Psychedelics & Veterinary Medicine | Welcome.
This blog series hopes to create conversation around the OneHealth (animal-human-environmental) intersections between veterinary medicine and psychedelics.
At first glance, the connection between psychedelics and veterinary medicine may appear enigmatic. Psychedelics, often associated with counterculture movements, traditional healing and wisdom, and explorations of human consciousness, may seem worlds apart from animal health care.
With closer and curious observation, their convergence reveals room for discussion that transcends the boundaries of species.
Thank you for joining the conversation!
For the Animals
VeterinaryPsy is a budding community wishing to bridge cultures, generations, and species in support of planetary health.
Our research and advocacy focus includes the safe and supportive grounds for psychedelic medicines in veterinary patients, and for the practitioners who uphold the animal health profession.
We strive to uphold principles of curiosity, harm reduction, education, and cross-species emotional health; seeing animals as mirrors for individuals and communities.
Psychedelic Medicines, describe a vast array of consciousness altering substances which are re-gaining exposure in popular and scientific press - primarily due to their beneficial health and healing potential in humans.
In this series we will discuss the convergence these psychedelic medicines will and already are having on animal wellbeing, as well as the potential impact on the human-animal bond.
Kinsacocha Kitty. Paru Paru, Peru. 📸 @drstevekruzeniski
Health & Wellbeing among Animal Care Professionals
As part of our exploration, we will include the concerns for health and wellbeing within the animal health profession. Caring for sick and injured animals, witnessing suffering and death, and navigating difficult ethical dilemmas around animal care and all-species respect, can have a profound impact on the mental health of animal health care providers.
It is a challenge that demands attention, empathy, and innovative solutions.
Through open and empathetic dialogue, we aim to provide insights into addressing the mental health needs of animal health professionals…a cause which hopes to have reciprocal benefits to the countless animal patients that animal-care healers serve.
Window to the Soul. Imbabura, Ecuador. 📸 @drstevekruzeniski
The Beauty of the Human-Animal Bond
We are animal lovers at heart and understand the reciprocal magic of the human-animal bond.
We see evidences that psychedelic medicines, whether consumed by animals or not, have an effect on this bond in ways foreseen and unseen.
We will explore the growing body of knowledge, emerging studies, and anecdotal evidence that illuminate the potential applications and benefits of psychedelic medicines for animals.
Scientific research related to administering psychedelic medicines to veterinary patients is largely unavailable. We do not encourage the use of these medicines in animals without veterinary oversight, and speak from a harm reduction and educational perspective.
From consuming, to being consumed, animals are and will continue to be affected by psychedelic medicines globally.
Stories of animals playing an integral part of emotional healing, to confusing and potentially traumatic involvement in therapeutic and scientific research continue to emerge and are an indelible part of the psychedelic landscape.
This series hopes to dive into this spectrum, where story and science collide.
We hope you will join us in conversation!
Scientific Innovation: Scientific research at the intersection of psychedelics and veterinary medicine holds the potential to uncover groundbreaking insights into animal behavior, cognition, and emotional well-being. These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of animals but can inform conservation efforts and ecosystem management as well as advance human-oriented medicine and therapies.
Ethical Considerations: Addressing the ethical dimensions of psychedelic-assisted veterinary care is paramount. By promoting responsible and compassionate practices, we ensure that the benefits of this convergence align with the principles of planetary health and all-species safety.
Nature Awareness: The study of psychedelics often brings about a profound shift in human consciousness, leading to a heightened sense of interconnectedness with nature. This shift can inspire a more environmentally conscious approach with dramatic effects on the perspectives and paradigms within animal care practices and professionals.
What’s the Potential?
While the field of psychedelic-assisted veterinary medicine is still in its nascency, its trajectory presents an opportunity to revolutionize the way we approach animal care and well-being.
By pushing the boundaries of conventional practices, we may uncover novel solutions to long-standing challenges and forge new paths toward holistic veterinary medicine. We'll explore the potential synergies between psychedelic therapy and other holistic approaches, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and energy healing. By examining these complementary modalities, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how a multifaceted approach to animal wellness can be achieved.
Slowing Down. Bay Islands, Honduras. 📸 @drstevekruzeniski
Beyond the scientific aspect, we will also examine the practical implications and challenges of integrating psychedelic therapy into veterinary practice. From legal and regulatory hurdles to the training of professionals, we'll delve into the intricacies involved in creating a safe and effective framework for psychedelic-assisted veterinary care.
Together, we'll discover how the convergence of veterinary and psychedelic medicines offer a unique perspective on planetary health. We aim to emphasize the importance of nurturing the well-being of all beings and our shared environment.
So, whether you're an animal lover, a curious pet owner, an animal health professional, or simply interested in the intersection of psychedelics and planetary health, join us on this journey.
Welcome to a new frontier of healing, understanding, and interconnectedness. Welcome to Psychedelic Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Steve 🐾
Consultation Director | VeterinaryPsy
Additional Resources:
Nature Medicine - MDMA for PTSD
Chacruna - Indigenous Voices in the Psychedelic Renaissance
BMJ Global Health - A Planetary Vision for One Health
Canadian Veterinary Journal - Surprising new findings on veterinarians’ mental health and wellbeing
Harvard Public Health - Can mushrooms beat burnout?
Animals and Psychedelics - The natural world and the instinct to alter consciousness
Book An Online Consultation - Pet Parents, Animal Health Students & Veterinary Professionals
Dr. Steven Kruzeniski is a Veterinarian and life-long student of Planetary Health, Human Support & Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
For over a decade he has been living and working across The Americas, Africa & Asia. His work combines social veterinary service & educational advocacy for animal welfare; support of veterinary professional wellbeing; and Psychedelic Harm Reduction. He currently provides virtual and in-person wellness support, cross-species psychedelic harm reduction, and integrative veterinary consultations from the Sacred Valley of Peru.
📸 @drstevekruzeniski
Ask us a question!