What would you do if you were asked to choose between practicing veterinary medicine or speaking your truth to pet owners? Well, that’s exactly the decision I faced 15 years ago—and I chose to walk away. The decision to resign wasn’t made lightly, but looking back, it was the right choice.

Let me explain why. It’s a story that goes beyond the typical vet story, one that involves tough choices, ethical dilemmas, and a whole lot of passion for natural pet care. In this post, I’m revealing the real reason I left the veterinary practice and how it led me to something even bigger: helping pet parents like you with the truth about alternative pet health. Curious? Let me take you through the journey.

The Decision to Resign, Not Lose My License

First off, let’s clear something up. I didn’t lose my veterinary license. I voluntarily resigned from the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia. There’s a big difference between the two. Losing your license means you’re permanently banned from practicing veterinary medicine—it’s not your choice. But for me, it was about standing up for what I believed in. After 12 years at Nelson Animal Hospital, I found myself in a battle with the provincial governing body over my methods, ideas, and the way I was communicating with pet owners.

I had a choice: pay hefty fines, stop sharing my thoughts on alternative medicine, and stop writing my newsletter, or resign. I chose to resign because I felt that sharing the truth and educating pet owners about alternative health options was more important than continuing to practice under a system that didn’t align with my values. So, I walked away.

The College’s Response and My Stand

The College’s offer was simple: stop doing what I was doing, pay the fines, and admit I was wrong. That included not sharing alternative pet care ideas, using terms like “affordable,” and speaking openly about the shortcomings of conventional veterinary practices. But I couldn’t just ignore my conscience. I didn’t feel that was the right thing to do. I knew it was more important to keep sharing my message with pet parents.

The fines and penalties they were asking for were substantial—around $30,000 plus legal fees. But it wasn’t just the money; it was about controlling what I could say and share. I wanted to be transparent, to give people the power to make informed decisions about their pets’ health. So, I resigned. The financial consequences were tough, but in my heart, I knew it was the right decision.

A Growing Movement of Change

Fast forward 15 years, and so much has changed. Back then, I never could have imagined the impact my decision would have. Today, we have over a million subscribers on YouTube, 800,000 followers on TikTok, and hundreds of thousands across other platforms. What started with just a small group of loyal readers has grown into a massive community of pet owners eager to learn about natural, alternative pet care.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see firsthand how many people are benefiting from the information we’re sharing. In fact, I was once at an airport in Montreal, and a young guy came up to me and said, “Are you Dr. Jones? I have one of your remedies for dog ear infections on my wall, and it’s been working wonders for my dog!” I would never have imagined something like that happening.

Embracing the Positive Changes

Sure, there are still skeptics and critics, but I’ve learned to focus on the positives. The overwhelming support from people like you—the pet parents who appreciate what we’re doing—makes it all worth it. It’s about helping others and empowering them to take charge of their pets’ health.

As for the negative comments, well, I’ve learned to laugh them off. There will always be people who don’t agree, but that’s just part of the journey. I’ve found that the vast majority of comments are positive, encouraging, and supportive. And that’s what matters most.

Looking Ahead to the Future

What’s next for me and Veterinary Secrets in 2025? Well, our community is growing stronger, and our business is expanding. We’ve got a fantastic team behind the scenes, helping respond to comments, researching new treatments, and producing more content. We’ve even got a new video editor—thanks, Christine! We’re also working on an updated version of my book, Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats, which will include fresh insights and remedies that I think will be helpful for you and your pets.

We’re also planning more interactive content, including live streams with experts. One of our upcoming events features Tucker Budzyn, a famous Golden Retriever from social media, and we’ll be talking about cancer in dogs and sharing the latest alternative home remedies.

Reflecting on My Decision

Looking back, do I regret resigning from veterinary practice? Absolutely not. It was a tough decision, but I stand by it. It was never about losing my license; it was about staying true to my beliefs and continuing to help pet owners in a way that felt right to me. The response from the community has been overwhelming, and I’m beyond grateful for your continued support.

Thanks again for being part of this journey. If you’ve left a comment or shared your story with me, I truly appreciate it. Let’s keep this momentum going and continue making a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners!