Links to Finding Holistic Vets, Conventional Vets, Specialists, Hospitals & Boarding Facilities
Holistic Medicine is not a specific form of therapy, instead it is a way of viewing our patients. When looking for a "holistic vet", keep this in mind!!
An integrative veterinarian is "holistic", however, there are no associations or lists for integrative veterinarians. Many vets that call themselves holistic are not integrative. A few veterinarians still regard only those who practice 100% alternative therapies as holistic; however, their number is decreasing. The current trend is toward integration of alternative and complementary therapies with mainstream medicine.
Many veterinarians (and physicians) that claim to be "holistic" have not been trained in alternative therapies, and often don't understand the concepts. Many conventional veterinarians are now incorporating alternative therapies in their practices, and a significant number have taken and passed certification exams in these disciplines. Any licensed veterinarian claiming to be holistic has usually practiced conventional veterinary medicine, and certainly has passed at least a licensing exam in conventional veterinary medicine.
The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (A.H.V.M.A) maintains a list of veterinarians that have paid dues to the association. The A.H.V.M.A. holds national meetings, and publishes a journal, however it is not a certifying organization, and members may or may not be qualified in alternative or complementary veterinary medicine. If you are looking for a veterinarian that has a regular practice, and is either interested in or qualified in these areas, this is a good list to start with.
If you are looking for a veterinarian trained in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, you will want to consult the member lists maintained by the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (A.A.V.A.) and by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (I.V.A.S.).
If you are looking for a veterinarian specifically trained in Homeopathy, then the member list provided by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy is a good starting point.
A veterinarian who is also an Naturopathic Doctor would also be trained in homeopathy, as well as many other natural health disciplines. A specialist in veterinary internal medicine or surgery can also be a certified veterinary acupuncturist. If a veterinarian has graduated with advanced degrees such as a Masters or Ph.D. find out the particular area of study. It may be helpful in determining something about that veterinarian's interest and level of expertise.
If you are looking for a veterinarian specifically trained in Veterinary Chiropractic, you will want to consult the member lists maintained by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
If you are looking for a veterinarian with a special interest in Veterinary Herbal Medicine, you will want to consult the member list provided by the new Veterinary Botanical Medical Association
An excellent general site for alternative, complementary, and holistic veterinary medicine is AltVetMed. From this location you can link to many other alternative veterinary sites.
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Member Directory
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture Member Directory
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society Member Directory
AltVetMed, Alternative and Complementary Veterinary Medical Web Site
American Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
Veterinary Botanical Medical Association
Dr. Johnson's website is devoted toward promoting the integration of complementary and alternative therapies with mainstream conventional veterinary medicine. Unlike other web sites devoted to the promotion of holistic veterinary medicine or specific alternative modalities, this one will also promote equally the role of traditional veterinary medicine, and help with access to conventional veterinary specialists and animal hospitals.
The site maintained by the American Veterinary Medical Association (A.V.M.A) provides general information, a list of veterinary medical colleges, veterinary technician programs and a list of specialty organizations.
An excellent general veterinary resource site is Net Vet. From this site one can link into most of the important sites in alternative medicine as well as conventional veterinary medicine, including specialty areas.
Many very fine veterinary hospitals and clinics are not members of the American Animal Hospital Association (A.A.H.A.), however, member hospitals undergo an examination, and they have an excellent web site which is user friendly. This site will allow you to find an accredited hospital near your home, or if your traveling with your pet, near your destination.
American Veterinary Medical Association Network
NetVet Veterinary Resources
American Animal Hospital Association's Hospital Locater
General information for local (Broward, Palm Beach and Dade counties, Florida) boarding kennels & Animal Hospital boarding facilities can be found at the following link.
http://www.humanebroward.com/documents/boardingfacilities.pdf