Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angie Krause. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Angie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
After the legalization of marijuana in Colorado in 2012, my clients began asking me about the use of cannabis for their cats and dogs. In Boulder County many households were openly using marijuana for both recreation and to improve their health or relieve pain. As they saw benefit for themselves, they wondered if their feline and canine family members could also benefit.
At the time, I knew very little about cannabis, THC and CBD. I began gathering information about the differences between marijuana and hemp and the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant. As hemp and CBD gained more of a spotlight, I began using full spectrum hemp extract for myself and my patients. The results were phenomenal. A few years later, many state veterinary boards told their veterinarians that they were not allowed to discuss CBD or hemp with their clients. The DEA unlawfully attempted to schedule CBD containing hemp extract. This meant that veterinarians could lose their DEA license if they were caught recommending or prescribing hemp.
As pet parents became increasingly more hungry for guidance from a veterinarian, I began blogging about how to use CBD for cats and dogs. This could have cost me my DEA license. However, I knew the benefits cats and dogs all over the world were seeing was worth the risk. I began consulting with pet parents and teaching online courses to help empower pet parents with the resources to use cannabis safely.
My blog gained popularity and I began selling CBD for cats and dogs on my site. I was able to help thousands of pet parents safely use cannabis for their pets to relieve anxiety, decrease pain, have less infections and even lessen or stop seizures.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
When I was three years old, my mother brought home three kitties from the humane society. When we took them to the veterinarian, I knew that’s what I wanted to spend my life doing. When I was 18, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. I was told that I would be tired for the rest of my life. At that time, there is was very little known about CFS. I used alternative therapies and nutrition to regain my health.
After veterinary school, I completed training in canine rehabilitation and Chinese Medicine for dogs and cats. I have practice in traditional and integrative clinics. As a Western trained veterinarian, I combine the best of both worlds and take a very moderate and open minded approach to cat and dog medicine. I welcome the skepticism of pet parents and help them sort through information and data to make the best decision for their pet. I honor their philosophies and belief systems.
I am the most proud of my ability to help my clients from a compassionate and non judge mental space. Each pet parent has a unique history and set of concerns. While I practice evidence based medicine when possible, I am open to any modality that is safe and helps my patient.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When I first started practicing, I had terrible boundaries and hustled a little too hard. It came at the expense of my health and happiness. I was spending long days at a clinic with no play, social balance and nutritional health.
When I had children, I had to learn how to practice veterinary medicine in a more sustainable way. I started a house call practice so that I could choose when I practiced and I could see less patients in a more intimate setting with a more thorough examination. When my kids were young, I spent time creating content via social media and blogging. This allowed me to reach pet parents while I had small children at home.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for me has been to truly care about my clients and their relationship with their pets. Most veterinarians love pets and some struggle to relate and interact with people. Having a connection with each of my clients and patients is more fulfilling and I have created long term relationships with many of my clients and patients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boulderholisticvet.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boulderholisticvet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAngieKrause/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-angie-krause-897767242/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.angiekrause6479