“In traditional vet environments our approach is systems based – assessing one body system at a time in our exam. Albeit correct and necessary, it is a rigid approach, used even by experienced clinicians. Integrative veterinary practice, including herbal medicine, teaches us a greater appreciation of the meshing of body systems, the influence that body systems have on each other and how this must influence our medical decision making. Early veterinary decision making may be crude and simplistic in both traditional and western systems; but as we become more competent our treatment choices will become more sophisticated in both veterinary systems.

Integrative medicine broadens the practitioner’s mindset – it changes your way of thinking about a case, analysing the patient and developing therapy that can treat so much more than a presenting condition. It’s almost like moving from “2D” to “3D” in your medical assessments and approach to therapy

The Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine course has provided for me a whole new perspective and pathway of execution of veterinary medicine. After over 30 years of traditional veterinary medicine practice and having already integrated some complementary therapies into my practice (therapeutic laser therapy) in recent years, the expanded toolkit I now have with herbal medicine is like the “icing on the cake” with respect to how I wish to deliver veterinary medicine.”

Dr Joan Deetman

Australia

“My journey began about ten years ago when Cooper, my Pomeranian, was a puppy. As a new dog owner, I had no knowledge about the importance of nutrition for pets. In Malaysia, pet nutrition education is still very limited, and most pet parents are advised by pet shops and many vets to rely on processed kibble or canned food by default.

One day, a friend of mine who had studied pet nutrition extensively shared her experience of switching her dog to a real food diet and the positive changes she noticed. That truly sparked my interest. I followed her advice, saw the difference in Cooper, and decided to learn more. I enrolled in some pet nutrition courses during the COVID lockdown, when I had lost my job and finally had time to focus on this passion.

Later, I was fortunate to meet a holistic vet who introduced me to CIVT. I was immediately drawn to the Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition course because of its in-depth curriculum and the flexibility of studying online at my own pace. This gave me a chance to pursue what I had always wanted, which is to be part of the pet industry. Back in high school, I had dreamed of becoming a vet, but due to certain education system requirements in the local government school, I ended up in the arts stream instead of science. Discovering CIVT has truly been a blessing, as it opened the door for me to learn what I once thought I couldn’t.

This path has completely changed how I care for my pets. I now understand the importance of proper nutrients, diet, supplementation, and holistic approaches to health. Seeing my dogs thrive with better health and needing fewer vet visits is incredibly rewarding!

More importantly, this certification also allows me to share that knowledge with other pet parents in Malaysia. I can see that awareness about real food and proper nutrition for pets is slowly growing, and I’m grateful to contribute to that movement by guiding owners toward better solutions for their beloved animals!”

Elaine Tang

Malaysia

"Dr Grantham provided very relevant and useful information. I appreciated her commentary and the way she would break topics into bite sized bits of info. This made it easy to understand and digest. The slides were great as well - easy to read, not cluttered, cute pics! I especially appreciated when she shared her own expertise from her clinic. That was invaluable information and very nice of her to share! Thank you so much for offering this course to pet parents. It covered so many topics, and I am very grateful to have taken it."

Photo of Lacey, 12 year old dog, the inspiration for Caitlin taking this course.

Caitlin Marcellus

United States of America

“I took the Essentials of Veterinary Medicinal Mushrooms course in September 2024. It was quite a bit of work for the duration of the course, probably several hours a week. However it was worth it! It provided me with a new tool in my toolbox of alternative medicine treatments. I find myself reaching for this tool, probably, several times a week, particularly in the treatment of tumours and cancers, allergies, and recurrent infections as well as some anxiety issues. Also, my clients love the idea!”

Dr Michael Lavroff

Canada

“The Essentials of Veterinary Medicinal Mushrooms course provided an excellent overview of commonly used medicinal mushrooms, applications, and dosing, making practical application a joy. Dr Rob Silver provided clear material, plus excellent and easily accessible support. I thoroughly enjoyed this course.”

Dr Mia Jane

New Zealand

“The Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine was a wonderful course. I went into the course wanting to further my knowledge about Western herbs, so that I could advise my clients on dosing and increase my options for herbal therapies in my patients. I came out of the course with this knowledge and so much more. Not only can I advise my clients on dosing simple Western herbs, but I am able to custom create formulas for individual patients with virtually any ailment. I can choose to treat with Western herbs individually or use them alongside Chinese herbs (which I had previous training in).  I was also able to learn how to visually identify numerous wild medicinal herbs in my area! I learned how to create salves, teas and balms, which I use not only in my patients but also for myself. The tutors in the course were wonderful with case advice and answering questions. I felt the course was very clinically relevant and I would definitely recommend it to a colleague!”

Dr Kimberly Schmidt

United States of America

‘Last year I completed the Essentials if Veterinary Acupuncture course and loved every minute of it! The course gave me confidence in utilizing the acupuncture points discussed and provided a deeper understanding into this beautiful yet powerful treatment modality. The course left me eager to learn more and I will be very keen to pursue further studies in this field’

Dr Che Phillips

Australia

“After completing my Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine with CIVT, I began integrating Chinese herbal treatments into our clinical practice. Recognizing that my knowledge would be more complete with training in veterinary acupuncture, I enrolled in the Essentials of Veterinary Acupuncture course. It provided a strong foundation in acupuncture theory and techniques, which I was able to apply in practice during my studies. With my foundational acupuncture skills, I have treated various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions in both canine and feline patients, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), limb weakness, and other neuromuscular disorders.”

Dr Shin Min Liew

Brunei

“When I decided it was time I educate myself in order to better advocate for my dogs, I didn’t know where to turn. I started watching webinars and summits by the holistic vets I was researching. One of them was attached to CIVT, so naturally I looked into the website for anything I thought might help me. I am a little “long in the tooth” so was hesitant to take an actual class, but their Natural Animal Nutrition course was exactly what I was looking for. It was semi self-paced which allowed me the flexibility to study when I could. I enjoyed the lessons and the videos. I printed out everything so I could go back later and re-remember some of the information. I also enjoyed the challenge of the assessments we did at the end of some modules. I still use the ADF software to back up my home cooked diets. I would definitely recommend this course for others!”

Teresa Dutt

United States of America