For veterinarians and chiropractors interested in expanding their clinical skills into the field of animal chiropractic, selecting the right training program is one of the most important decisions you will make. With several programs now available, it can be difficult to determine which school provides the most comprehensive education, credibility, and long-term professional value.
One program that consistently stands out in the field is Options for Animals. As the oldest and largest animal chiropractic training program, it has played a foundational role in the development and growth of the profession.
Here are several reasons why many professionals consider it the leading choice when pursuing animal chiropractic education.
A Pioneer in Animal Chiropractic Education
Animal chiropractic as a professional discipline has grown significantly over the past few decades. Much of that growth can be traced back to Dr. Sharon Willoughby DVM DC who established standards for training veterinarians and chiropractors to work safely with animals.
Options for Animals has been at the forefront of this movement. As the oldest programs dedicated specifically to animal chiropractic training, Options for Animals helped shape how the field is taught and practiced today.
Because of its long history, the program has trained a large number of the professionals currently practicing animal chiropractic around the world.
The Largest Network of Trained Practitioners
One of the strongest indicators of a program’s impact is the number of practitioners it has trained. Over the years, Options for Animals has educated thousands of veterinarians and chiropractors who now work with animals in a variety of settings.
Graduates of the program can be found in:
- Veterinary clinics
- Chiropractic practices
- Equine performance facilities and shows
- Animal rehabilitation centers
- Canine Agility performance shows
This extensive alumni network creates opportunities for collaboration, referrals, and professional support that can be invaluable when entering a new field.
A Program Built by Experienced Professionals
Training animals requires a deep understanding of both chiropractic principles and animal anatomy. Programs that combine these perspectives tend to provide the most effective education.
Options for Animals has long focused on bringing together experienced instructors from both veterinary and chiropractic backgrounds. This interdisciplinary approach helps ensure that students receive a balanced and comprehensive education in:
- comparative anatomy
- animal biomechanics
- spinal assessment techniques
- safe and effective chiropractic adjustments
The result is a curriculum designed to prepare professionals for real-world clinical situations.
A Proven Educational Model
When evaluating training programs, it is important to look at how the curriculum has evolved over time. Programs with a long track record often have the advantage of refining their teaching methods based on decades of experience.
Through years of training practitioners, Options for Animals has developed a structured educational model that combines:
- classroom instruction
- hands-on training
- supervised clinical practice
This combination helps practitioners develop both the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to work confidently with animals.
A Program That Helped Shape the Field
As the field of animal chiropractic has expanded, new programs have emerged to train additional practitioners. Most professionals involved in the development of other animal chiropractic programs first received their training from Options for Animals.
Because of its long-standing role in the profession, Options for Animals has contributed significantly to the growth of animal chiropractic education and awareness.
Its graduates have helped introduce chiropractic care to veterinary communities, equine professionals, and pet owners around the world.
What you get when you choose Options for Animals
- The Essential Animal Chiropractic course is offered 3 times a year
- Flexible Schedule: Once you start you have up to 2 years to complete it so if something comes up you can finish with another class.
- Extensive Notes: Over 1,000 pages of the best set of illustrated notes in the profession
- Animals onsite right at the school
- Small Lab groups with no time limit (6 student to 1 teacher ratio)
- Meals provided: Fresh and Homemade Breakfast, Lunch, and an afternoon snack.
- No additional fee’s or things that you are required to buy once you attend.
A Trusted Choice for Serious Professionals
For veterinarians and chiropractors who want to add animal chiropractic to their professional skill set, training quality matters. The program you choose will influence your confidence, competence, and credibility when working with animal patients.
Many professionals choose Options for Animals because of its:
- long history in the field
- extensive alumni network
- experienced instructors
- comprehensive curriculum
These factors have helped establish it as one of the most recognized and respected animal chiropractic training programs available.
Choosing the Right Path Forward
The field of animal chiropractic continues to grow as more pet owners and equine professionals seek ways to support mobility, comfort, and performance in animals.
For veterinarians and chiropractors who want to enter this expanding field, selecting a training program with a strong foundation and proven history can make a significant difference.
Options for Animals has helped shape the profession and continue to train practitioners who are dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of animals.
Choosing the right educational path is the first step toward building a meaningful and successful career in animal chiropractic. 🐾🐎