Business Details
22 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Integrative Veterinary Services for Dogs and Cats in Sylva, NC
As a pioneering force in integrative veterinary medicine, Shearer Pet Health Hospital was founded on the principle of combining conventional and evidence-based alternative therapies to enhance pet well-being. Our focus on hospice, palliative care, and pain management reflects over three decades of clinical expertise and advanced certifications in acupuncture, rehabilitation, and Chinese veterinary medicine. We developed the first Pet Hospice Center in the U.S. in 2004 and established the 5 Step Hospice Care Plan for pets.Through rigorous curriculum development and international speaking engagements, we've shaped global standards in veterinary end-of-life care while maintaining a practice environment that prioritizes low-stress patient care and client emotional support. Our team's 1,000+ hours of continuing education ensures treatment plans integrate the latest scientific advancements with traditional modalities.
Services
Acupuncture
Herbal Therapy
Palliative Care
Rehabilitation
Pain Management
Laser Therapy
Hydrotherapy
Tui-na
Food Therapy
Stem Cell Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of pioneering experience in animal hospice and palliative care
- First Pet Hospice Center established in the United States in 2004
- 5 Step Hospice Care Plan creator with international adoption
- Over 1,000 hours of specialized continuing education in integrative modalities
- Veterinary team with combined 60+ years of clinical experience
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited
- International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) Task Force member
- Chi Institute Certified Palliative and End of Life Practitioner Program developer
What people say
"Brilliant, caring, most skilled vet"
"Total activity year with therapy"
"Staff is amazing with pets"
"Low stress clinic environment"
"Innovative diagnostic approach"
Services
Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture therapy addresses pain and neurological disorders by stimulating specific body points. This evidence-based technique effectively treats chronic conditions where conventional methods fall short. Patients typically experience reduced pain levels and improved mobility after completing a four-session treatment series. Our practitioners use sterile, ultra-thin needles to ensure patient comfort during sessions.
Herbal Therapy
Custom-blended herbal formulas target specific physiological imbalances at their root cause. These treatments complement conventional therapies by enhancing recovery and minimizing medication requirements. All formulas originate from Jing Tang Herbal, Inc., adhering to current Good Manufacturing Practices. Patients often experience improved organ function and disease management through sustained use.
Palliative Care
Specialized palliative care focuses on maintaining quality of life for pets with chronic or terminal conditions. Individualized treatment plans combine pain management, nutritional support, and emotional wellness strategies. The clinic's 5 Step Hospice Care Plan ensures comprehensive symptom management while providing family counseling and bereavement support through the end-of-life process.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Advanced rehabilitation services utilize state-of-the-art equipment like therapeutic lasers and hydrotherapy pools to restore mobility. Treatment protocols address post-operative recovery, neurological impairments, and chronic pain management. Customized exercise programs help maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility while minimizing discomfort during recovery periods.
Pain Management
Multi-modal pain management combines acupuncture, laser therapy, and pharmaceutical interventions to achieve optimal patient comfort. Treatment plans address both acute surgical pain and chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. The clinic's approach minimizes medication requirements while maximizing mobility through integrative techniques that target pain pathways at multiple levels.
People
Dr. Tami Shearer
Veterinarian & Clinic Founder
DVM since 1986 with 20+ years specializing in integrative veterinary medicine. Inventor of the 5 Step Hospice Care Plan and creator of the Certified Hospice and Palliative Veterinarian Certification. Author of multiple veterinary textbooks and award-winning practitioner in animal hospice care.
Mary Jo Bale
Veterinary Technologist
Joined practice in 2010 after becoming a satisfied client. Specializes in patient handling and rehabilitation support. Background in hospitality management contributes to creating a welcoming environment for clients and pets requiring advanced veterinary care.
David Messer
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary professional with over 30 years of clinical experience. Focuses on patient comfort and treatment coordination. Provides valuable historical perspective from decades of service in mountain region veterinary practices while maintaining expertise in modern care techniques.
Ted Rowe
Office Manager
33-year production management veteran who brings organizational expertise to clinic operations. Ensures smooth patient scheduling and resource allocation while maintaining personal service standards. Coordinates with local emergency facilities for after-hours patient care support.
Questions
What distinguishes integrative veterinary medicine from standard care?
Integrative medicine combines conventional treatments with evidence-based alternative therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine to address health issues holistically.
When should pet owners consider palliative care options?
Palliative care becomes appropriate when pets face terminal illness, chronic pain, or when curative treatments are no longer viable options for their condition.
What rehabilitation techniques help mobility-impaired pets?
We utilize therapeutic laser, hydrotherapy, and specialized exercise programs to improve mobility and strengthen muscles while minimizing patient discomfort.
How does acupuncture benefit animals?
Acupuncture effectively manages pain and neurological conditions with minimal side effects using ultra-thin needles in a soothing, pet-friendly environment.
What makes your hospice care unique?
Our clinic developed the 5 Step Hospice Care Plan and provides comprehensive emotional support for owners alongside customized comfort treatments for pets.
Can alternative therapies replace conventional veterinary treatments?
Alternative therapies complement conventional medicine as part of our integrative approach, enhancing treatment effectiveness while reducing medication requirements and side effects.
