Welcome to Strong Strides Veterinary Rehabilitation & Acupuncture
Here, you can learn about who we are and how we care for your pets with compassion and expertise.
About Strong Strides
Strong Strides was formed to offer in-home assessments for physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, medical manipulation and integrative medicine consultations. I feel that most pets are less stressed and more willing to accept treatment in their home environment. This approach also allows for more personal time with the client for consultation and for me to evaluate the home area and give advice for modifications if needed.
Here To Serve You
I am based in Belleview, Florida and provide care from Ocala to the Villages. Consultations and treatments are by appointments offered Monday through Friday. I will work with your primary care veterinarian to coordinate the best treatment options for your pet.
Meet Dr. Kelly Vernon DVM CVA CCRP CVMMP
Dr. Kelly Vernon has had the dream of being a veterinarian since she was a little girl. Her love of animals took off after volunteering at the local animal shelter during elementary school, and since then she’s been focused on how she can continue to improve their lives. She was accepted to the early admissions program at the University of Florida, where she earned her BS in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation, and then her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2004.
Once out practicing in general and emergency medicine, she wanted to be able to offer more options to patients with chronic pain or mobility issues. She earned her acupuncture certification from the Chi Institute (now Chi University) in 2011, then went on to obtain a certification in canine physical rehabilitation in 2019. Her most recent educational journey was back at Chi University to secure her small animal veterinary medical manipulation certificate (similar to chiropractic manipulations in humans).
Dr. Vernon’s passion for providing care to pets with pain and mobility challenges led her to open her own practice, Strong Strides Veterinary Rehabilitation and Acupuncture, in order to focus fully on these services for her patients.
Education
University of Florida
BS, DVM ‐ wildlife, ecology and conservation, veterinary medicine
1997-2004
The Chi Institute
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Chi University
Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner
Fun
Dr. Vernon enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking. She is also a proud UF graduate and Gator football fan.
Family
Dr. Vernon, her husband and 4 children live on a small farm in Belleview, Florida.
Furry Friends
Currently, 5 dogs, 2 cats, 5 horses, 4 goats, 4 snakes, and multiple chickens reside with them at what is affectionately called “Lazy Dog Farm.”