Animal Chiropractor In Vancouver
Dr. Erin Rakhra is one of a small number of chiropractors in the Vancouver area accredited through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) to provide animal chiropractic care. She sees dogs and cats at our East Vancouver clinic, serving families across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the surrounding area. If your dog is limping, favouring a leg, slowing down on walks, or just not quite themselves — a chiropractic assessment is a great place to start.
Signs Your Dog May Benefit From Chiropractic Care
- Limping or favouring one leg without a clear injury
- Difficulty getting up, jumping, or climbing stairs
- Reluctance to be touched in certain areas
- Sudden change in gait or posture
- Neck stiffness or holding the head at an unusual angle
- Reduced energy or playfulness
- Post-surgical recovery support
- Senior dogs managing arthritis or joint stiffness
- High-performance or working dogs (agility, dock diving, herding)
What To Expect At Your Pet’s First Visit
Dr. Erin begins with a thorough health history — your pet’s lifestyle, activity level, any past injuries or surgeries, and your current concerns. She’ll then perform a gait and movement analysis followed by a hands-on assessment of the spine and joints.
Treatment involves specific, gentle adjustments tailored to your pet’s size and condition. Most animals tolerate treatment very well and many visibly relax during the session. You’ll leave with at-home exercises and stretches, and a care plan that fits your pet’s needs and your schedule.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care For Pets
Enhanced Mobility and Comfort
Chiropractic adjustments can help address musculoskeletal issues in animals, such as stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility, allowing them to move more freely and comfortably.
Pain Management
Chiropractic care helps alleviate pain caused by conditions like arthritis, joint dysfunctions, or injuries, improving your pet’s quality of life and overall well-being.
Optimized Health and Wellness
By promoting proper spinal alignment and nerve function, chiropractic care supports your pet’s overall health and vitality, contributing to their longevity and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pet needs chiropractic care?
The main reason why people seek out animal chiropractic is because their pet is in pain or they realised that they just aren’t moving like they used to. But the truth is that most animals can benefit from visiting an animal chiropractor even if it’s just for spinal health.
Is animal chiropractic safe for my pet?
Yes! Animal chiropractic is safe for pets of all ages, from week old pups to your senior citizen dog,
What conditions can animal chiropractic address?
Some common reasons we see pets is for injuries, limping, unexplained discomfort, or sudden change in behaviour. These can all be signs or symptoms of your pet being in pain. We also see pets for wellness especially the hyperactive dogs that always seem to be getting into mischief
How often does my pet need chiropractic adjustments?
It varies depending on the reason for seeking care, Dr. Erin works with all her clients to create a care plan best suited for your pets needs. For more acute conditions Dr. Erin may want to see your pet 1-2x per week and for other pets they can go a few months between adjustments.
Animal chiropractic can add years to their life and life to their years.
Animal Chiropractic
Please note that Dr. Erin is a Chiropractor by profession and does not practice veterinary medicine. Animal chiropractic is complementary care and does not replace veterinary medicine, diagnosis, or treatment. She is accredited to see animals through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA)