Pet Acupuncture: A Complete Guide to Benefits, Cost and Safety at Heritage Animal Hospital - Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minnesota

We are pleased to offer acupuncture as part of our integrative care services at Heritage Animal Hospital. This time-tested therapy has been used for thousands of years and is supported by modern research for helping manage a variety of conditions in pets ranging from arthritis and joint issues to digestive and urinary issues.

What is pet acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the four main components of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), a system that has been used for thousands of years to care for both animals and people. The other components include Tui-na (a form of therapeutic massage and acupressure), herbal medicine, and food therapy.

How does Pet Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture involves gently stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints. These points are located along pathways that run throughout the body. When stimulated, they can trigger beneficial responses such as improved blood flow, release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, and calming effects on the nervous system. These responses help support the body’s ability to heal and maintain balance.

In TCVM, these effects are described in terms of “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flowing through the body. When this flow is disrupted, it can lead to imbalance and illness. Acupuncture aims to restore the smooth flow of Qi and promote overall wellness.

What should you expect during a session?

Dr. Hartman will begin with a thorough examination of your pet, including an evaluation of pulses, tongue, and sensitive areas along the body. She will also take time to discuss your pet’s medical history, behavior, diet, activity level, and any symptoms you’ve noticed at home. The pre-visit questionnaire streamlines this process and allows her to titrate treatment to fit your specific pet’s needs. 

Together, you’ll review your goals for treatment. While acupuncture can be very helpful, it is often most effective when combined with other medical approaches. Dr. Hartman will also explain what acupuncture can and cannot address.

Based on this information, she will determine a TCVM pattern diagnosis. These diagnoses may have unfamiliar names like Liver Heat or Spleen Qi deficiency, but they are simply a way of identifying imbalances in the body to guide treatment and do not indicate actual disease in the liver or spleen.

Treatment involves placing very small, thin needles into specific points on the body. In some cases, additional techniques such as vitamin B12 injections, laser therapy, or gentle electrical stimulation may be used. Most pets tolerate acupuncture very well and often relax during treatment.

Initial visits typically last about 60 minutes, while follow-up appointments are usually 30–45 minutes. Many conditions require a series of treatments before noticeable improvement is seen. Treatment frequency will depend on your pet’s specific needs and may be adjusted over time but can vary from every 2 weeks to multiple visits a week depending on the condition.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture can:

• Relieve pain
• Reduce inflammation
• Support digestion
• Help regulate the immune and hormonal systems
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Promote healing of tissues

Is Pet Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is considered very safe. Most pets tolerate it without any issues. Occasionally, there may be mild soreness, slight bleeding, or bruising at a needle site. Some pets may feel tired after treatment, but this is usually short-lived. If you ever have concerns, you are encouraged to contact the clinic.

What conditions can acupuncture help treat?

Acupuncture can be used to support a wide range of conditions and improve quality of life. 

While it may not cure every condition, it can be an effective part of a comprehensive care plan. Conditions that may benefit include:

• Arthritis and joint issues
• Injuries affecting muscles, joints, or spine
• Neurological conditions and nerve pain
• Certain seizure disorders
• Anxiety and behavioral concerns
• Digestive issues (such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea)
• Urinary conditions
• Chronic kidney disease
• Allergies and respiratory conditions

Pet Acupuncture near me! Why choose Heritage Animal Hospital for acupuncture?

Dr. Hartman pursued training in veterinary acupuncture after seeing its positive impact on her own senior rescue dogs. She completed certification through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) in 2025–2026 and continues to expand her expertise in TCVM. She is currently working toward certification in Tui-na through the Chi Institute.

As with all of our other traditional western therapies, we take the time: to explain the process, to make sure your pet is comfortable, to make sure that we follow up and modify therapies as needed.  We know that if you are on board your pet will get the best care possible.

If it's time to learn how acupuncture may benefit your dog or cat, we welcome you to contact 
Heritage Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment.

Pet Acupuncture Intake Form

*PDF above is a copy of the form below for your reference. You do not need to print it out or bring a copy to your appointemnt.