Meet Jess McGowan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess McGowan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own mobile veterinary acupuncture practice was rooted in a desire to offer more personalized, low-stress care to pets and their people. After working in general practice and in veterinary clinics, it was obvious that most animals experienced stress and anxiety just getting through the door, let alone during their actual exam or treatment.

I wanted to create an option that allowed pets to stay in the comfort of their own homes, where they feel safest. Acupuncture is such a gentle, hands-on modality, and it lends itself beautifully to a calmer, more individualized experience. Being in their home environment allows me to see how they move, interact, and relax. This allows me to understand their needs better and really get to know my clients and patients.

Starting my own business also gave me the flexibility to create a schedule that works for both me and my clients. I get to take the time I need with each visit, and over time, I’ve come to know not just the pets but the entire family. That deeper relationship and trust are incredibly special and something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is a mobile veterinary acupuncture practice focused on creating a calm, individualized, and realistic experience for pets in their own homes. I work primarily with dogs and cats who are dealing with chronic pain, mobility issues, anxiety, or who are in their golden years (however acupuncture has almost unlimited uses, just google it!). What sets me apart is not just the convenience of house calls, but the time and attention I’m able to give. I get to know my patients and their families, not just their symptoms, but their personalities, routines, and the subtle changes that matter. That kind of care just isn’t always possible in a fast-paced clinic setting.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being invited into someone’s home to care for a beloved animal. It’s a privilege, and I don’t take that lightly. I love seeing pets improve over time and owners are always shocked at how relaxing the process becomes.

Starting a business from scratch, in hindsight, was the easy part. The real challenge has been building systems that support me as a self-proclaimed “Type B vet.” I like to offer options, take my time, and tailor things to each individual, so staying organized hasn’t always come naturally. I’ve had to get creative with how I manage scheduling, communication, and records while still keeping the heart of my work intact. It’s an ongoing process, but I’ve learned that structure doesn’t have to come at the expense of flexibility and care.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can create a business that truly reflects your values. For me, that means slowing down, building trust, and offering care that’s grounded in both science and compassion. What I want people to know about my work is that it’s not just “woo-woo” and it’s a thoughtful blend of evidence-based medicine, empathy, and years of advanced training in pain management and animal behavior.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a Fort Collins native, I’ve had the joy of showing friends around many times! It’s a place rooted in community, creativity, and, most importantly, pets, so we are so spoiled.

We’d spend some time exploring the local brewery scene, bonus points if there’s an adoption event happening (shout-out to Until They’re Home Rescue!). We’d sample a few favorites, relax on a patio, and hopefully catch some live music along the way. A visit to the river is a must, whether we’re floating, dipping our toes, or just taking in the scenery; it’s one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the moment.

For a little weekend adventure, we might head to a nearby reservoir or open space for paddleboarding, a long walk, or a laid-back picnic. Whether we’re catching a sunset, meeting dogs and their people, or just soaking up the sunshine, there’s something about Fort Collins that makes it easy to feel at home while traveling.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I consider myself very fortunate that from a young age, I knew exactly what I wanted to do—and my family supported that dream every step of the way. My parents drove me to countless summer camps, humane societies, veterinary clinics, teaching hospitals, and even farms. They never questioned my passion for animals; instead, they nurtured it in every way they could.

I also owe so much to the incredible mentors and colleagues who introduced me to integrative medicine and helped me see how acupuncture could complement and enhance traditional veterinary care. My own journey into acupuncture began when I was experiencing carpal tunnel symptoms, and my doctor suggested I try acupuncture before pursuing more invasive options. It was eye-opening and ultimately career-shifting.

And of course, my clients, both the pets and their people, deserve a huge shout-out. Their trust, kindness, and loyalty mean everything to me. I love partnering with them to work through cases together, setting realistic, meaningful goals that can truly improve their pet’s quality of life. That collaborative, supportive relationship is what makes this work so rewarding.

Website: https://www.frontrangeanimalacupuncture.com/

Image Credits
Jess McGowan
Mary Timby