DVM, CVA, CVCP

Dr. Katie Kangas owns and operates Integrative Veterinary Care, a private practice in San Diego, California, offering holistic and integrative health care options for pets.

Dr. Kangas achieved her CVA certification at the Chi Institute in 2008, followed by additional training in Advanced Acupuncture, Food Therapy, Herbal Medicine and Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM).

Her areas of special interest include nutrition, gut health, dental health and functional medicine. Dr. Kangas has authored several articles published in veterinary journals and pet magazines and shares her passion for pet wellness education by lecturing and
presenting locally, nationally and internationally.

Additionally, Dr. Kangas has a background in shelter medicine, with more than 15 years of contribution to the homeless pets in her community. She spent many years working with the San Diego County Department of Animal Services and also served as the
medical director of the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA from 2002-2007.

Per Dr. Katie:
"I am an integrative veterinarian, which means that I focus on preventative health and supporting natural healing or wellness through many holistic options in combination with traditional veterinary medicine.
Preventative wellness and holistic care options include diet/food choices, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, herbal medicines, homeopathic remedies, essential oils and more.
Conventional medicine (for both animals & people) tends to focus more on the treatment of disease and the symptoms of disease, after the condition or illness presents itself. While this type of health care can have value, it also has limitations.
Preventative and integrative veterinary medicine aim to support the animal’s health through diet, nutrition and lifestyle practices that allow our pets to be more resilient to disease and live better quality lives. In other words, providing our pets with the tools to thrive, rather than to just survive.
In my opinion, the most balanced health care uses a combination of both conventional and holistic options. This is called Integrative Medicine.
It is my goal to empower pet parents to make better choices and take a more active role in promoting health and quality of life for their pets."

***Dr. Kangas is taking new patients (approximately 2-month waiting list) She guides clients across the globe with virtual consultations and provides detailed custom comprehensive written wellness plans after each appointment.***