Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is A.C.A.N.?A. The American Council of Animal Naturopathy, LLC. (A.C.A.N.) is the first council of its kind - offering education and certification in small animal and equine naturopathy/animal health coaching. A.C.A.N. is operated by its Founders, Dr. A. Kim Bloomer and Dr. Jeannette Thomason. Both hold doctorates in veterinary naturopathy.
Q. Was A.C.A.N. not at one time known as the American Veterinary Naturopathic Association (AVNA) and run by Dr. Dwayne Hubbard?
A. No. The American Council of Animal Naturopathy, LLC. has only ever been operated as American Council of Animal Naturopathy (A.C.A.N.) and has only ever been owned and run by Doctors Bloomer and Thomason. The A.V.N.A., a totally separate entity, was operated solely by veterinarian Dr. T. Dwayne Hubbard in the state of Georgia and only for about a year. He did for a brief period of time, appoint Dr. K Bloomer and Dr. J Thomason as officers of this organization, however neither of them earned any income, nor did they own any interest in the association at any time.
Q. Was American Council of Animal Naturopathy LLC. ever owned by or associated with Dr. Henry Harbuck and/or Kingdom College?
A. No. American Council of Animal Naturopathy, LLC. is founded and operated by Kim Bloomer, CVND, President & Jeannette Thomason, CVND, Vice President
Q. Is The American Council of Animal Naturopathy (A.C.A.N) a college or has it ever been a college under the name of the American College of Veterinary Naturopathy (ACVN) or any other name?
A. No, the American Council of Animal Naturopathy is not a college it is in fact, the first council of its kind and is and has only ever been operated by its Founders and certified veterinary naturopaths, Dr. A. Kim Bloomer and Dr. Jeanette Thomason. A.C.A.N. does have the only education and certification of its kind available in the world for animal naturopathy, animal health coaching as well as equine and carnivore nutrition.
Q. What is the American College of Veterinary Naturopathy (ACVN)?
A. The ACVN is no longer in existence; it was formerly a division of Kingdom College of Natural Health (KCNH) for a short time period (2005-2006). Its President/Executive Director was veterinarian, Dr. T. Dwayne Hubbard.
Q. Where did the founders, Dr Jeanette Thomason and Dr Kim Bloomer earn their doctorate degrees in veterinary naturopathy?
A. The two earned their doctorate degrees from Kingdom College of Natural Health (KCNH), and graduated in 2007. Both Bloomer and Thomason worked for many years as veterinary technicians in conventional medicine prior to entering the doctorate program. All personal biographies and information on both A.C.A.N Founders can be found here on this website as well as their own personal websites.
Q. Who is the American Council of Animal Naturopathy's education accredited by?
A. The American Council of Animal Naturopathy is not a a government run college so it need not be accredited by anyone. The United States does not offer accreditation to schools or colleges specializing in animal naturoapthy, herbology, homeopathy for animals, etc. However, A.C.A.N. is an international, non-governmental organization operating chiefly through the medium of the Internet and is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Accreditation for Naturopathic or Holistic Health programs in the United States is an entirely voluntary process. Accreditation for an educational program represents a validation that the programs have been thoroughly investigated and found worthy of recognition by a qualified body.
Q. Who is eligible to apply for the board certification examination?
A. Practitioners that hold a traditional or non-traditional doctorate degree and are currently practicing the healing arts of naturopathic/alternative health and therapies.
AND/OR
Persons who have successfully completed one of ACAN's course studies in small animal naturopathy, equine naturopathy, animal naturopathy, naturopathic equine nutrition or naturopathic carnivore nutrition and show proof of the successful completion of one approved elective.
Q. I do not have a doctorate or hold a degree in veterinary or animal naturopathy but I have been working with animals naturally/holistically for quite some time now. May I challenge the examination and be certified if I pass?
A. Yes, the examination my be challenged after you have successfully completed the Natural Animal Health Coach learning module and ACAN's board of directors have examined your education and experience records/documentation and approved them. Upon passing the exam, you will become certified.
Q. What if I do not have any education but am self taught and still want to take the board certification exam, will this be possible?
A. No. You will be asked to consider taking one of the animal naturopathy courses being offered here at ACAN to be prepared and qualified to take the exam.
Q. Can practitioners outside the USA apply for certification?
A. Yes, the ACAN membership body is made up of practitioners from many different countries.
Q. What are the qualifications necessary to take the animal naturopathy or natural animal health coach studies?
A. Anyone with a love for animals and a desire to learn how to care for them naturally to prevent disease.
Q. If I just want the education to help me with my own animals and not become certified or do consultations, is it possible to just take a couple of the individual modules I am interested in?
A. Yes, all of the individual modules are available (with the exception of the animal health/animal naturopathic consulting course) as electives, continuing education or just for your own information.
Q. I have questions about your online distance learning courses, do you have a FAQ page for your courses?
A. Yes, the FAQ page for our courses is http://www.animalnaturopathy.org/courseFAQ.html
Thank you for your interest and for your questions. We hope that these answers help you to better understand how ACAN can help you promote your practice and improve your opportunities. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
NOTE:A.C.A.N. certified animal naturopaths, certified animal health coaches, certified equine or carnivore nutritionists as well as any natural animal health practitioners certified in animal naturopathy or nutrition do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe medications or perform surgical procedures. A.C.A.N. expects Certified Animal Naturopaths and those certified in animal naturopathy only provide the professional services set out in the Scope of Practice and strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics identified on this website. A.C.A.N. cannot be held responsible for anyone not acting within the Scope of Practice or not adhering to the Code of Ethics herein.