Founder, Sharon L. Willoughby, DVM, DC

Dr. Sharon L. Willoughby founded Options for Animals in 1985 and the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1989. Dr. Willoughby developed the curriculum and format of the basic certification and advanced animal chiropractic programs.

Dr. Willoughby grew up in Michigan where she attended Michigan State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science and as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1970. She owned a mixed-animal private practice in Michigan for thirteen years. In 1983, a growing interest in animal chiropractic led her to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. She graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1986.

Email Dr. Willoughby at blakes@mtaonline.net

Dr. Willoughby taught classes at Palmer College of Chiropractic in the school of Chiropractic Technology from 1986 to 1989. She taught Anatomy/Physiology, Physical Examination and Neurological Examination. In 1988 she became the Interim Director for the School of Chiropractic Technology. During this time she also practiced in an exclusive animal chiropractic practice. In 1989 she decided to pursue a fulltime private practice in animal chiropractic.

Dr. Willoughby authored Equine Chiropractic Care 1989, Sacropelvic Adjusting text 1992, Thoracolumbar Adjusting text 1992, Cervical Adjusting text 1992, and Extremity Adjusting text 1991. She co-authored a book, Healing Your Horse (MacMillan Press) 1993. She also contributed the chapter on chiropractic for Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine (Mosby) 1998.

Dr. Willoughby is a knowledgeable and electrifying lecturer and teacher.  She has lectured world-wide and taught an animal chiropractic program in Australia.

Left - Dr. Sharon being presented with the 2001 Distinguished Alumni Award.  Right - Pictured with her son Jason Jakubas and a niece at the recent Michigan State University Graduation and Awards Ceremony.

Dr. Willoughby resides in Wasilla, Alaska with her husband, Truman Blake. She expertly divides her time between her family, pets (cats and dog), practice, writing, lecturing, and teaching.  She serves as an advisor to the AVCA.  She does not practice regular veterinary medicine or other modalities. Instead, she practices animal chiropractic as an exclusive specialty.