Our certified animal chiropractor, Dr. Madison, uses the same principles of nervous system optimization that we apply in human chiropractic care.

Animal chiropractic care is a highly specialized service provided through gentle, precise adjustments to the spine and joints, we help restore proper alignment, proper communication with the brain and the nervous system, improve range of motion, and reduce pain and dysfunction.

The foundation of animal chiropractic is the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Your pet’s spinal cord carries vital nerve signals between the brain and every part of the body. When vertebrae become misaligned it begins to restrict the brains ability to properly communicate and can cause:

• Pain and discomfort
• Reduced mobility and stiffness
• Muscle tension and spasms
• Decreased athletic performance
• Behavioral changes
• Compensatory movement patterns that lead to further injury

Animal chiropractic adjustments correct these misalignments, allowing the nervous system to function optimally and the body to heal naturally.

Important: Animal chiropractic is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for veterinary medicine. We work alongside your regular veterinarian to provide integrative care. If your pet has a serious illness, injury, or requires surgery, traditional veterinary treatment is essential. Chiropractic care enhances and supports that treatment.

Our Columbus practice provides chiropractic care for a variety of species. 

Each species has unique anatomical considerations, and our techniques are specifically adapted to ensure safe, effective treatment for every animal.

Arthritis and Joint Degeneration

Older dogs and cats frequently develop arthritis that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While we can’t reverse arthritis, chiropractic care helps manage symptoms by improving joint mobility, reducing compensatory strain on other joints, and supporting overall function. Many Columbus pet owners notice their arthritic pets moving more comfortably after regular adjustments.

Hip Dysplasia

This common condition, particularly in larger dog breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, causes abnormal hip joint development. Chiropractic care helps by maintaining proper pelvic alignment, reducing muscle tension around the hips, and minimizing compensatory strain on the spine and other joints.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Breeds prone to disc problems—like Dachshunds, Beagles, and Corgis—can benefit from chiropractic care as part of their treatment plan. We use gentle techniques to support spinal health, reduce nerve irritation, and help prevent future episodes. For dogs recovering from IVDD surgery, chiropractic care aids rehabilitation.

Injuries from Activity and Play

Active dogs jumping for frisbees at Columbus dog parks, agility competitors, or pets who simply play too rough can develop musculoskeletal injuries. Chiropractic adjustments address these injuries and help prevent chronic problems from developing.

Post-Surgical Recovery

After orthopedic surgery—knee repairs, hip replacements, or spinal procedures—chiropractic care supports the healing process. We help restore proper movement patterns, reduce compensatory strain, and speed recovery time.

Chronic Limping or Gait Abnormalities

If your pet limps without an obvious injury, or has been limping for weeks despite veterinary treatment, spinal misalignments may be contributing. Chiropractic evaluation often reveals underlying issues that aren’t apparent on standard veterinary exams.

Difficulty with Stairs or Jumping

When your dog hesitates at the stairs or your cat stops jumping to their favorite perch, musculoskeletal dysfunction is often the cause. Adjustments can restore the mobility and confidence needed for these activities.

Behavioral Changes Related to Pain

Pets in pain often show behavioral changes—reluctance to be touched, aggression when handled in certain areas, decreased playfulness, or changes in posture. Addressing the underlying musculoskeletal problem often resolves these behaviors.

Performance Issues

Horses used for dressage, jumping, racing, or other competitive activities depend on optimal biomechanics. Even subtle spinal misalignments can affect performance. Common signs include:

• Difficulty with leads or lateral movements
• Resistance to collection or engagement
• Inconsistent performance
• Tail wringing or head tossing
• Difficulty bending or turning

Regular chiropractic care helps competitive horses perform at their peak and prevents minor issues from becoming career-ending problems.

Gait Irregularities

If your horse shows unexplained lameness, shortened stride, or uneven movement that your veterinarian and farrier can’t resolve, spinal dysfunction may be the cause. Chiropractic evaluation assesses the entire kinetic chain from poll to tail.

Back Pain and Sensitivity

Horses with back pain may:

• Flinch when groomed or saddled
• Resist mounting
• Buck or refuse jumps
• Show a hollow or tense topline
• Display reluctance to move forward

Chiropractic adjustments address vertebral restrictions and muscle tension causing these symptoms.

Saddle Fitting Issues

Poorly fitting saddles create focal pressure points and compensatory movement patterns. While proper saddle fitting is essential, chiropractic care helps address the secondary musculoskeletal problems that develop from ill-fitting tack.

