Announcing a New On-Campus Small Animal Therapy Services Through Partnership with Kuehler Veterinary Services
Stephens College is expanding its commitment to hands-on, ethics-centered education through a new partnership with Kuehler Veterinary Services (KVS), which will begin offering small animal therapy on campus starting January 2026.
The collaboration grew organically from a shared philosophy rooted in compassionate, ethical animal care and meaningful learning experiences. Through KVS’s on-site presence, students, faculty, and licensed veterinarians will work side-by-side to support integrative, evidence-based therapy for animals.
This new partnership builds on Stephens College’s longstanding leadership in animal-related studies. Stephens offers both Animal Behavior and Equestrian Studies programs and was one of the first colleges in the nation to introduce pet-friendly residence halls, allowing students to live on campus with their companion animals. The addition of small animal therapy services further strengthens the College’s holistic, student-centered approach to learning, care, and animal welfare.
KVS will provide a suite of small animal services — including chiropractic care and acupuncture — designed to improve comfort, mobility, and performance while reducing pain and recovery time. The expansion also makes it easier for KVS to serve clients in Columbia and surrounding communities.
“Innovative partnerships like this are essential to the Stephens experience,” said Stephens College President Shannon B. Lundeen, Ph.D. “Our students gain real-world training, hands-on practice, and mentorship from experts like Dr. Kally Kuehler — experiences that prepare them not only for their careers, but for lives of purpose, leadership, and ethical decision-making. We are proud to welcome Kuehler Veterinary Services to campus.”
A key feature of the partnership is student involvement. Under faculty and veterinary supervision, Stephens students will have opportunities to assist during therapy sessions, observe real-world case management, and participate in workshops with Dr. Kuehler, deepening their understanding of animal welfare, rehabilitation, and integrative veterinary medicine.
“Our goal is simple: ethical care, expert hands, and real results,” said Dr. Kuehler. “Kuehler Veterinary Services has been grateful to work with the Stephens College Equestrian program over the past few years, and we truly appreciate the College’s openness to using Chinese medicine to support the health and welfare of the animals onsite.
Dr. Kuehler, owner of Kuehler Veterinary Services and KF Equine in Auxvasse, is an AVCA-certified animal chiropractor and a Certified Equine Rehabilitation and Performance Veterinarian. A graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kuehler brings extensive clinical experience, including emergency veterinary work and advanced rehabilitation training. Her practice integrates holistic and traditional veterinary medicine to create individualized treatment plans in collaboration with an animal’s primary veterinarian.
“We’re excited to deepen this partnership with Stephens by bringing Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to the pets of Columbia and to work alongside Stephens students and faculty to provide exceptional therapy services that genuinely improve quality of life for animals,” Dr. Kuehler said.
On-Campus Therapy Schedule (Beginning January 15, 2026):
First and Third Thursday of Each Month
- Equine Appointments: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- K9/Feline Appointments: 1 p.m.–6 p.m.
- Services Offered: Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care
For more information or to book an appointment, call or text at 573-447-9781 or visit kuehlerveterinaryservices.com.
