Dr. Lily Chen

15/08/2024

🐾 You’re probably familiar with Vitamin D – the beloved “sunshine vitamin” that our doctors frequently test in us. But what about our furry friends? Vitamin D is often overlooked in routine pet testing, and that’s where our holistic journey comes in.

Vitamin D is a key player in keeping their immune system in top shape and inflammation in check. Unfortunately, many pets are deficient, especially those battling serious illnesses like cancer. Unlike humans, pets can't produce enough Vitamin D from sun exposure alone due to their fur, making it crucial to ensure they’re getting it from their diet.

At Integrative Pet Wellness Center, we’re committed to holistic care, and that includes regular Vitamin D testing and targeted supplementation for our pet patients. 🌞

Curious about how Vitamin D affects your pet’s health? Learn more here: https://integrativepet.com/blog/unveiling-the-sunshine-vitamin-a-vital-component-of-pet-health/

Dear friends,

13/08/2024

🌸 Today, I’m celebrating a heartwarming moment with our sweet Lavender, who has shown incredible resilience after overcoming a serious case of hemoabdomen. Seeing Lavender so happy, healthy, and snuggled up close to me is a beautiful reminder of the power of love, expert care, and a little bit of hope. 💖

These moments remind me why I do what I do—because every pet deserves the chance to heal, love, and be loved. Thank you, Lavender, for allowing me to be part of your journey. 🐾

09/08/2024

We have had so many things to celebrate and to be thankful for... Our Client Appreciation Party on July 20th was an absolute blast! 🥳🐾

From the moment the first guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric with laughter, happy hugs, and an overall sense of joy. 🌈 The turnout was incredible, with so many of our wonderful clients coming together to celebrate and mingle with their precious pets. 🐶🐱

The food was amazing, but the conversations were even better.

🍴🗣️ We loved hearing your stories and seeing the bonds you share with your pets.

A special shoutout to everyone who participated in our 1st ever Unicorn Bash! 🦄✨ It was a unique highlight that added an extra sprinkle of magic to the day.

And for those who missed our special invitation: We were thrilled to extend a heartfelt farewell to Shannon, who’s off to pursue her dream of becoming a Veterinarian. We celebrated with an afternoon filled with gratitude, fun, and farewells. 💕

Here's what we enjoyed:
• Delicious food and refreshing drinks
• Exciting raffle and giveaways with fantastic prizes, including a spa package for your fur baby
• Complimentary pet massages by Maria, Liz & Dr. Gaby, and aquapuncture sessions with Dr. Chen (those who RSVP’d were lucky to get a spot!)
• *And so much more!

And if you haven’t heard the exciting news: we introduced 3 new unicorns who have joined our team!🦄

Thank you to all our valued clients. Your trust in us to care for your beloved pets means the world to us. We look forward to continuing to serve you and your pets for many years to come. Thank you for being a part of our Unicorn family!

Check out these photos from the event! 📸 We can't wait to create more memories with all of you.

06/08/2024

🌿🐾 Nutrition is more than just food in a bowl. This topic is so close to my heart because it truly is the foundation of health. In my latest blog, I share insights from my journey in vet school to incorporating fresh, quality ingredients into pets' diets. 🥗✨

Whether your pet is on kibble or fresh food, variety and quality are key. 🥕🍗 Discover how small changes can make a huge difference in your pet’s well-being.

Read the full blog here (it includes my recommendations and a few general strategies for you. Let me know your thoughts! 💬🐶❤️

👉 https://integrativepet.com/blog/nutrition-is-more-than-just-food-in-a-bowl/

Hello my beautiful unicorn community 💖, Can you believe how quickly summer has flown by? It's my favorite season, full of life, energy, joy, and...

05/08/2024

Starting the week with some unicorn magic is just what we all need. Happy Monday, everyone! 🌈✨

I always say that we're unicorns at Integrative Pet Wellness Center because what we offer in pet healthcare is unique, innovative, different, special... all with prioritizing pet health over all else. Seeing Oliver's mum being such a fan warmed my heart so much. ❤️

Oliver's mum wanted to add a sprinkle of magic to his visit, so he's dressed as the cutest unicorn ever. 🐶🦄 Oliver's costume certainly brought a lot of smiles to all of his fellow unicorns here at IPWC! 😁

Photo: ✨ Our amazing vet tech, Liz, and the magical Oliver the Unicorn 🦄✨

Does your pet have a favorite costume? Share a pic in the comments and let us know! 📸👇

01/08/2024

🐾 Choosing the best pet insurance for your pet is crucial, especially when it comes to alternative therapies! 🌟 Here are our TOP 3 recommendations that cover alternative therapies to ensure your pet gets the best holistic care possible:

