Elaine Tang shares that a friend who studied pet nutrition extensively shared her experience of switching her dog to a real food diet and the positive changes she noticed. That sparked Elaine's interest, and following her advice, Elaine saw the difference in her own dog, Cooper, and decided to learn more. Elaine chose CIVT’s Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition course because of its in-depth curriculum and the flexibility of studying online at her own pace. Elaine notes this course gave her a chance to pursue what she had always wanted - to be part of the pet industry. She now understands the importance of proper nutrients, diet, supplementation, and holistic approaches to health. She finds that seeing her dogs thrive with better health and fewer vet visits is incredibly rewarding. More importantly, this certification also allows her to share her knowledge with other pet parents in Malaysia. Elaine is grateful to professionally guide owners toward better solutions for their beloved animals!

Andreas Lanzilotti is an integrative animal therapist working with dogs and cats in a veterinary practice near Bern, Switzerland. It took him a long time to find this profession—he likes to joke that he first completed some very extensive “preclinical studies.” After working in several different professions and managing health challenges of his own, he began an internship in a veterinary practice at the age of 53. This marked the beginning of a completely new career.

More than 25 years ago, he adopted his first own dog—a decision that became a major turning point. Since then, he has shared his life with five dogs, caring for them through chronic illness, aggression and other behavioural challenges, old age and loss. In many ways, dogs have been lifesavers for him, as well as some of his most important teachers.

Andreas has trained in canine osteopathy, fascial therapy, acupuncture for pain relief, and animal nutrition. His continuing education combines classical TCVM approaches with acupuncture systems originally developed for human medicine, including the Balance Method, Master Tung acupuncture, and Neoclassical Acupuncture, which he is exploring for use in animals. He has also completed numerous webinars and short courses through CIVT and other continuing education providers to strengthen his foundations while broadening his therapeutic range through herbal medicine, medicinal mushrooms and other integrative methods. He is particularly interested in practical, structured methods that provide clear feedback and can be adapted to each animal.

For him, integrative medicine is not simply a collection of techniques, but a broader philosophy of care: a way of looking at the whole animal, its history, its environment and its relationship with the owner. For Andreas, therapeutic depth comes not from accumulating knowledge alone, but from combining it with real-life experience, curiosity, empathy and careful observation.

Hilary Wilkie is the founder of Thrive Dog Kitchen, and offers canine nutrition services.

She believes in making it easier for dog parents to feed fresh, whole foods, whether that’s through frozen whole food blends or practical, evidence-based nutrition support.

Her journey started thanks to her 13-year-old dog, Jessie. She was Hilary's greatest teacher. After years of off-and-on tummy issues and a surprise diagnosis of obesity, she turned to fresh food (with the support of her vet) to help her heal from the inside out.

What began as a way to help one dog thrive turned into a mission to help as many as possible.

Thrive Dog Kitchen was born from that mission and creates small-batch frozen blends made with locally sourced, human-grade ingredients in the Wairarapa. Thrive Dog Kitchen is also building a movement that helps New Zealand dog parents feel confident feeding their dogs fresh, one spoonful at a time.

Since starting, Hilary has earned certifications from institutions in the US and Canada, and through the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies in Australia.

Hilary believes nutrition is a foundational pillar of dog health, but not a silver bullet. Her approach is balanced, evidence-informed, and practical for everyday life.