Amanda Kremer credits a veterinarian for whom she was working during her pre-vet education for telling her about animal chiropractic. Kremer, to her relief, discovered a way to help animals in a more natural and preventive way, without having to do surgeries or prescribe medications. Many people are not aware animal chiropractic exists, and Kremer says now, for her, “it’s all about the education.”
“The most common reason pet owners bring me their pet is because it is getting old and has been diagnosed with arthritis. The goal is to keep it comfortable and active as long as possible and have a good quality of life — get it moving again. Then again, I’d like to have owners bring them to me for more preventive care. Like us, animals have one spine — we’d like to take care of them their whole life.”
Residence city: Camas
Business name: Chiro4Critters Animal Chiropractic, www.chiro4critters.com
Age: 37
Educational/professional background: I was born and raised in Spring Lake, Mich. Fitness was always a big part of my life growing up. I worked as a veterinary assistant in high school and college. I worked as a spin instructor and marathon coach post-grad. I have a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University and a doctorate of chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College (now University of Western States) in Portland. For three years post-doctorate, I lived in Canada, where I specialized in animal chiropractic through the Healing Oasis Wellness Centre.
How — and when — you got started in your business: I knew I always wanted to work with animals and had a variety of pets growing up. I was in the pre-vet program at MSU when the veterinarian I was working for told me how an animal chiropractor she knew helped a dog get out of pain without drugs or surgery. I was intrigued. Instead of going to veterinary school, I went to chiropractic college in Portland to pursue my goal to help animals — naturally. I started my animal chiropractic training immediately after school, and my business shortly after finishing the program.
Personal/business philosophy: Do what you love and it will never feel like work. I get out of bed every single day excited to help another animal. I’m truly fortunate to have blended my passion with my career.
Most rewarding part of job: Helping animals feel better and have a better quality of life. It warms my heart to see how much these pet owners love their furry companions.
Most challenging part of job: I create such a special bond with my patients; when it’s their time to go, it’s difficult to say goodbye.
Something surprising about your work: Even though animal chiropractic has been practiced for years, not many people are aware that this form of natural health care is an option for their pet or that preventative chiropractic care is just as effective for animals as it is for humans. It may be even more so because they simply don’t live as long.
Best feature of my Clark County community: DogPaw off-leash dog parks, which is run by nonprofit volunteers. It brings together dog owners and allows dogs to socialize, have fun and get great exercise.
What would make your community a better place: More dog-friendly restaurants.
What is your favorite travel destination: Mexico. It helps me decompress and recharge my batteries.
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: Tin Shed in Portland. Great food and dog-friendly.
Hobbies: Trail running, taking our beagle to the coast, Bikram yoga, salsa dancing with my husband.
Most enjoyable book and movie in past 12 months: “What I Know for Sure,” by Oprah Winfrey, and “Wonder Woman” — excellent movie!
On your playlist: Lil Jon, Tiesto and David Guetta.
Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: We hope to get another beagle in the fall. I’d like to visit more countries.
One word to describe yourself: Genuine.
Person you’d most like to meet: Zach Galifianakis.
