Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacki Dantzler.
Hi Jacki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a veterinarian, trained in Scotland. I started off as a general practice vet for several years. I practiced in California and Texas across a total of 5 different hospitals from fully corporate to small scale privately owned clinics. No matter where I worked, appointments were always short and protocols were to be followed. I had an interest in acupuncture as a non-pharmaceutical alternative for pain control after I’d seen phenomenal results in horses. I pursued training in acupuncture and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) for all species. After incorporating acupuncture treatments for the animals I saw in these clinics, I opened Santa Cruz Veterinary Acupuncture in 2023. It is a mobile acupuncture practice where I treat cats, dogs, horses, birds and any other species that need help! Since starting, I have also become a Certified Veterinary Western Herbalist (CVWH). I have learned of the significant (and ever-growing) evidence base behind the use of herbal medicines and have been learning about more alternative options available to my patients to help them live a more healthful life for as long as possible! I now also offer virtual consultations for anyone wanting a more holistic approach to their pet’s care. These consultations cover topics such as nutrition, exercise, herbal medicine, supplement recommendations, gut microbiome balancing, toxicity testing and detoxing, in-home laser treatments, massage and anything else that might be a help to improving a pet’s health. Some animals I see are in the throws of chronic disease and some are young, healthy animals whose owners want to start them on the right track. I love being able to really spend the time understanding what is going on with my patients and giving their owners many tools to help them live their best lives. My appointments are never rushed like they used to be, and I can truly give my full attention to answering questions and providing personalized options instead of following prescribed protocols.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest hurdle has been navigating the legalities of offering alternative medicine options that are not considered the ‘standard of care.’ However, I am able to back up the recommendations I give with current research, making it seem less foreign to those immersed in an allopathic medicine framework. In addition, the ability to offer medical advice virtually differs from state to state. This means that for anyone located outside of California, I have to send recommendations directly to a veterinarian who has recently seen the pet. For those within California, I am able to provide direct medical care via a zoom call. These challenges are present, but are lessening as more people seek alternative medicine and virtual care.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have two sides to my business. First, at Santa Cruz Veterinary Acupuncture, I offer mobile (in-home) veterinary acupuncture services as well as home euthanasias when the time comes. Secondly, at Holistic Vet Advice, I offer virtual (over zoom) consultations regarding the holistic management of a patient’s condition.
I am a holistic veterinarian with certifications in acupuncture and western herbal medicine. I am also very interested in the gut microbiome and its impact on an individual’s overall health. This means that I also work to optimize nutrition, offer a variety of testing including analysis of the gut microbiome and toxin accumulation and put together personalized supplement recommendations based on lifestyle and test results.
What sets me apart from most general veterinarians is the alternative and complementary options I have to offer my patients and their people. Further, what sets me apart from most even holistic veterinarians is a focus on evidence-based medicine. I won’t specifically recommend anything that does not have an evidence base to back it up. However, if there is a form of medicine or treatment that someone really wants to pursue, I am more than happy to advise on risk and assist them in achieving what is most important to them. True Evidence-Based Medicine is meant to incorporate relevant scientific evidence, clinical judgement AND patient values and preferences. Most practitioners leave out that last one unless a patient/client is very good at advocating for themselves. I strive to balance all three to offer the best medical care possible. You can read more here: https://www.holisticvetadvice.com/articles/what-is-evidence-based-medicine/
Any big plans?
I recently had my third daughter, so I am spending more time offering virtual consultations than mobile services. This also allows me to help more folks all over California, not just those in our immediate area. That excites me a lot, as there are lots of pets in California who would greatly benefit from a more holistic approach to their healthcare!
Pricing:
- 1-Hour New Patient Virtual Consultation within California: $195 (includes complete record review)
- Recommended interventions sent directly to an attending veterinarian (in or out of California): $150
- Follow-up 30 minute consultation: $85
- Mobile Acupuncture Initial Consultation and Treatment: $200 + travel fee
- Mobile Acupuncture Follow-up Consultation and Treatment: $140 + travel fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://santacruzveterinaryacupuncture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticvetadvice/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580039117438
- Other: https://www.holisticvetadvice.com/
