What Is Animal Chiropractic?

Animal chiropractic is a holistic therapy based on the belief that the body has the innate power to heal itself — and that this power is controlled by the nervous system. Because nerves influence every function in your pet’s body, keeping the spine and joints healthy is key to maintaining optimal communication between the brain, spinal cord, and organs.

While many people think chiropractic care is about “bones being out of place,” animal chiropractors actually focus on the nervous system. When the spine or joints are restricted, it can cause pressure on nearby nerves. Chiropractic adjustments help release that pressure, restoring mobility and allowing the brain to send clear signals throughout the body.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pets

For small animals like dogs and cats, chiropractic treatments can improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. It can be used to support pets with conditions such as:

  • Arthritis and joint pain

  • Hip dysplasia and luxating patella (floating kneecaps)

  • Paralysis or incontinence

  • Degenerative myelopathy

  • Spinal injuries or misalignments

  • Puppies or kittens needing early structural assessment

  • Senior pets experiencing stiffness or mobility issues

Some veterinarians note that animals often respond more quickly than humans to chiropractic adjustments because they carry less emotional stress that can interfere with healing. Most pets improve after just a few sessions — and if no change occurs, it may mean the issue isn’t chiropractic in nature.

How Animal Chiropractic Works

During a chiropractic session, a certified practitioner performs a chiropractic adjustment — a quick, gentle thrust applied to one joint at a time. This helps restore range of motion, reduce pain, and improve nerve communication throughout the body.

What to Expect

Before treatment begins, the chiropractor will assess your pet’s overall health and mobility, then create a personalized treatment plan.
The number of sessions needed depends on:

  • The severity and duration of the condition

  • The pet’s age and activity level

  • The response to the first adjustment

Most animals show improvement within one to three treatments, while chronic conditions often benefit from maintenance visits every two to six months.

Are There Side Effects?

When performed by a qualified animal chiropractor, the risk of side effects is very low. However, after treatment, your pet may experience:

  • Mild stiffness or soreness (1–4 days)

  • Temporary sleepiness or reduced appetite

These minor reactions are usually short-lived and indicate the body is adjusting.

Important: Chiropractic adjustments should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or a human chiropractor certified in animal chiropractic. Incorrect technique or excessive force can cause injury.

What Does Animal Chiropractic Cost?

In Canada, the average cost for small animals is:

  • Initial consultation: Around $115

  • Follow-up visits: Around $48

Coverage may vary depending on your pet insurance provider. Always confirm whether treatments by certified animal chiropractors are included under your plan.

Chiropractic Care and Pets with Cancer

Animal chiropractic can play a valuable complementary role for pets undergoing cancer treatment. It’s not used to treat cancer directly but can help:

  • Relieve pain and discomfort

  • Improve mobility and quality of life

  • Support overall well-being during chemotherapy or recovery

Always consult your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist before starting any complementary therapy alongside cancer care.

Is Animal Chiropractic Regulated?

In Alberta, only a veterinarian or a human chiropractor certified in animal chiropractic can legally call themselves an animal chiropractor. Certification requires completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, followed by specialized training in animal chiropractic.

Note: Animal chiropractic is not yet fully regulated in Alberta, so it’s essential to verify your practitioner’s credentials.

When choosing a chiropractor, look for certification from one of these recognized organizations:

  • International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA)

  • American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA)

Learn more about pet cancer health on our Health Hub.

Health Hub