Northwestern Health Sciences University Helps Pass Animal Chiropractic Legislation

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Recent state legislation concludes that animals may undergo chiropractic care in Minnesota, as long as they are referred to the chiropractor by their veterinarian. Jim Hulbert, PhD, associate professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University, was one of several key players who testified at four committee hearings of the Minnesota House and Senate. With their influence, the new legislation was signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty on May 12, 2008. The law now reads that pet owners can bring their animals - typically dogs, cats and horses – to see an animal chiropractor with only a referral from their veterinarian.

Animal chiropractic can be used as a drug-free treatment for a physical concern, or simply as wellness care. “Treatment for animals is very similar to the chiropractic treatment of humans and is given for the same reasons. It keeps the nervous system in accurate communication with the body,” says Annie Seefeldt, DC, CVSMT, graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University and the first animal chiropractor to be registered with the Minnesota Board of Chiropractors.

Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a wide array of choices in natural health care education including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage and human biology. The University has nearly 1,000 students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minnesota.