Services for Pets
Veterinary acupuncture is a gentle, evidence-informed therapy that uses very fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on an animal’s body. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and supported by modern research, veterinary acupuncture aims to balance energy (qi), improve circulation, and support the nervous, immune, and musculoskeletal systems so animals can heal more effectively.
Pets commonly receive veterinary acupuncture for arthritis, back pain, hip and elbow dysplasia, neurologic issues, post-surgical recovery, digestive problems, and chronic conditions that haven’t fully responded to conventional care. It can also help reduce anxiety, support aging pets, and improve overall comfort and mobility.
During a session, your practitioner reviews your pet’s medical history, observes their movement and posture, and gently places needles at carefully chosen points. Most animals tolerate the needles very well and many become calm or even sleepy during treatment.
Veterinary acupuncture focuses on the whole animal—not just a single symptom—making it a valuable option for pet parents seeking natural, holistic care. By supporting the body’s own healing mechanisms, it can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life for dogs, cats, and other companion animals.
Veterinary Acupuncture
Pricing for Veterinary Acupuncture:
Initial Visit $125
This includes the consultation and acupuncture treatment. Other modalities may be used and are based on the patients needs: Class IV Laser Therapy, Aquapuncture (Vitamin B12 injected into specific acupuncture points), E-Stim, Nutritional Therapy and counseling.
Follow-up treatments: Only acupuncture $88. Acupuncture & B12 aquapuncture $98
This includes the consultation and acupuncture treatment. Other modalities may be used and are based on the patients needs: Class IV Laser Therapy, Aquapuncture (Vitamin B12 injected into specific acupuncture points), E-Stim, Nutritional Therapy and counseling.
Laser can be a stand alone treatment. Pricing depends on location. Minimum charge is $45.
Dr. Laura is not accepting any new equine patients nor new mobile patients at this time.
Please have only one human and the patient at the visit. Please do not bring other pets or people with you to the appointment…it is a small room and it can be disruptive for the patient. If you have a special consideration, please contact Dr. Laura (303) 229 - 5261.
Take your pet for a little walk before coming into any acupuncture appointment.
Aquapuncture with Vitamin B12 can be added $10
We schedule our pet clients separately and take extra strides to make them feel comfortable in a low-stress environment. We also want to keep the pets and people separate so we ask that you do not walk into Anupa with your pet seeking an appointment. We may be able to see you that same day but please call us before dropping in.
Herbal & Supplement Therapy for Pets
For millennia, people have been relying on the natural world for health and healing. Many of our modern-day medications, like aspirin, are derived from natural plant compounds (willow bark). Herbal medicine can be a potent part of the prevention and treatment of illness, and like acupuncture, addresses both symptoms and underlying physiological patterns that are causing symptoms.
Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control, along with advances in clinical research, show the value of herbal medicine in treating and preventing disease.
Most pets tolerate herbal medicine quite well. Cats can be an exception. However, herbal products come in a wide range of preparations including tinctures, capsules, powders or small pressed tablets.
We also use herbals from Golden Flower, Jing Tang Herbal, Kan Herbals, Rx Vitamins and Standard Process.
If you use Standard Process Herbals, you can now get your Standard Process®, MediHerb®, and Standard Process Veterinary Formulas™ supplements conveniently from us. Contact our office for details. Sign up for Patient Direct with Dr. Laura at standardprocess.com.
Or click on this picture:
Veterinary Acupuncture & Pet Care
Frequently Asked Questions
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Veterinary acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles to stimulate points that support pain relief, mobility, nerve function, and recovery. Common cases: arthritis, hip dysplasia, IVDD, post-surgery rehab, GI upset, allergies, and anxiety.
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Yes. We provide dog acupuncture and cat acupuncture at our downtown Salida wellness center. Sessions are gentle and tailored to your pet’s size, temperament, and condition.
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Most pets relax during treatment. Many show improvement after 1–3 visits; chronic issues often need a 4–8 visit plan, then maintenance every 4–8 weeks. Your plan is set after the first exam.
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Yes when performed by a trained veterinarian. Acupuncture and laser therapy can be combined with most medications and rehab plans. We review your pet’s history before treatment.ription
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Cold laser therapy is a noninvasive light treatment that reduces pain and inflammation and speeds tissue healing. It pairs well with veterinary acupuncture for arthritis, wounds, sprains, and post-surgical recovery.
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Yes. We prescribe Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas for issues like mobility, digestion, skin, and calming—often as part of an integrative plan with acupuncture or laser.
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Use our online scheduling to choose “Services for Pets.” Pick veterinary acupuncture, pet laser therapy, or herbal consult. New patients begin with an initial exam.
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We perform a veterinary intake, gait and palpation exam, and a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment. Most pets rest comfortably during needle placement or laser therapy. Plan 45–60 minutes.
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We serve Salida and greater Chaffee County, including Buena Vista and Poncha Springs. Denver pet owners are welcome to book when visiting Salida; we can also provide Denver referral options on request.
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Pricing varies by service and plan. Many pet insurance policies reimburse acupuncture and laser therapy; we provide detailed invoices for claims. Check our online scheduler for current fees.
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Not at this time.
About Dr. Laura Deloatch L.Ac, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM)
Dr. Laura Deloatch graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. She practiced in Dyersburg Tennessee for two years before moving to Denver, Colorado in April of 2002 where she worked at Deer Creek Animal Hospital for 12 years. During this time she became certified in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) from the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida. She also gained her certification in Veterinary Nutrition and Veterinary Herbal Therapy in New Mexico and Florida while working full time and doing emergency veterinary care.
In addition to this training, Laura Deloatch L.Ac, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM) is licensed in both acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in the state of Colorado. Laura completed a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2009. This three year program consists of 2, 850 hours of education including 990 hours of clinical practice.
She then moved to Steamboat Springs, CO providing western and eastern medicine before moving to Salida in 2015. Dr. Laura worked with Dr. Janet Varhus performing traditional veterinary medicine and complementary care before opening Anupa Wellness in 2016.
Currently, Dr. Laura only provides wholistic care for animals: Acupuncture, Laser therapy, Nutrition & Herbal Therapy. She does offer consultations regarding bloodwork and radiographs. She has performed acupuncture on many species including horses, dogs, cats, iguanas, rabbits and was even asked to treat a sea lion at the Denver Zoo. Dr Laura is also a TA and an examiner for the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society for other veterinarians seeking their certification in acupuncture.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”