Rediscovering My Passion for Veterinary Care Through Animal Chiropractic
Amy Hayek, DVM, CVA, CVC
Rediscovering My Passion for Veterinary Care Through Animal Chiropractic
Last week, I returned to Charleston, South Carolina—a place filled with memories from my years as a mobile veterinarian. As I drove through the familiar streets, I made a conscious decision not to visit Sum
merville, the area where I once spent countless hours with my beloved clients. I felt a tug in my heart to revisit those familiar places, but something held me back. Today, I want to share a bit of the vulnerability I felt and the profound realization that led me to where I am now.
In my early days as a solo mobile equine veterinarian, I built my practice on love and genuine care. My clients were more than just names on a schedule—they were like family. I cared deeply for them and their animals, often thinking about them even after our appointments. Many of these animals required frequent, routine care, and I felt a sense of responsibility for their well-being.
Being a solo practitioner meant I was always on call. When emergencies arose, my clients knew they could count on me to be there, offering not just my expertise but also reassurance that everything would be okay. One particular client, whose bond with their animals mirrored that of family, stands out in my memory. They entrusted me with the care of their 20 horses, and over the years, our relationship grew to one of deep mutual respect and affection.
But then, one day, the unthinkable happened. An older horse, a cherished member of their family who had seen them through high school, college, and beyond, needed surgery beyond my scope. I referred them to another clinic, and sadly, the horse didn't make it through. The loss was devastating for them, and in their grief, they decided to switch to the other clinic for their primary care to avoid such a situation in the future.
That decision cut deep. I understood their reasons, but losing them as clients felt like losing a part of my practice, a part of myself. I worried about my future, my ability to pay bills, and the viability of my practice. The economic climate at the time was challenging, with people struggling to care for their animals, and my practice was feeling the strain.
In the midst of this turmoil, I needed Continuing education to maintain my licenses, and my animal chiropractic certification. This was a lifeline I hadn’t fully grasped yet. Needing to renew my continuing education, I decided to attend the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) conference. It turned out to be a turning point.
At the conference, I found myself surrounded by like-minded professionals who, like me, recognized the incredible benefits of animal chiropractic. These were people who understood the emotional and physical toll of veterinary care and saw chiropractic as a way to not only help animals live healthier, longer lives but also to help veterinarians reduce the number of emergencies they faced.
When I returned home, I made a pivotal decision. From that day forward, every animal I saw would receive a chiropractic adjustment as part of their exam. I didn’t present it as an option—I simply incorporated it into my practice and adjusted my fees accordingly. This change not only increased my income but also refined my client base. Those who didn’t value chiropractic care moved on, but those who did became more committed clients. I saw their animals more regularly, which improved the health outcomes for their pets and stabilized my practice.
My practice, once teetering on the edge, began to thrive. My income became more predictable, my skills improved, and I rediscovered my passion for veterinary care.
If you’re a veterinarian, especially a solo mobile equine practitioner, feeling the weight of being constantly on call and struggling with the unpredictability of your income, animal chiropractic could be the solution you’re looking for. It saved my practice, and it could save yours too. Instead of being at the mercy of emergencies and client demands, you can create a practice where you’re seeing animals regularly, improving their health, and leveling out your income.
When you are most in need of a change, find us today at Animal Chiropractic Education Source. Let us help you transform your practice and rekindle your passion for veterinary care, just as it did for me.
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