Mount Vernon native Dr. Madison Hoag blends passion and purpose through animal chiropractic care

Our pets can’t always tell us what is wrong with them. Like people, our four-footed friends need regular visits to the doctor. Also, like humans, sometimes they need a trip to the chiropractor. Dr. Madison Hoag, a chiropractor, practicing in Dublin, Ohio, doesn’t just work with human patients. She also works with dogs, cats, horses, and other non-human friends. She has turned her love for animals into her life’s work.

Hoag or, as her human patients call her, ‘Dr. Madi,’ grew up in Mount Vernon, where she graduated from Mount Vernon High School and Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She is certified in Animal Chiropractic by the Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission of the AVCA.

“My journey into being a chiropractor began in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where I earned my doctorate from Sherman College of Chiropractic,” said Dr. Madi. “Although I cherished my time in the South, Ohio holds a special place in my heart, which is why I returned in 2023 after graduation.”

Licensed doctors of chiropractic and licensed doctors of veterinary medicine who have passed a postgraduate program in animal chiropractic approved by the AVCA are eligible to sit for the ACCC/AVCA Certification Examinations. In order to become ACCC/AVCA certified in animal chiropractic a graduate from one of the accredited programs must pass both the ACCC Comprehensive Written and Clinical Competency Examination. An ACCC/AVCA Certified Doctor is required 30 hours of continuing education every three years to keep certification current.

“I began my practicing in Columbus at Patriot Chiropractic,” said Dr. Madi. “During this time, I pursued and obtained my animal chiropractic certification from Animal Chiropractic Education Source (ACES) in Meridian, Texas. My deep love for animals has always been the driving force behind my chiropractic journey. It's essential to note that while all 50 states have different regulations, in Ohio, you must be either a Doctor of Chiropractic or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to receive an animal chiropractic certification and practice in this field.”

Dr. Madi earned her certification through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association earlier in May of 2025, making her one of 21 doctors in Ohio and one of 31 listed with the Ohio State Chiropractic Association.

Animal chiropractic is an expanding field that complements traditional veterinary medicine by providing gentle support to animals. This approach helps them adapt to the everyday stresses of life. It is particularly beneficial for performance animals, injured pets, athletes, show animals, and family companions. Whether enhancing performance, addressing injuries or illnesses, or offering preventative care, animal chiropractic can significantly improve your animal's quality of life.

When someone brings in a dog, their first time in the office can be stressful. Dr. Madi will immediately calm a pet.

“I use treats,” said Dr. Madi. “Most animals are food motivated. That’s a big thing for the dogs. I’ll use them to get them to motion their head to the left or to the right.”

Also, dogs need to wear muzzles for safety, in some cases.

“Usually, after the first or second time we have a muzzle, the dog starts to get comfortable and more used to what we’re doing,” said Dr. Madi. “Then, the muzzle tends to come off more.”

Treats work well with horses, plus the horses are more often in their own barn.

“We do a lot of walking.” Dr. Madi. “We make him stand still a little bit and then, we get his out and moving. Then, we bring him back into the place where they know they are going to get worked on. They will let you know if they are uncomfortable. That’s when I change what I’m doing to make them a little more comfortable. For the most part, the animals are very willing to let me do what I am doing.”

When Dr. Madi has given the pet their treatment, she looks for signs of success.

“There’s something called a ‘neuro shake,’” said Dr. Madi. “Where the dog is going to shake from their head, down to their tail. That’s my key as a doctor that tells me (the dog’s) nervous system is happy. And that I did not miss anything. If a dog only neuro shakes halfway down their back, then that’s a clue for me that missed something, halfway down their back.”

There are other signs that Dr. Madi looks for.

“They lick and they chew, they yawn and fall asleep,” said Dr Madi. “They usually curl up on the ground, or there will be tail wags.”

Of course, they can also get the ‘zoomies.’

“They get the zoomies after their adjustments, sometimes,” said Dr. Madi. “They’re (excitedly) running back and forth, because they’re feeling good and that’s cute to see.”

For Dr. Madi, the chiropractic world was an almost inevitable destination. 

“My father, Bharon Hoag, operates a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for chiropractic care worldwide,” said Madi. “Mount Vernon is close to my heart, and I frequently return to the area, hoping to educate on animal chiropractic while bringing pride to my hometown. I continue to practice chiropractic at Patriot Chiropractic, where I see both humans and small animals.” 

Expanding her practice to include animals has allowed Dr. Madi to combine her love for animals with her professional life. 

“Since the age of five, I have been involved with horses and competed in local Knox County 4-H for several years.” said Dr. Madi. “I have a passion for teaching and aspire to engage in educational speaking opportunities within the community.”

Dr. Madi has a mobile clinic, True Essence Animal Chiropractic, where she offers chiropractic care at barns and homes as needed. Many of these house calls are in Knox County. Along with her father, Dr. Madi’s brother, Jordan Hoag, is becoming part of the chiropractic world, He is currently studying chiropractic at Life University in Marietta, GA, focusing on sports and athletes. Their mother, Heather Hoag, has been with the Mount Vernon Nazarene University alumni relations office for over 20 years.

Animal Chiropractic methods are not the same as for a human. It’s not as simple as putting a human up on the table and forcefully realigning their spine. 

“Animals are different because, being four-footed, they are balanced differently,” said Dr. Madi. “We use the brain-based chiropractic method.” 

Brain-based chiropractic focuses on understanding and treating the neurological aspects of health issues rather than just addressing symptoms. 

Key principles include:

— Neuroplasticity: Chiropractic neurologists create individualized plans to promote positive neuroplasticity, enhancing brain function without drugs or surgery.

— Brain's role: The approach emphasizes the brain's control over bodily functions, including the spine and nervous system, and how sensory information affects brain systems.

— Stress management: It addresses brain stress — physical, chemical and emotional — as a driving force behind various health issues, using chiropractic adjustments to re-balance the brain.

— Individualized treatment: Treatments are tailored to an individual's specific needs, often incorporating various therapeutic modalities informed by brain function.

This holistic approach aims to improve overall health by addressing the underlying neurological factors. A dog or a cat may not know that Dr. Madi is there to address their pain, but after their first encounter with Dr. Madi, They realize that they are feeling better and they approach her again. 

“They go right up to my hands,” said Dr. Madi. “They understand that I am here to help them.”

For more information or if you are seeking health care treatment for neuromusculoskeletal function or dysfunction in your animal, call Dr. Madi at Patriot Chiropractic at 614-356-7653 or visit their website at https://www.patriotchiro.com/. They are located at 3860 Hard Road in Dublin, Ohio. 

If you have a large or farm animal, call True Essence Chiropractic at (740) 485-1715 or visit their website at www.animalchiropractic.org.