened stride, reluctance to jump or use stairs, behavior changes under saddle or during handling, and general mobility or performance concerns. It's also used proactively for animals in regular training or competition.
How do I know if my pet or horse might benefit from an adjustment?
Watch for stiffness after rest, hesitation with normal movements (jumping, stairs, leads, transitions), uneven muscling, or a change in attitude or performance that doesn't have an obvious cause. Animals are skilled at masking pain, so subtle changes are often the first sign.
What happens during a visit?
Each visit includes a full evaluation, palpation, the adjustment itself, and gentle stretches as needed. We finish with a treatment plan tailored to your animal's specific needs and goals. First visits typically run 30–45 minutes.
How many sessions will my animal need?
This varies by animal and condition. Some show noticeable improvement after a single adjustment, while others benefit from a short series of sessions to fully resolve a pattern. We'll talk through a recommended plan after the first evaluation.
Does this replace my regular veterinary care?
No. Animal chiropractic is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. We work alongside your existing vet care, and will always recommend a veterinary workup first if something seems outside the scope of chiropractic.
Do you treat performance or competition horses?
Yes — this is an area of particular focus for Dr. Kristen given her equine sports medicine background. We regularly work with horses in barrel racing, dressage, trail, and other performance disciplines.
Do I need to bring my pet or horse to a clinic?
No — we're a fully mobile practice. We come to your home or barn so your animal can be treated in a familiar, low-stress environment.
How much does a session cost?
Pricing varies depending on the animal and visit type — contact us directly and we're happy to walk you through it. Worth noting: some pet insurance plans do include chiropractic coverage, so it's worth checking your policy.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the greater Phoenix metro area as a mobile practice, traveling directly to your home or barn.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call or text us at 602-603-7139, or send a message through our contact form. We don't currently offer online booking, so reaching out directly is the fastest way to get on the schedule.