What to know about animal chiropractic [Video]

Staffing shortages, provider burnout, and rising costs have caused many veterinarians to leave the profession, creating a gap in care. Who is eager to fill it? Apparently, human chiropractors. In addition to applying pressure to state agencies for direct access to animals, animal chiropractors are flooding portions of the internet with videos of their adjustments. Many depict vigorous techniques performed on animals that vocalize, struggle, bite, or try to get away. The person performing the technique may indeed be licensed to practice on humans, but laws vary about whether a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) may lawfully “adjust” an animal. Regulations notwithstanding, they typically profess a love for animals, an unmet need for their services, and a contingent of grateful clients who sought their services because nothing else worked.¹