Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Smallwood.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Dallas native and grew up here before heading to Texas A&M, where I studied animal science and later earned my veterinary degree. After graduation, I moved to Lexington, Kentucky, and spent several years working with thoroughbred racehorses at Keeneland. That experience really shaped me as a veterinarian, and it was also where I first discovered acupuncture and started to see how powerful it could be as both a treatment and a diagnostic tool.
I practiced in the Lexington area for about a decade, and over time my work evolved from a purely Western medicine approach to a more integrative one, blending Western medicine with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. In 2013, I felt called to come back home to Dallas and opened an ambulatory acupuncture practice working with both horses and small animals.
Today, I’m the founder and owner of Integrative Veterinary Wellness, with locations in Richardson and Lewisville. Our clinics offer acupuncture, rehabilitation, and a range of other integrative therapies, and I love being able to provide whole-body, individualized care to patients across the DFW Metroplex. I’ve been practicing integrative veterinary medicine for over 15 years, and I’m still incredibly passionate about helping animals heal, move better, and live healthier lives.
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?
One of the challenges the business has faced was operating through the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many veterinary healthcare providers, we had to quickly adapt the way we delivered care while maintaining the high standards our patients and clients rely on.
As you know, we’re big fans of Integrative Veterinary Wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Integrative Veterinary Wellness is an independently owned veterinary practice focused on whole-body, individualized care. We specialize in integrative veterinary medicine, blending the best of Western medicine with proven therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, rehabilitation, herbal medicine, and nutrition. Our goal is to treat the whole patient, not just the symptoms, and to create thoughtful treatment plans that support long-term health, comfort, and mobility.
What really sets us apart is our depth of training and our commitment to integrative care as a primary approach, not just an add-on. Many of our patients come to us when conventional options feel limited or incomplete, and we’re known for taking the time to listen, problem-solve, and customize care for each patient. Whether we’re helping a senior pet move more comfortably, supporting recovery after surgery, or managing chronic pain or performance issues, our focus is always on improving quality of life.
Our clinics offer a wide range of services, including acupuncture, rehabilitation therapy, chiropractic care, and other integrative treatments. We’re proud to be able to serve patients across North Texas through our Richardson and Lewisville locations, while maintaining the personalized feel of a small, independently owned practice.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built with our clients and referring veterinarians. Integrative Veterinary Wellness has become known as a place where pets receive compassionate, thoughtful care and where owners feel heard and supported. I want readers to know that our practice is rooted in education, experience, and genuine passion for helping animals heal and thrive using the most effective combination of tools available.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Opening an integrative veterinary practice was a big risk to take. This model of care isn’t what most people are used to, and it can challenge long-standing expectations about how veterinary medicine “should” look. Any time you step outside the norm, there’s uncertainty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://integrativeveterinarywellness.com
- Instagram: @integrativeveterinarywellness
- Facebook: Integrative Veterinary Wellness