Post-Injury Rehabilitation

Whether recovering from soft tissue injuries, fractures, or colic surgery, horses benefit from chiropractic care during rehabilitation. We help restore normal movement patterns and prevent compensatory issues.

Behavioral Problems Related to Discomfort

Horses in pain may become difficult to handle, resistant under saddle, or develop dangerous behaviors. Addressing musculoskeletal dysfunction often dramatically improves behavior and attitude.

Animal chiropractic isn’t just for treating problems. It’s also valuable for maintaining optimal health:

Stress Relief and Relaxation

Just like humans, animals carry tension in their bodies. Regular adjustments promote relaxation and reduce stress-related muscle tension.

Improved Athletic Performance

Working dogs, agility competitors, and equine athletes perform better when their bodies move efficiently. Preventive chiropractic care maintains optimal biomechanics and prevents injuries.

Support for Aging Pets

As pets age, they naturally develop stiffness and reduced mobility. Regular chiropractic care helps senior pets maintain function, comfort, and independence longer.

Maintenance Care for Active Animals

Dogs involved in hunting, herding, search and rescue, or other demanding work benefit from regular adjustments that keep them performing their best and extend their working life.

Early Intervention

Addressing minor misalignments before they cause obvious symptoms prevents more serious problems from developing. Many Columbus pet owners bring their animals in regularly as preventive care.

Your first visit begins with a thorough discussion of your pet’s:

• Current symptoms and concerns
• Medical history, including previous injuries or surgeries
• Activity level and lifestyle
• Dietary habits
• Behavior changes you’ve noticed
• Veterinary diagnosis and treatments already tried

We also review any records or imaging from your veterinarian. If we haven’t received a referral, we’ll contact your vet to coordinate care.

Next, we conduct a comprehensive physical examination:

Static Assessment – We observe your pet standing naturally, looking for:

• Postural abnormalities
• Muscle asymmetry or atrophy
• Weight distribution imbalances
• Visible discomfort or tension

Palpation – We carefully feel along the spine and joints, checking for:

• Areas of restricted movement
• Muscle tension or spasms
• Heat or swelling indicating inflammation
• Pain responses
• Vertebral misalignments

Range of Motion Testing – We gently move joints through their normal range, assessing:

• Flexibility and restrictions
• Pain with certain movements
• Comparison between left and right sides
• Compensatory patterns

Gait Analysis – We watch your pet walk and trot (or your horse move under saddle if appropriate), observing:

• Stride length and rhythm
• Weight-bearing patterns
• Head carriage
• Tracking and coordination
• Signs of lameness or asymmetry

For horses, we may also observe under saddle or during specific movements that trigger symptoms.

Based on our examination findings, we perform gentle, precise adjustments to areas of restriction or misalignment.

Our technique emphasizes:

• Low-stress handling tailored to each animal’s temperament
• Minimal force—we use the least force necessary for effective results
• Patient comfort—we stop immediately if your pet shows significant distress
• Gradual approach—especially for first-time patients or anxious animals

What adjustments look like:

For dogs and cats, adjustments involve:

• Supporting the animal in comfortable positions
• Using quick, precise movements to restore joint mobility
• Starting with areas of least sensitivity to build trust
• Monitoring your pet’s response throughout

For horses, adjustments involve:

• Working with the horse standing (no sedation needed)
• Using body weight and leverage rather than force
• Addressing the entire spine from poll to sacrum
• Checking pelvis, ribs, and jaw as needed

Most animals relax during adjustments. Many show immediate improvement in movement. You might hear some “popping” sounds—this is normal gas release from joints, just like with human adjustments.

After adjustments, we:

• Observe your pet’s movement and response
• Discuss what we found and addressed
• Explain our recommendations for follow-up care
• Provide home care instructions
• Answer all your questions
• Coordinate with your veterinarian as needed

Typical recommendations include:

• Rest period after adjustment (usually 24-48 hours of light activity only)
• When to schedule follow-up visits
• Exercises or activities that support treatment
• Signs of improvement to watch for
• When to contact us with concerns

Our conveniently located Dublin office proudly serves patients throughout Franklin County and beyond. Whether you live in Bridge Park, Historic Dublin, Muirfield Village, Tuttle Crossing, or nearby communities like Powell, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Worthington, or even Lewis Center, quality chiropractic care is just minutes away.

