If you've spent any time exploring my website, you've probably figured out that dogs—particularly Bouviers des Flandres—hold a very special place in my life.

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But my interest in animal aromatherapy grew out of something far more serious than a simple curiosity about essential oils.

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When Alli was diagnosed with a rare fungal infection that compromised her spine, our lives changed dramatically. Her treatment stretched over ten months and involved a veterinary neurologist, powerful prescription medications, and thousands of dollars in medical expenses. The medications also took a significant toll on her digestive system.

We were determined to do everything we could to help her recover.

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I'd used essential oils personally for years, but I'd always been cautious about using them with my dogs. As we navigated Alli's illness, I began wondering whether there were natural ways to support her comfort and overall well-being alongside the veterinary care she desperately needed.

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But I wasn't about to experiment with something I didn't fully understand. I needed answers, sound education, and someone I could trust.

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That's when I discovered Dr. Janet Roark. And I can only describe finding her as an answer to prayer.

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From Concern to Certification

 

Dr. Janet Roark is a veterinarian in Austin, Texas, who has dedicated much of her professional work to educating people about the safe and responsible use of essential oils with animals.

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I enrolled in her Animal Aromatherapy Specialist Certification program, initially because I wanted to make informed decisions for Alli. But what began as a personal mission soon became a fascinating new area of study.

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I completed my certification and continued my education through Dr. Roark's professional community, regular discussions, and ongoing learning.

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My training helped me better understand essential oil safety, species-specific considerations, appropriate methods of use, and the importance of observing how individual animals respond.

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Most importantly, I learned that natural approaches and conventional veterinary medicine don't have to be competing philosophies. Responsible complementary care begins with understanding an animal's medical needs, respecting the veterinarian's role, and knowing when an essential oil is simply not appropriate.

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What started as a desire to help one very special Bouvier opened the door to something I never anticipated: an opportunity to share what I've learned with other people who love their animals as much as I love mine.

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Looking back, I never imagined that Alli's illness would lead me to become a certified Animal Aromatherapy Specialist, much less open the door to helping other pet owners. But that's something I've learned about life: unexpected experiences, whether difficult or exciting, can lead us in directions we never considered. Sometimes they spark a new interest, introduce us to something we want to learn, or reveal an opportunity to make a difference. We don't always know where those opportunities will take us. The important thing is to remain curious, be willing to explore, and not be afraid to take that first step.

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What I Love About Animal Aromatherapy

 

One of the most fascinating aspects of animal aromatherapy is learning to pay attention to the animal.

Animals communicate through their behavior, body language, and responses to their environment. Understanding those signals is an important part of making thoughtful decisions about their care.

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My particular interests include:

• Essential oil education: Helping pet owners understand essential oils and their potential uses and limitations.

• Safety first: Understanding species differences, dilution, precautions, and situations in which essential oils should be avoided.

• Animal self-selection: Exploring how animals respond to different aromas and why observing their preferences matters.

• Aromatherapy with dogs: Although my training encompasses multiple animal species, dogs—and especially my Bouviers—are where my personal interest began.

 

I believe education is the starting point. Essential oils are highly concentrated substances, and natural doesn't automatically mean safe.

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Animal Aromatherapy Consultations

 

Every animal is different, and so is every pet owner's situation.

 

As a certified Animal Aromatherapy Specialist, I offer personal consultations for people who want to learn more about using essential oils responsibly around their animals.

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Whether you're just beginning to explore animal aromatherapy, have questions about oils you're already using, or want to better understand appropriate precautions for your particular pet, my goal is to help you make informed, thoughtful decisions.

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My approach is educational, individualized, and grounded in safety. I believe complementary approaches should work alongside—not replace—appropriate veterinary care.

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[Learn More About Pet Consultations]

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Animal aromatherapy consultations are educational and complementary in nature. I do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatments, or replace veterinary care. Essential oils can be used safely and effectively when used properly, under the guidance of certified animal aromatherapists.