About Dr. Wolf

How I became a holistic veterinarian

about-dr-wolfIn 1990 my dog Isis was seriously ill and was not getting any better with the drugs I had been taught to give her. A friend said why not try homeopathy and I knew I had nothing to lose as I could tell she was dying. I consulted with Dr. Richard Pitcairn and started to cook her meals and strengthen her immune system and use the homeopathic remedies he prescribed. I was amazed by the changes in her and it was a miracle to see her become a beautiful healthy animal again. It is no coincidence that Isis is the Egyptian Goddess of healing, and I know this special dog came to teach me so much and show me what I should do. You can read more about Isis’ story here.

The first rule of medicine is “First Do No Harm” and this is what I determined to do. So I studied more and came to the US where I started working full time as a holistic vet in 1993. I use homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, flower essences, reiki and other holistic modalities. It just makes so much more sense to treat the body and make it healthy than just to use drugs and surgery to suppress the body. It is such a joy to see an animal raised and treated holistically glowing with health and bouncing with energy. My own animals are my own personal testimony to this fact.

Through these experiences and my extensive travels I have learned about holistic health practices and have incorporated them into my daily vet practice. The true healer knows that what they do is to help the body heal itself, and this is what holistic medicine aims to do. I feel privileged to be able to live my dream this way and know that the modalities I use have healed many animals which conventional treatment can no longer help. Every day I see animals like this and my joy comes from being able to participate in their healing and restore their innate health.

Biographical Information

about-dr-wolfBorn Sheffield, England in 1963. I decided to become a veterinarian at the age of five years, or as long as I can remember, and kept numerous pets and horses as I was growing up which helped me come to understand and love animals of all kinds. Maintained a guinea-pig breeding program throughout high school and worked in local riding stables and kept horses, dogs, rabbits and cats and spent time at local veterinary clinics.

Took a year off between college and worked on a small pony stud, with heritage cattle and sheep where I gained invaluable practical knowledge before pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Studied at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University, UK from 1982 to 1985 and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Medical Sciences (Pre-Veterinary) in June 1985.

Continued my veterinary studies at Darwin College, Cambridge University from 1985 to 1988 and graduated June 1988 with a Veterinary Degree, Vet. MB and also received a distinction in Surgery and Pathology.

During my time in college I traveled extensively and spent one summer in Africa where I was able to study the different methods of veterinary medicine and participate in a development project involving vaccination against indigenous diseases on the Isle of Zanzibar with the USO Overseas as a student intern. I also spent a summer as a camp counselor in NY State running the horse back riding program, and teaching kids of all ages.

Worked in Hong Kong from January 1989 to April 1992, when I became interested in complementary medicine and studied Bach Flower Remedies, Herbal Healing, Reiki, Homeopathy and Nutritional Therapy with a holistic healer whom I knew and studied independently and introduced holistic medicine into the practice there. Initially I worked in a busy clinic then moved to run a satellite clinic within the same practice of Green Cross Veterinary Clinics.

Reiki, Level I and II, certification completed during that time. Reiki Master training was completed as well during that time and I was re-certified in 2020 as a Reiki Master in the USA.

Bach Flower Courses also competed during that time and introduced into my practice.

Traveled through Asia and was able to spend time in Nepal, China, Tibet and Thailand learning more about the culture and get some insight into the different methods of healing there and visited Tibetan Medical Institute.

Returned to UK and studied for my USA License examinations and got my Florida and Texas licenses in July 1994. During that time I completed a book to help other veterinarians complete their license process in the USA which was completed and published in April 1994, by VCRC. I also wrote a fun book on Pet Astrology which I hope to finish and update when life slows down.

Moved to Texas and studied for my Certification in both Veterinary Homeopathy and Veterinary Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with IVAS, which was the main available course at that time and remains one of the leading acupuncture courses in the world. I successfully completed my acupuncture certification in 1996. 

about-dr-wolfPracticed exclusively Holistic Veterinary Medicine from June 1994 to the present, including Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Bach Flower remedies and other Flower Essences, Nutrition and Nutritional supplements such as Vitamins and Minerals, Herbs and other Holistic Modalities. I was fortunate to work and study for four years with one of the pioneering holistic veterinarians in the USA, Dr. Norman Ralston DVM in Dallas, Texas. During my time there I learned and studied acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicines and gained invaluable practical knowledge and experience into all aspects of holistic veterinary medicine. Working in a fully integrated veterinary clinic from 1994 to 1998 gave me invaluable training and experience, and immersion into being a holistic veterinarian, in addition to the many courses I have completed.

Developed and designed website with numerous articles on holistic veterinary medicine at www.petsynergy.com many of which are published in other places too and shared on holistic websites from 1996 onwards, and took all the photos for my current website.

Studied Herbal Medicine with Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association and visited Dr. Richard Pitcairn’s Clinic in Eugene, Oregon to get some invaluable insights into his practice and methods.

