Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Lackey.
Hi Kaitlyn , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As an equestrian and long time animal lover, I initially wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up.
But after sustaining 3 head injuries from riding horses, modern medicine “failed me.” This was my turning point.
After suffering several years with headaches and migraines. I was told there wasn’t anything that could be done other than pain medication and a “watch and wait” approach. My scans were normal and no one understood where my symptoms were coming from.
This is what led me to seeking alternative care for myself.
I have always been someone that believed healing was possible, even when everyone around me said, “That’s just the way it is.” I love problem-solving, asking why, and refusing to accept surface-level answers.
If it weren’t for chiropractic, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Through chiropractic care, I was able to identify the root cause of my pain and have an alternative means of managing my symptoms so that I didn’t become dependent on pain medication for relief.
This experience completely changed my perspective on how health care should be.
As fate would have it, I did an open house at Parker University to see if chiropractic was the right career choice for me. It was there I found out that animal chiropractic was “a thing” and I knew immediately that I had found my calling,
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing the business has definitely been rewarding, but it has not always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was wearing so many hats in the beginning — clinician, business owner, marketer, educator, and customer service all at once. Building trust in a field like animal chiropractic and rehabilitation also takes time, especially because many pet owners are still learning what these services are and how much they can help their animals.
Another challenge was learning how to effectively communicate and collaborate with veterinarians and other professionals. I’ve always believed the best outcomes happen when everyone works together for the pet, but building those relationships required patience, consistency, and confidence in what we do.
There were also moments of self-doubt and burnout, especially in the early stages of growth. But every challenge pushed me to become better — not only as a practitioner, but as a leader and educator. Over time, I realized that growth is rarely linear. The difficult seasons taught me resilience, helped refine our mission, and ultimately shaped the kind of business and culture we wanted to create.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hi, I’m Dr. Katie, the owner of In Stride Chiropractic — my practice is dedicated to helping pets move better, feel better, and stay active. At our office, we offer animal chiropractic, canine rehab, and more.
I started In Stride because I kept meeting pet parents who were frustrated with the traditional “rest and medicate” approach. Owners wanted real answers, proactive guidance, and a provider who understands canine biomechanics, sports demands, and long-term mobility—not just symptom management. I firmly believe that movement is medicine and pet parents deserve to be empowered, not left in the dark.
What makes our practice unique is how hands-on and collaborative it is. Owners stay with their pets during appointments, learn exactly what’s going on in their dog’s body, and walk away with simple, effective home strategies. We focus less on expensive equipment and more on teaching skills that create lasting strength, stability, and confidence.
Everyday I’m working to bridge the gap between veterinary care and functional hands on care by giving pet parents clear, science-based support that helps their animals thrive well into their golden years. Whether your dog is an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply getting older, my mission is to give them the mobility and quality of life they deserve—one stride at a time.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is helping animals live the highest quality of life possible while also empowering the people who love them. So much of our work is not just about treating pain— it is about helping pets stay active, comfortable, and able to continue doing the things they enjoy with their families.
I also care deeply about education. I want pet owners to better understand their animals’ bodies, movement, and overall wellness so they can play an active role in their pet’s health. When owners feel informed and involved, it creates better outcomes and a stronger bond between them and their pets.
At the end of the day, what drives me most is knowing that the work we do can genuinely improve an animal’s daily life and give families more healthy, happy years together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://instridechiropractic.com
- Instagram: @instridechiropractic
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/instridechiropractic