1️⃣ Healthy Paws
2️⃣ Trupanion (Recovery & Complementary Care Rider)
3️⃣ Spot Pet

** Be sure to verify with your insurance provider regarding their coverage details and whether you need to add any additional riders. The recommendations provided are sourced from the respective websites.**

Check out which insurance company covers specific alternative therapies such as acupuncture therapy, laser therapy, rehabilitative therapy, and massage therapy for pets. 🐶🐱

🗣️ Have you considered pet insurance for your pet? Share your thoughts and experiences with us below! 👇

30/07/2024

🦄 New Unicorns in The House! There are now FIVE doctors at Integrative Pet Wellness Center 📣

We have the joy of welcoming our newest members — Dr. Stephen, Dr. Rachel, and Mickie. Each of them brings their own unique sparkle to our unicorn team.

Dr. Stephen, who did an externship with us during vet school, seamlessly blended with our energy and vibe. He embodies our unicorn spirit—dedicated to deep-rooted healing, open-mindedness, and gentle guidance. Now, as a full-time associate veterinarian, he is ready to meet all your beloved pets.

Dr. Rachel’s journey with me has been nothing short of magical. From being a veterinary technician at my first job to joining me in my second, and now becoming a veterinarian herself, our shared path is a story of growth and partnership. Having her back with us feels like a full-circle moment. She will be here part-time to add her magical touch!

And then there’s Mickie, our new veterinary assistant. She started as a technician intern and quickly captured our hearts with her compassion, quick wit, and innovative mind. Her humor and leadership are just the cherries on top. We are thrilled she said yes to joining our team!

What makes our unicorn team so special is that our members find their way to us, drawn by our energy and alignment, usually at the perfect time 🌈. I am beyond excited to explore new possibilities with these magical new additions.

Learn all about them on my blog post: https://integrativepet.com/blog/love-is-the-word-new-unicorns-in-the-house/

19/07/2024

Seeing happy pets fills my heart with joy!

🐾 Regular exercise is vital for your pet’s physical and mental health 🐶🏃‍♂️

Daily walks, playtime, spending time with them, and interactive toys can prevent obesity and reduce anxiety. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bond with your pet! ❤️

How do you keep your pet active? Share your favorite activities below! 👇

21/06/2024

This morning I meditated to a visualization about children building sand castles on the beach. When a big wave comes in and takes out the sand castle - some children cry and get very upset about the castle they had spent time to build and some children delight in the excitement of the big wave, amazed at the force, and excitedly jumps back in and begin building another castle again.

It resonated with me. Sometimes I spend weeks, months, even years building something. And in an instant, the efforts can be completely erased.

And I have learned. That I am strong enough to start over again. It won’t be the same castle. But I love the process of building, of the uniqueness of each experience, and finding the joy in the process of all of it, rather than getting attached to the finished product.

Then in my gratitude practice after the meditation, the first thing that came to mind was all my teachers, coaches, mentors, guides, and friends who have inspired me, taught me, and helped me grow. I have usually been worried about doing individual shout outs because I’m always worried about leaving someone out, but the generic “you know who you are” just won’t work here, but today I am holding a space for all my teachers. Well, most of them probably won’t even see this post. But there are those who stood out - the people that came to mind that I am so grateful you were there and taught me valuable lessons along the way. So thank you for being my most inspiring teachers along the way - David Mochel, Karl Jandrey, David Bruyette, , .sosa84, James Delano, .heller. ❤️ today I am sending my gratitude to you.

14/02/2022

This keeps showing up in my life lately.

I don’t know who needs to hear it. But don’t ever give up on your dreams.

Some days it seems really far away.
Some days it feels like crazy talk.

But don’t ever give up.

If you can dream it, you can do it.
It’s true.
💕

12/02/2022

Dr.Anne and Karina used to work together as technicians many moons ago - I’ve gotten to know them separately - one through connection with acupuncture training and one through a recommendation by a client. But all of our paths crossed in this little community known as 💕

I love how everything works out and the world is so small - bringing people together. We have amazing energy going into work everyday. I can’t believe how this adventure has taken off. It makes my heart explode sometimes. ❤️

We just keep taking steps and following our hearts. Good things are coming.

09/02/2022

Starting my housecall practice was one of the best things I have ever decided for myself. It allowed me to practice the care I wanted and set the standard that felt right to me. I got to know my patients and the family at a meaningful level which allowed me to care for them in a more personal and purposeful way. I loved every aspect of being able to care for them in their home. ❤️Although I have grown into my brick and mortar practice, this dream really started with the housecall practice. I wouldn’t be able to have my unicorn practice without everything I learned in my housecall practice.