Articles published in Incredible Times magazine, California Woman magazine, City and Country Pets magazine, Alternative Medicine Magazine, Port Townsend Food Coop Magazine and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Journal and was featured in other publications such as the Whole Cat Journal, Whole Horse Journal and Cat Fancy magazine some of which are available for your perusal on my Articles page.

January 1998 to September 2001 I ran a very busy housecall and phone consultation practice in Dallas, Texas for people seeking holistic care for their companion animals and have treated a wild range of creatures from dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, rabbits, ferrets to the more unusual such as raccoons and opossums. I attended a course on the use of holistic veterinary medicine with wildlife rehabilitation and was able to incorporate that into my practice and work with wildlife using homeopathy and herbs.

During this time I was featured in several books and magazine articles on Holistic Veterinary Medicine as well as appearing on local TV and Radio. I am still hoping to write my own book on the subject when I have more time, and I am available for talks and seminars as well as freelance writing and educational articles. I appeared regularly from 2001 to 2003 on a radio show called Animal World answering veterinary questions as well as doing pet astrology for people’s animal companions.

I relocated to Orcas Island, Washington State September 2001 and then moved to Spokane. I had a baby in January 2004 and moved back to the Coast in June 2006 and I currently live on the Olympic Peninsula, in Brinnon area, where I am available for house-calls within a reasonable distance, as well as phone and emails consultations elsewhere. My, now teenager, is a great animal lover too and determined to grow up and adopt a lot of cats, as well as having several reptiles including snakes, lizards and leopard geckos.

PetSynergy has been in business for 25 years as of January 1st 2023. I started in Dallas in January 1998 and did strictly house-calls until I opened my Office in Carrollton a year or two later, then in Sept 2001 I was pulled to move to Washington State and lived on Orcas in the San Juan Islands and moved temporarily to Spokane, then Seattle, finally settling on the Olympic Peninsula in May 2006 where I have lived ever since. I had not planned so many moves and would like to thank my many loyal clients for continuing to be my clients, despite the miles apart, including my clients from Hong Kong, where I worked from 1989 to 1993. I have had an unusual traveling and long-distance practice and am honored that I have clients from over twenty years ago still consult with me on a regular basis. Not to mention encompassing motherhood, and my own animal family into my busy life too. Thank you to everyone and your animal friends, many of whom are into the second or third generation now. I appreciate all of your support through the years, and have met some wonderful people and friends, both human and animal since starting PetSynergy all those years ago! It has been quite the journey in many ways!

Now in 2023 I have built up my practice, on the Olympic Peninsula and changed my name to Dr. Anna Maria Wolf. I make regular trips to Sequim, Port Angeles, and Port Townsend as well as Kitsap and Mason County when my schedule permits. I maintain a busy consultation practice and continue to study and learn. I taught regularly at a canine hydrotherapy class in a local area, integrating their course of study with veterinary medicine and giving a veterinarian perspective as well as giving some classes at local pet stores and animal shelters.

I recently introduced cold laser, and laser acupuncture to my practice which has complemented acupuncture and can also perform laser acupuncture which has proved useful in cats (or some dogs) who might not do well with needles.

Completed several continuing education in Chinese Herbal Medicine to expand my knowledge from my original training with Lotus Institute as well as regular CE. I am Certified by IVAS for both Acupuncture (CVA) and Certification in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine (VCHM).

Attend Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference every year both in person and virtually during the pandemic. 

Current member of American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, International Veterinary Acupuncture Association, Washington Veterinary Medical Association and College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.

Biographical Information

about-dr-wolfBorn Sheffield, England in 1963. I decided to become a veterinarian at the age of five years, or as long as I can remember, and kept numerous pets and horses as I was growing up which helped me come to understand and love animals of all kinds. Maintained a guinea-pig breeding program throughout high school and worked in local riding stables and kept horses, dogs and cats and spent time at local veterinary clinics.

Took a year off between college and worked on a small pony stud, with heritage cattle and sheep where I gained invaluable practical knowledge before pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Studied at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University, UK from 1982 to 1985 and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Medical Sciences (Pre-Veterinary) in June 1985.

Continued my veterinary studies at Darwin College, Cambridge University from 1985 to 1988 and graduated June 1988 with a Veterinary Degree, Vet. MB and a distinction in Surgery and Pathology from my time there.

During my time in college I traveled extensively and spent one summer in Africa where I was able to study the different methods of veterinary medicine and participate in a development project involving vaccination against indigenous diseases on the Isle of Zanzibar with the USO Overseas as a student intern. I also spent a summer as a camp counselor in NY State running the horse back riding program, and teaching kids of all ages.

Worked in Hong Kong from January 1989 to April 1992, when I became interested in complementary medicine and studied Bach Flower Remedies, Herbal Healing, Reiki, Homeopathy and Nutritional Therapy with a holistic healer whom I knew and studied independently and introduced holistic medicine into the practice there. Initially I worked in a busy clinic then moved to run a satellite clinic within the same practice of Green Cross Veterinary Clinics.

