Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is A.C.A.N.?A. The American Council of Animal Naturopathy (ACAN) is the first council of its kind - offering education and certification in small animal and equine naturopathy. ACAN is owned and operated by its Founders, Dr. A. Kim Bloomer and Dr. Jeannette Thomason. Both hold doctorates in veterinary naturopathy.
Q. Was ACAN not at one time known as the American Veterinary Naturopathic Association (AVNA) and run by Dr. Dwayne Hubbard?
A. No, ACAN has only ever operated as ACAN and has only ever been owned and run by Doctors Bloomer and Thomason. The AVNA was owned and operated solely by veterinarian Dr. T. Dwayne Hubbard in the state of Georgia and only for about a year. He did 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. Is The American Council of Animal Naturopathy (ACAN) 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 (ACAN) is not a college it is in fact, the first council of its kind and is and has only ever been owned and operated by its Founders, Dr. A. Kim Bloomer and Dr. Jeannette Thomason.
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 ACAN Founders can be found here on this website as well as their own personal websites.
Q. Who is the American Council of Animal Naturopathy accredited by?
A. The American Council of Animal Naturopathy is not a college so it need not be accredited by anyone. ACAN does not hold any federal, regional or state accreditation in the US. The United States does not offer accreditation to schools or colleges specializing in natural and homeopathic medicines.
Q. Who is eligible to apply for board certification as a veterinary or animal naturopath?
A. Practitioners that hold a traditional or non-traditional doctorate degree and practice the healing arts of alternative medicine and therapies.
B. Persons who have successfully completed one of ACAN's courses in either small animal or equine naturopathy along with an approved elective in natural animal care.
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 ACAN's board of directors have examined your education and experience records/documentation and approved them to qualify you to take the exam. 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 may want 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. Can I get a list of your members mailed to me?
A. No, To prevent solicitation of our members, we do not mail out a complete list. If you would like to find a practitioner in your area, please email us your city, state and telephone area code.
Q. Can I become a member without taking the exam and what the benefits would be available as an individual, school or business?
A. There are opportunities for membership without sitting for the examinations. Individuals can participate on committees, attend open meetings and utilize the online member resources as they are developed. Those applying for the examination will receive membership as part of their application and will be recognized as certified members when they successfully complete the examination. They will have all the benefits of individual members and may have access to special opportunities for certified members. Business and academic programs may apply for associate membership. They will have the same benefits of individual members and may have the opportunity to advertise or promote their products and services for reduced fees. There will also be opportunities for advertisers or sponsors to be involved. If you have a product or service that you would like to promote through ACAN, once approved,you may purchase advertising on the website or in our newsletter if you would like to offer discounted services or products to our membership, we will be implementing a process for that as well.
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: ACAN Certified Animal Naturopaths do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe medications or perform surgical procedures. ACAN does expect Certified Animal Naturopaths only provide the professional services set out in the Scope of Practice and strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics identified on this website. ACAN cannot be held responsible for anyone not acting within the Scope of Practice or not adhering to the Code of Ethics herein.