We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Kaitlyn Lackey. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Kaitlyn, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to my field of work, here are but a few-
“Wait… that’s a thing?’”
People hear “animal chiropractic” and often say “I didn’t know that was a thing!”
(I think they expect me to arrive for their first appointment with a turban and a crystal ball.)
However, many of the therapies and modalities we see utilized in humans is actually very safe and effective for animals.
“That’s only for injured or older pets.”
Most people think rehab and/or animal chiropractic are meant to be used reactively. But, in reality, the best outcomes come from early intervention.
This means pet parents don’t have to wait for limping, mobility loss, or chronic pain symptoms to show before starting with us. Many subtle behavior changes, postural abnormalities, performance loss, or other small things could actually be addressed before they progress to symptoms you see.
Simply: It is much easier to stay well than it is to get well.
“Mobility problems are just a part of aging.”
This is my least favorite misconception. Age is just a number! I have treated a 19 year old dog, a 21 year old cat, and a 38 year old horse. (And all of those animals were mobile and thriving.)
Your aging pet does not have to develop joint pain. Routine maintenance care for their joints can help them age more gracefully, stay active, and enjoy their routine with minimal interruption.
“Alternative care replaces the vet.”
Holistic-minded pet parents often want an alternative, but the truth is: I’m not trying to replace your vet.
Animal chiropractic + rehab is meant to work alongside veterinary care, not compete with it. Most people don’t even realize how complementary both approaches are. Whereas we focus on the physical body, your vet can work alongside us for pain management, diagnostics, and more.
“A couple of adjustments will fix everything.”
This one is huge. Many think chiropractic is a “one and done.” But, in reality, most pets we serve we help comanage their complaints, not “cure” their condition.
Just like you can’t eat one salad and lose 20 lbs or do one workout and have 6 pack abs, our services are more lifestyle change oriented rather opposed to selling a “magic cure.”
“Rehab = underwater treadmill.”
People often assume rehab for dogs means taking them to walk in an underwater treadmill (UWTM). While the UWTM can be helpful, it’s not the only (or even the most practical) way to build strength.
Our philosophy is that real progress happens in the exercises you can repeat consistently — not just the ones your dog does at the office. Case en point: most pet parents don’t have access to an UWTM at home so many pets continually have to keep going for UWTM appointments.
We prefer to give owners practical things they can do at home to build strength. Long-term results come from teaching pet parents how to maintain mobility between visits — not from creating dependency on fancy equipment they don’t have access to.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
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 for life.
I started In Stride because I kept meeting pet parents who were frustrated with the traditional “rest and medicate” approach. They wanted real answers, proactive guidance, and a partner who understood canine biomechanics, sports demands, and long-term mobility—not just symptom management.
My background in chiropractic, canine rehabilitation, and biomechanics has shaped my philosophy: 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.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Modern medicine “failed me.” This was my turning point.
After my 3rd head injury from riding horses, I was told there wasn’t anything that could be done for my headaches (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 — not only for myself, but also for our animals as well.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As someone that has taught veterinarians on the topic of animal chiropractic, Texas laws still does not recognize my 230+ hour animal certification or my license when it comes to working on animals. That means, as a doctor of chiropractic, I still need a veterinarian to sign off on my care prior to a pet parent seeking an appointment with me.
This rule is not only unfair to pet owners, but also veterinarians. Why should they have to sign off for someone they don’t know?
Out of 10 people that call me wanting to get their pet started, only half of these clients are able to gain approval from their vet to seek care with me.
Now, I love working together with veterinarians, but I feel like the laws for animal chiropractic desperately need to be modernized. I personally have been down to Austin many times over the past 3 years speaking on behalf of my profession. In 2023, some colleagues and I put together a bill that would allow Texas pet parents to directly seek animal chiropractic care. However. due to an unforeseen turn of events, the bill was killed and did not move forward to become law.
After so much blood, sweat, and tears, it was demoralizing to answer to my clients that we were unsuccessful. (I considered moving, actually.) It has been an uphill battle growing my business, and I thought that maybe starting over would be easier.
Through prayer and reflection, I have decided to continue the fight and look forward to advocating for law reform again in 2027.
Your pet deserves the right to direct access to care. When all professionals work together, it’s the animal that wins.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is helping others — especially when it comes to giving animals and their people a better quality of life. They’d tell you I care deeply about doing meaningful work, showing up for the people I love, and staying true to my values even when it’s not the easiest path.
They’d probably also say I’m someone who believes in growth and purpose — that I’m always learning, always trying to be better, and always rooting for others to thrive too. And above all, they’d say I value connection: with my community, with my clients, and with the animals entrusted to my care.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m fully present — usually doing something slow, intentional, and connected.
That might be working hands-on with an animal, riding a horse, or being outside on a quiet walk where everything feels unhurried and simple.
I find peace in moments where I’m not multitasking or rushing, but actually experiencing what’s in front of me — whether it’s a dog relaxing into my hands, a good conversation with someone I care about, or just being in nature with no agenda.
Those small, grounded moments are where I feel the most like myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://instridechiropractic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/instridechiropractic
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/instridechiropractic
Image Credits
Image credit to Ashley Brezina & Taylor Engel
