History

In her first 10 years of practicing western medicine, Dr. Marlene Smith-Schalkwijk began to dream of combining western medicine with complementary modalities.

After completing the professional veterinary acupuncture course through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) in 1988, Dr. Smith-Schalkwijk started to integrate veterinary acupuncture in her western practice.  In June 1994, she started the first holistic veterinary service for animals in Campbell River, BC and traveled to Victoria to serve clients there as well.   In 1997, she opened the first animal clinic in BC dedicated to Holistic Veterinary Medicine, which was located in Courtenay, on Vancouver Island.

In 2002, a new facility was built, and the clinic was renamed “Tree of Life Veterinary Care”.  The new name reflected the integrative nature of our veterinary services and acknowledged the relationship between the Yang (non physical) and Yin (physical) aspects of all life.  Dr. Heather Matheson joined Dr. Smith-Schalkwijk in 2003, after completing her IVAS and Veterinary Homeopathy training. The doctors have a combined experience of over 40 years in western allopathic medicine; have completed a professional training program in veterinary acupuncture, herbal medicine and chiropractics, and work together closely on more complicated cases. All staff members have an extensive knowledge of the different disciplines of veterinary medicine and fully support the integrative approach taken.

Our Philosophy

Our mission is to allow every animal to enjoy the benefits of holistic integrative veterinary care. We believe that every pet owner has the option of choosing a holistic method of healing when their animal is ill. We acknowledge the human animal bond, which is strengthened with good health and a high quality of life.

Services We Provide

All patients are first assessed from a western allopathic approach, including all necessary blood work and/or any diagnostic imaging, which may assist the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s problem(s). The animal is then assessed from a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical approach, as well as chiropractic and homeopathic approaches. Findings, diagnosis and treatment options are then discussed with the patient’s care giver and a treatment plan is determined.

The healing tools available are western medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine, neutraceuticals, chiropractics, homeopathy, homotoxicology or a blend of any of the above approaches. Veterinary acupuncture and herbal medicine can treat a variety of problems ranging from pain due to back injury, hip or elbow problems to internal organ problems, chronic diseases such as allergies, or immune mediated diseases. These modalities are also used to support patients with cancer.

On our website you will find our newsletters from the past and present which are filled with interesting articles on a variety of topics. In our “articles and information” section you can find articles written and published by Dr. Smith and Dr. Matheson as well as information on hip dysplasia, acupuncture, ACL problems and much more. Our “modalities” section gives more information about veterinary acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and chiropractics for animals. For further information or appointments, our receptionists are always happy to help you.