I wish I had Dr. Eve’s course The House Call Vet Academy] when I was starting! It would’ve been amazing to have this guidance and community - it would have saved me so much time and struggle. 😅

If you are in the vet med space and curious about the housecall practice, or even if you have already established your practice, you should check it out - for me, there are so much pearls and wisdom, as well as support and camaraderie. I know vet med sometimes feels like a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be! Find you tribe and it will help you thrive 💯 %!

❤️ The House Call Vet Academy]

17/01/2022

Not a bad view for an office today.😊

Small business ownership is not for the faint of heart. 😅 Starting it in 2020 during the pandemic and navigating all the ups and downs of this interesting world has been quite a ride.
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Truth be told - Sometimes I look at the other veterinary start up’s - the ones that have millions of dollars in funding - and I get a little discouraged.
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But then, I remember my team, my clients, my patients. The kind of healing space we have created. And I truly feel no amount of funding replaces the hearts of people who are building this community together.
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A leap of faith got me here. Since then, I’ve not regretted one second of it.
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So, one step in front of another. Let’s see where this takes me.
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01/01/2022

This year went by so fast.

I started with so much uncertainty. Where is this practice going?
What should be my next step?
How do I create this healing space for everyone?
Is this going to work?
What if I am not good enough?
How can I do better?

What I am learning is - it’s always going to be a journey and I can always do better. What matters is everyone along the way. Each day, just showing up and doing my best. Sometimes slowing down to appreciate everything around me. Breathe, and keep taking small steps forward.

I found that the universe gave me a resounding yes when I trusted and believed in this journey.

On our last team meeting of the year, we wrote down for each other the first things that come to mind when we think of each other.

Here’s mine:
Lily -
Decision
Commitment
Empathy
Manifestor
Passionate
Heart-based
Generous
Dreamer
Multitasker

I’m humbled and proud. And filled with courage and determination. If these are my superpowers then I will lean fully into these in the upcoming year.

My promise is that I will always keep an open mind and listening ears. This practice will continue to be the unicorn practice and we will continue to push the envelope on what a veterinary practice can be.

The future is filled with possibilities. ❤️ Come watch our unicorn team take off in 2022. Next year, we fly and let the dreams become reality.

#2022

02/10/2021

I almost never drink coffee. 🤗

The exceptions are usually when I’m away at conferences or trainings. It is an indulgence and a little something boost me everyday. I actually quite enjoy this little conference ritual I have. ☕️

I found this serene spot in Reno and it’s a perfect location to wind down after the being in a conference room in a casino for two days. 😚

My veterinary journey has taken a life changing turn in 2020 when I decided to dive in full time into my own integrative practice. Since then, I have had the freedom to explore out-of-the-box ideas, grow in non-conventional ways, and stay true to my calling.

It’s more about healing than doctoring. ❤️

It’s not having to say “There is nothing more we can do for your pet.” 💕

It’s about listening more than talking. 💛

It’s shedding the ego of having to be right and the expert, but rather - be the guide and partner in the pet’s wellness journey. 💞

It’s about finding the people who also believe in the same things. ✨

My brain is full of new knowledge and information - stimulated and motivated to offer another option in holistic care.🌈

And my heart is full being in the place I love the most - ever learning and ever growing.

It might be the coffee talking after the three days of it, 😆 but I am so freaking excited to get back to clinic and get started.🔥

01/08/2021

It’s been a little while since I had a full update! I’ve been busy! The clinic has made so much progress since the day I moved in. AND, we are expanding!🎉🎉🎉

Get a tour of what the clinic looks like now and a sneak peak at the space we are expanding into. 🥳

So grateful to share this journey with each and everyone of you. 💕

Special shout out to:
for bringing my vision to life.🙌

for finding the perfect location.💪

for amazing website design and support. 💻

and the unicorn team for making it all possible 🦄

And ALL OF YOU who have been on this journey with me.💜💜💜

Can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds! ☺️❤️

01/07/2021

We sat in the lavender field and had our team meeting.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I can't believe how much this practice has grown, and we are talking and dreaming up our future plans. My mission has always been promoting the human-animal bond and creating that healing space to do this work. Being on this journey and watching this dream come true has been quite an exhilarating ride. Each step led naturally to another, to another. And the dream that once was an idea floating in my head is surely turning into reality. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Vet med can be so incredibly healing. I am not saying it is easy. But I am saying it is fulfilling and purposeful. You just have to really know your why. And then, be the unicorn that follow your heart. Also, find other unicorns. 😄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I wish I can bottle up the smell of the lavender around me. Also, this team of unicorns has big plans... 😃Stay tuned...