Areas We Serve:

• Dublin (all neighborhoods)
• Powell
• Hilliard
• Upper Arlington
• Worthington
• Lewis Center
• Delaware
• Marysville
• Westerville
• Plain City

We’re easily accessible from I-270, Route 33, and Sawmill Road, making it simple to fit appointments into your busy schedule. Many of our patients work at Dublin’s major employers—including Cardinal Health, OCLC, Wendy’s International, IGS Energy—and appreciate our flexible scheduling and convenient location.

Many of our human patients also bring their pets in for care. If you’ve experienced the benefits of chiropractic adjustments yourself, you’ll understand how the same principles help your animals.

Yes, when performed by a certified animal chiropractor, chiropractic care is very safe. Our techniques are specifically adapted for animals and use minimal force. We’re trained to recognize contraindications—conditions where chiropractic care would be inappropriate—and we always work within safe parameters.

Safety measures we take:

• Thorough examination before any adjustment
• Techniques matched to each animal’s size and condition
• Gentle, progressive approach with first-time patients
• Constant monitoring of your pet’s response
• Coordination with veterinarians for complex cases
• Immediate referral if we identify conditions requiring veterinary care

Adverse effects are rare and typically mild (temporary soreness similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue). Serious complications are extremely uncommon when care is provided by qualified professionals.

Contraindications where we don’t adjust:

• Fractures or acute trauma
• Tumors in the spine
• Severe osteoporosis
• Active infections
• Certain systemic diseases
• Immediately after surgery (timing depends on procedure)

Requirements vary by state. In Ohio, as long as the chiropractor is certified through the AVCA or IVCA no referral is needed.

Although not required, we love to work in conjunction with our local veterinarians to help ensure continuity of care for your animal!

Several signs suggest your pet might benefit from chiropractic care. Watch for movement problems like limping, difficulty getting up or down, trouble with stairs or jumping, stiffness (especially after resting), or just moving around less than usual. Your pet may also show signs of pain or discomfort, such as flinching when touched in certain spots, crying out during movement, avoiding being petted, standing in a hunched position, or holding their tail differently than normal. For horses, you might notice they resist being saddled, have trouble with certain movements, take shorter steps, or behave differently when being ridden.

Behavioral changes are equally important warning signs. Your pet may seem less playful, act grumpy when you touch them, change how they eat or sleep, avoid activities they used to love, or seem unable to get comfortable. Pets dealing with ongoing issues like arthritis, hip problems, old injuries that still bother them, recovery from surgery, or spine conditions may also benefit from chiropractic treatment. If you notice any of these signs, a chiropractic evaluation can identify whether joint or spine problems are causing your pet’s discomfort and help them feel better.

Our certified animal chiropractors complete extensive specialized training beyond their base degree:

Educational Requirements:

• Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree (4700+ hours of education)
• Additional 200+ hours of animal chiropractic training through AVCA or IVCA-certified programs
• Coursework covering anatomy, biomechanics, and chiropractic techniques for multiple species
• Hands-on practical training with dogs, cats, horses, and other animals
• Written and practical examinations for certification
• Continuing education requirements to maintain certification
• Years of experience treating animals
• Ongoing continuing education in animal chiropractic and rehabilitation

Dr. Madison completed her certification through the AVCA with extensive hands-on training. This specialized training ensures we understand animal anatomy, biomechanics, behavior, and appropriate handling techniques for safe, effective treatment.

No, sedation is not used for chiropractic adjustments. We need your pet awake and responsive so we can:

• Assess their movement and posture accurately
• Monitor their response to adjustments
• Ensure they’re comfortable throughout
• Evaluate their gait before and after treatment

Our gentle techniques and low-stress handling make sedation unnecessary. Most animals tolerate adjustments well without any chemical restraint.

For particularly anxious pets, we:

• Take extra time to build trust
• Use treats and positive reinforcement
• Work at your pet’s pace
• May start with very gentle techniques to build confidence
• Sometimes recommend short pre-appointment exercises to tire them slightly

Very occasionally, if a pet is too stressed or aggressive to handle safely, we’ll discuss options with you and your veterinarian. 

Don’t wait for your pet’s mobility issues to worsen. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and prevents compensatory problems from developing.

* New Pet Consultation + Adjustment For Just $85 *
(Every appointment after is $65)

Whether your dog is struggling with arthritis, your horse is showing performance issues, or you simply want to maintain your pet’s optimal health, our experienced animal chiropractor can help. We combine expertise, compassion, and evidence-based techniques to provide the highest quality care for your beloved animals.

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