We were lucky to catch up with Joyce Liy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joyce , thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
The idea of becoming a holistic veterinarian took root early in my veterinary school journey. I always knew there was more to healing than just Western medicine and wanted to integrate a more comprehensive approach into my practice.
As I began working as a general practitioner, I pursued certifications in various alternative modalities, allowing me to treat patients with holistic medicine. This ignited my passion for integrative care. However, working under someone else’s schedule, I often felt restricted—unable to dedicate the time I wanted for each patient. Being confined to a clinic all day, juggling surgeries and heavy caseloads, left me feeling unfulfilled.
I realized that the best way to truly help my patients was to bring treatments to them—in the comfort of their own homes. That’s how Holiystic Vet was born. It started as a simple desire to change my life and my approach to medicine. And, of course, the first step in bringing it to life was coming up with a name—the fun part!
Some of the key steps I took to launch my business involved first ensuring I met all legal requirements. I researched the necessary business licenses and regulations to establish myself as a legitimate entity.
Next, I created a detailed list of essential tools and resources, including a cloud-based medical record system, communication software, and inventory for treatments and supplies.
Finally, I focused on building my client base, starting with word-of-mouth referrals. I scheduled appointments on my days off, gradually growing my practice until I had enough clients to transition into a full-time business.
Joyce , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey into veterinary medicine and holistic healing began long before I even knew it would be my life’s work. As a veterinarian specializing in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and acupuncture, my passion has always been to provide pets with comprehensive, integrative care that goes beyond conventional Western medicine. I knew early on in vet school that there was more to healing than pharmaceuticals and surgery, and that realization led me to explore alternative therapies that align with both science and ancient wisdom.
After working as a general practitioner and becoming certified in various holistic modalities, I realized I wanted more freedom to treat patients in a way that truly aligned with my philosophy. I wanted to take my time with each patient, understand their unique needs, and treat them holistically—without the constraints of a traditional clinic setting. This inspired me to create Holiystic Vet, a mobile holistic veterinary practice where I bring treatments directly to pets in the comfort of their own homes.
Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and other holistic approaches, I help animals with chronic pain, mobility issues, anxiety, skin conditions, and even cancer support. My goal is not just to treat symptoms but to address the root cause of illness and improve overall well-being. Additionally, through Bender’s Bakery, I incorporate TCVM principles into pet nutrition by creating functional, health-boosting treats.
What sets me apart is my deep understanding of both Western and Eastern medicine, allowing me to create truly customized treatment plans that integrate the best of both worlds. I am not just a veterinarian—I am a healer who believes in the power of balance, energy, and the body’s ability to heal when given the right tools.
I am most proud of the impact I’ve made on my patients and their families. Whether it’s helping a senior dog regain mobility, supporting a pet with cancer, or guiding an anxious dog to a calmer state, seeing the transformation in my patients is the greatest reward.
For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that Holiystic Vet is about more than just veterinary care—it’s about creating a new standard for pet wellness. It’s about understanding that healing is a journey, and I am here to support, guide, and empower pet parents with natural, effective solutions.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Our journey into creating baked treats for pets began while making content for our dogs’ Instagram account, Bender the Dobie. We saw how much they loved our homemade treats, but realistically, we didn’t always have the time to bake them ourselves. As I delved deeper into specializing in pet nutrition, I knew I wanted to offer healthy, limited-ingredient dog treats that pet parents could trust.
From the start, we dreamed big, knowing that if we wanted to expand, mass production would be necessary. To bring our vision to life, we began searching for the perfect manufacturing partner—one that aligned with our values and commitment to quality. We attended industry conventions like SuperZoo, researched countless manufacturers, and carefully selected the one that truly met our standards.
From there, we worked closely on formulating unique recipes, fine-tuning every detail until we were completely satisfied. Through countless test batches, we perfected our two signature recipes—ones that not only met our high nutritional standards but also became instant favorites among dogs!
A big lesson we’ve learned throughout this journey is that with any process, there will always be bumps in the road. We’ve realized that you have to be open to change and adaptation—even when things don’t seem to be going as planned, there’s always a silver lining. Challenges often lead to unexpected growth, and every hurdle has brought us closer to creating something truly special.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation in the market has been built through the incredible support of my veterinary colleagues, co-workers, and both past and present clients. The most effective marketing technique has been fostering open, judgment-free communication, where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered in their pet’s care.
As veterinarians, we may not always have all the answers, but trust and collaboration are essential. I strive to create an environment where meaningful conversations can take place, ensuring that every pet receives the best possible care. I’m incredibly grateful for the referrals and trust from fellow veterinarians in the valley and for the clients who have witnessed firsthand success with their pets through my treatment modalities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holiysticvet.com, www.BendersBakery.com
- Instagram: HoliysticVet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holiystic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceliy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Holiysticvet
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/holiystic-vet-north-las-vegas-4?osq=Holistic+Vet&override_cta=Request+a+consultation
Image Credits
Jennifer Bagwell photography – Las Vegas Nevada.