Business Details
22 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Integrative Veterinary Care in Sylva, NC
Founded in 2004, Shearer Pet Health Hospital has been at the forefront of integrative veterinary care in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. Our practice, led by Dr. Tami Shearer, combines conventional medicine with alternative therapies such as acupuncture, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, and advanced rehabilitation techniques. With over 1,000 hours of continuing education, Dr. Shearer holds certifications in pain management, rehabilitation, and hospice care, establishing her as a global leader in veterinary palliative care. We specialize in managing chronic illnesses, post-injury recovery, and end-of-life care, offering personalized treatment plans that prioritize comfort and quality of life.Our teams expertise extends to hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and stem cell treatments, supported by state-of-the-art equipment designed to enhance recovery. Recognized for pioneering the first pet hospice center in the U.S., we remain committed to advancing veterinary care through education, research, and compassionate service. Our clinic serves pets across the southeastern United States, providing evidence-based, holistic solutions tailored to each patients unique needs.
Services
Acupuncture
Palliative Care
Rehabilitation
Herbal Therapy
Laser Therapy
Hospice Care
Pain Management
Hydrotherapy
Stem Cell Therapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer over 1,000 hours of advanced veterinary education in integrative therapies.
- Our team holds unique global certifications in pain management and hospice care.
- We pioneered the first U.S. pet hospice center and developed industry standards.
- Our low-risk, non-invasive treatments minimize medication reliance and side effects.
- We provide personalized care plans tailored to each pets medical and emotional needs.
What people say
Brilliant, caring, and skilled
Amazing staff
Extended my pet's life
Compassionate end-of-life care
Low-stress environment
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine needles at specific points to alleviate pain and improve organ function. It treats conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, and chronic pain with minimal side effects. Backed by scientific research, this therapy enhances blood flow and releases natural painkillers, offering a safe alternative for pets unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms for pets with chronic or terminal illnesses. We create customized plans to manage pain, mobility issues, and emotional well-being. Our approach combines medication, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive therapies to maximize comfort and dignity during advanced stages of disease.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation employs exercises, hydrotherapy, and equipment like treadmills to restore mobility and strength. Ideal for post-surgery recovery or managing degenerative conditions, our programs are tailored to each pets physical capabilities. Techniques reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and accelerate healing without invasive procedures.
Herbal Therapy
Herbal therapy utilizes plant-based formulas to address digestive, respiratory, and immune system disorders. Formulated under traditional Chinese medicine principles, these blends target root causes of illness while supporting organ health. Combined with conventional treatments, they enhance recovery and reduce medication dependency.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy applies focused light energy to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation. Effective for wounds, arthritis, and post-operative healing, it accelerates tissue regeneration without pain. This non-invasive option provides rapid relief for pets with acute injuries or chronic conditions like joint degeneration.
People
Dr. Tami Shearer
Veterinarian & Founder
Dr. Shearer graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. She holds certifications in acupuncture, pain management, and hospice care, with over 1,000 hours of continuing education. A pioneer in veterinary palliative care, she authored textbooks and developed the 5-Step Hospice Care Plan for pets.
Mary Jo Bale
Veterinary Assistant
Mary Jo joined the clinic in 2010 after her dog received rehabilitation care here. With a hospitality background, she focuses on client comfort and patient care. She enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and pets on the Little Tennessee River.
David Messer
Veterinary Technician
David has over 30 years of veterinary experience, joining the team in 2009. He combines traditional skills with regional knowledge to support patient care. Outside work, he manages a farm and hosts camping programs with his wife, Sissy.
Ted Rowe
Office Manager
Ted oversees clinic operations, leveraging 33 years of production management experience. He ensures smooth administrative workflows and client communication. Ted enjoys hiking, canoeing, and restoring vintage train cabooses as vacation rentals.
Questions
What services does Smoky Mountain Integrative Veterinary Clinic offer?
We provide acupuncture, palliative care, rehabilitation, herbal therapy, and laser treatments for pets with chronic illnesses, mobility issues, or end-of-life needs.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (828) 665-4399 during business hours or request a referral from your primary veterinarian for after-hours emergencies.
Does the clinic accept pet insurance?
We recommend checking with your insurance provider, as many policies cover our integrative treatments and rehabilitation services.
What areas do you serve?
We serve pets across the southeastern United States, with clients traveling for our specialized integrative care programs.
Can you help pets with terminal illnesses?
Yes, our palliative and hospice care focuses on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for pets and owners during terminal illness.
What makes your clinic unique?
Dr. Shearer’s global certifications in integrative therapies and our pioneering role in veterinary hospice care set us apart as leaders in holistic pet medicine.