Tennessee Veterinarians Sound Alarm Over Proposed Animal Chiropractic Bill
A controversial legislative proposal in Tennessee has sparked intense debate among veterinary professionals who warn that expanding chiropractic care for animals without proper oversight could endanger pet health. The Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) is leading opposition to SB 0128/HB 0164, which would permit human chiropractors to diagnose and treat animals while streamlining veterinary licensure processes.
Patient Safety Concerns
Dr. Cindy Schmidt, incoming TVMA president, emphasized the unique challenges of animal care: "While we appreciate chiropractic expertise in human medicine, animal anatomy and pain response differ dramatically. Animals can't verbalize their discomfort, making accurate diagnosis and treatment without veterinary training potentially dangerous."
The association outlined specific risks including:
Potential misdiagnosis of serious conditions like cancer or neurological disorders
Risk of spinal injuries from improper adjustments, especially in small or elderly animals
Delayed access to appropriate veterinary care when underlying conditions go unrecognized
Legislative Details and Pushback
The bill's provisions would accelerate veterinary license approvals while creating new practice allowances for chiropractors. TVMA leaders argue this combination could compromise animal welfare standards.
"This isn't about professional turf—it's about ensuring all animal healthcare providers have appropriate species-specific training," Schmidt added. The association points to existing pathways for veterinary chiropractic certification, which require additional animal-focused education beyond human chiropractic degrees.
National Context
The Tennessee legislation comes as other states grapple with similar scope-of-practice questions. Most states currently require veterinary supervision for animal chiropractic care, with only a handful permitting independent practice.
As the bill moves through committee, TVMA is mobilizing members to contact legislators while educating pet owners about potential risks. The association emphasizes that while complementary therapies can benefit animals when properly administered, they should remain under veterinary oversight.
The debate highlights growing tensions as non-traditional animal therapies gain popularity while veterinary organizations work to maintain medical standards. With pet owners increasingly seeking alternative treatments, the outcome could set important precedents for animal healthcare regulation.