18/06/2021

Happy team = Happy life⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Have you thought about what veterinary care really is?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As primary care - we are here as receptionist, client service representative, technician, pharmacist, dermatologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedist, cardiologist, neurologist, surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, retailer, janitor, masseuse, holistic practitioner, healer, acupuncturist, herbalist, food therapist, physical therapist, emotional support. I don’t know another medical profession where you can go into one facility and do all this.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We coordinate, help, diagnose, treat, get lab samples, interpret results, discuss, prescribe, follow up. We listen, we respond. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We care. A lot. We wouldn’t stay in this profession if we didn’t care.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I’ve recently had many conversations with people outside of this profession of why veterinary profession has such a high rate of burn out, especially since the pandemic started, and the highest rate of su***de compared to other professions. What goes behind the scenes, and on the inside, may not be something that can ever be understood from the outside.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When I set out to create my practice, I know the most important thing is to take care of us first. It may sound selfish, but I have seen and experienced the overwork - physically and emotionally - leads to mistakes, lower quality care, and apathy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And that is why I’m so grateful to have a team who share the same vision and have each other’s backs. A team who can be open, honest, vulnerable with each other without judgement.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Unicorns in Vet Med. 🦄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Happy Veterinary Appreciation Day. 😀

07/06/2021

Good-byes are the hardest thing ever. 💔⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Having this moment with Cooper, to be able to pet him in his favorite spots, to have his paw on me, and to see his face and look in his eyes remind me of the years we have had. ❤️Every week he came and it was always a delight and a regularity I treasured in my life. My heart was full of gratitude to have known him and his family, for his wonderful human parents who allowed me to share part of this story and journey. 💜He always wanted attention and carried the best smile, and treats are the keys to his heart 😄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It was the first time for as long as I can remember to say good-bye to my long term patient, knowing it was time, but not being the doctor to perform the euthanasia (for now, I am not offering this service). It allowed me to connect purely as a friend to honor the time and bond we've had (though I don't know what he really thought of me 😅 as I always poked him with small needles, but then there were always treats involved too 😉). But then on this last time, he put his paw on me, and dad said that was how he always liked to "claim his person". So I was glad that I was accepted as "his person" ❤️.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The losses always take me a long time to process. And the special ones make a mark on the heart. I know the heartaches are reminders that we have loved. And in time, I know I will always smile when I think of him. I hope you are running and jumping around like crazy now Cooper, and eating everything in sight 😄 Hope they are all delicious, yummy treats for you! I definitely will miss you 💜

06/05/2021

Once upon a time I was a baby vet...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I was so lucky to have mentors who supported me and guided me through the deep learning curve of being out in the real world as a veterinarian.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Once upon a time I was a baby acupuncturist...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And I had a wonderful community to turn to for questions and growth. There was a generous tribe full of resources and ready to support me whenever I needed guidance.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And then recently I became a baby practice owner...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As this journey unfolds I find myself ever so lucky to have people who believe in me, encourage me, and give me valuable advice at every turn.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And now, I am mentoring, guiding, sharing, collaborating, and ever learning and ever growing. I truly believe this profession has some of the most compassionate and resilient people. It is always collaboration over competition for me and together we can learn so much from each other as we grow together. I find so much joy and happiness in connecting with similar minded colleagues. It's been awesome having some other doctors spending time with me at . Looking forward to having a few more in the near future!

27/04/2021

A few weeks back I lost a few patients who are near and dear to my heart.
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The heartbreak took me a while to process - this is one of the hardest things of this profession. I haven't been able to put into words about my own loss of my 17 year old Pomeranian either. I keep coming back to the good memories, but it's really hard to shake the emptiness that comes with the loss.
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The heartache reminds us that we have cared and loved.
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Time heals, and I know we are truly blessed to have known these amazing souls.
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Across the rainbow bridge - I know they are running free, chasing balls, barking at squirrels and eating strawberries. I miss them, but will carry them in my heart.
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25/04/2021

It's World Veterinary Day. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I've only ever had this one profession I would consider, always knew I would do this job, and happy to say I still love what I do every day. There is so much compassion and resilience in our profession. And yes, there are days that cause heart breaks, there are days that make adrenaline rush through the blood, there are days where I get emotionally and physically drained. But then, more are the days I find great joy in feeling the purpose, value, and love in the things I do and making differences in the pets and people's lives. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Love this job.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Come find me and my amazing team at our new heart-centered, unicorn-spirited practice @ https://www.facebook.com/integrativepet