Reiki, Level I and II, certification completed during that time.

Bach Flower Courses also competed during that time and introduced into my practice.

Traveled through Asia and was able to spend time in Nepal, China, Tibet and Thailand learning more about the culture and get some insight into the different methods of healing there and visited Tibetan Medical Institute.

Returned to UK and studied for my USA License examinations and got my Florida and Texas licenses in July 1994. During that time I completed a book to help other veterinarians complete their license process in the USA which was completed and published in April 1994, by VCRC. I also wrote a fun book on Pet Astrology which I hope to finish and update when life slows down.

Moved to Texas and studied for my Certification in both Veterinary Homeopathy and Veterinary Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with IVAS, which was the main available course at that time and remains one of the leading acupuncture courses in the world. I successfully completed my acupuncture certification in 1996.

about-dr-wolfPracticed exclusively Holistic Veterinary Medicine from June 1994 to the present, including Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Bach Flower remedies and other Flower Essences, Nutrition and Nutritional supplements such as Vitamins and Minerals, Herbs and other Holistic Modalities. I was fortunate to work and study for four years with one of the pioneering holistic veterinarians in the USA, Dr. Norman Ralston DVM in Dallas, Texas. During my time there I learned and studied acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicines and gained invaluable practical knowledge and experience into all aspects of holistic veterinary medicine.

Developed and designed website with numerous articles on holistic veterinary medicine at www.petsynergy.com many of which are published in other places too and shared on holistic websites.

Studied Herbal Medicine with Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association and visited Dr. Richard Pitcairn’s Clinic in Eugene, Oregon to get some invaluable insights into his practice and methods.

Articles published in Incredible Times magazine, California Woman magazine, City and Country Pets magazine, Alternative Medicine Magazine, and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Journal and was featured in other publications such as the Whole Cat Journal, Whole Horse Journal and Cat Fancy magazine some of which are available for your perusal on my Articles page.

January 1998 to September 2001 I ran a very busy housecall and phone consultation practice in Dallas, Texas for people seeking holistic care for their companion animals and have treated a wild range of creatures from dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, rabbits, ferrets to the more unusual such as raccoons and opossums. I attended a course on the use of holistic veterinary medicine with wildlife rehabilitation and was able to incorporate that into my practice.

During this time I was featured in several books and magazine articles on Holistic Veterinary Medicine as well as appearing on local TV and Radio. I am still hoping to write my own book on the subject when I have more time, and I am available for talks and seminars as well as freelance writing and educational articles. I appeared regularly from 2001 to 2003 on a radio show called Animal World answering veterinary questions as well as doing pet astrology for people’s animal companions.

I relocated to Orcas Island, Washington State September 2001 and then moved to Spokane. I had a baby in January 2004 and moved back to the Coast in June 2006 and I currently live on the Olympic Peninsula, in Brinnon area, where I am available for housecalls within a reasonable distance, as well as phone consultations elsewhere. My, now teenager, is a great animal lover too and determined to grow up and adopt a lot of cats, as well as having several reptiles including snakes, lizards and leopard geckos.

PetSynergy has been in business for 24 years as of January 1st 2022 I started in Dallas in January 1998 and did strictly house-calls until I opened my Office in Carrollton a year or two later, then in Sept 2001 I was pulled to move to Washington State and lived on Orcas in the San Juan Islands and moved temporarily to Spokane, then Seattle, finally settling on the Olympic Peninsula in May 2006 where I have lived ever since. I had not planned so many moves and would like to thank my many loyal clients for continuing to be my clients, despite the miles apart, including my clients from Hong Kong, where I worked from 1989 to 1993. I have had an unusual traveling and long-distance practice and am honored that I have clients from over twenty years ago still consulting with me on a regular basis. Not to mention encompassing motherhood, and my own animal family into my busy life too. Thank you to everyone and your animal friends, many of whom are into the second or third generation now. I appreciate all of your support through the years, and have met some wonderful people and friends, both human and animal since starting PetSynergy all those years ago! It has been quite the journey in many ways!

Now in 2022 I have built up my practice, on the Olympic Peninsula and changed my name to Dr. Anna Maria Wolf. I make regular trips to Sequim, Port Angeles, and Port Townsend as well as Kitsap and Mason County when my schedule permits. I maintain a busy consultation practice and continue to study and learn. I teach regularly at a canine hydrotherapy class in a local area, integrating their course of study with veterinary medicine and giving a veterinarian perspective.

I recently introduced cold laser, and laser acupuncture to my practice which has complemented acupuncture and can also perform laser acupuncture which has proved useful in cats who might not do well with needles.

Completed several continuing education in Chinese Herbal Medicine to expand my knowledge from my original training with Lotus Institute. Currently studying for further IVAS Certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Attend Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference every year both in person and virtually.

Current member of American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, International Veterinary Acupuncture Association, Washington Veterinary Medical Association and College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.