Comfort Paws: Integrative Veterinary Care for Pets in Stafford, Virginia

Comfort Paws, LLC, an integrative veterinary practice based in Stafford, Virginia, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for pets through a variety of specialized services. Founded by Dr. Katrina Spies, Comfort Paws offers pain management services such as acupuncture, rehabilitation, laser therapy, herbal medicine, quality of life assessments, hospice and palliative care, and food therapy. To ensure accessibility for all pet parents, the practice provides house calls, in-clinic, and telehealth appointments.

Dr. Katrina Spies has been an active member of the Northern Virginia veterinary community for over 15 years, primarily working as a small animal emergency veterinarian. Reflecting on her extensive experience, she shared, "While I found it rewarding to assist animals in emergent situations, I often felt limited in my ability to provide comprehensive, ongoing care and pain management for many senior or lame patients." This realization sparked her journey into integrative medicine in 2020, leading to the creation of Comfort Paws.

Driven by a passion to enhance the well-being of pets, Dr. Spies pursued various certifications to broaden her expertise. She explained, "I earned certifications as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian (CHPV), Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinarian (CCRV), and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA)." Additionally, she is working towards becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP), Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist (CVCH), and Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT). Her dedication to continuous learning underscores her commitment to providing individualized, integrative care.

At Comfort Paws, the philosophy is simple yet profound: "We believe pets have the right to live their best lives possible and to age gracefully, free from pain." This mission is at the heart of their services, which aim to keep pets healthy longer, help them recover from injuries more quickly, and maintain their dignity and independence as they age.

Dr. Spies finds immense inspiration in the tangible improvements she sees in her patients' lives. "My greatest inspiration comes from witnessing the significant improvements in my patients' quality of life that can result from even small changes," she said. She also takes great joy in educating pet owners on how to best support their furry friends, stating, "This personalized approach and client education allow me to make a meaningful impact on both the pets and their families."

In an effort to foster community engagement, Dr. Spies encourages pet owners to explore integrative veterinary care. "Comfort Paws collaborates closely with your primary care veterinarian to provide complementary services that support comprehensive care for your pets," she noted. By integrating various therapeutic approaches, the team at Comfort Paws aims to deliver the best possible outcomes for their patients.

And there’s no need to apologize for bad breath or gassy patients with Dr. Spies as she lost her sense of smell in a childhood accident: “I’m the last one to notice!” Dr. Spies laughed.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Spies enjoys a fulfilling personal life in Stafford with her husband, two dogs, and a parrot. Originally from the Midwest, the Spies are avid fans of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. They love traveling, especially to sunny destinations.

Dr. Spies and her team at Comfort Paws are eager to become more involved in the community. She invites local businesses and organizations to reach out if they are interested in hosting talks or workshops to promote pet wellness and education. "Comfort Paws would love to become more involved in our community," she emphasized.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Comfort Paws' website or contact them directly. Dr. Spies and her team look forward to serving the community and enhancing the lives of pets and their families.