About me

"When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul."

Hey, I'm Anneke

From an early age I have had a passion for animals and it was therefore no surprise that I started studying veterinary medicine in Utrecht. After graduating, I started working as a conventional veterinarian, but after a few years I noticed that I got stuck with some patients. I often kept feeling that I was missing something, that there was more, that there had to be something more that I could help with. This feeling, combined with my own experiences with complementary medicine, prompted me to continue my studies.

I started training to become an IVAS certified acupuncturist and that opened up a whole new world for me. It has taught me a different way of looking at the body and diseases and a different way of healing. Since then, I’ve been working as an integrative veterinarian and haven’t stopped learning. I am now certified in neurological acupuncture, Chinese nutritional therapy, natural nutrition and Integrative nutritional therapy. I am always looking for new and better ways to keep your animals healthy and to treat them when issues arrise.

Way of working

As an integrative veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience, I combine different healing methods, such as acupuncture and nutritional therapy, to achieve the best results. A combination of up-to-date scientific knowledge with knowledge of thousands of years old traditional medicine. It is my passion to help you improve the health of your animals!

Integrative medicine is my way of life. My healing method is individual and holistic. Every animal and every situation is unique and we look at the whole picture. Body, mind, emotions, behavior and circumstances, everything influences each other. We look for the root of the problem and don’t just treat the symptoms.

Prevention is very important to me and I believe in a proactive approach. As Benjamin Franklink said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Keeping your animal in the best possible health so that diseases have less chance is my goal. Optimizing the diet, environment and lifestyle is of great importance. As an owner, you can do a lot to give your buddy a happier, healthier and longer life. And I love to teach you how!

I have experienced that this approach works and I am proud of the results I have achieved with my patients. I am passionate, dedicated and always looking for ways to improve my knowledge and skills. I am here for you and your animals and I will do everything I can to ensure that you receive the best possible care.

Personal

Every animal and every situation is unique.

Holistic

We look at the whole picture and search for the root of the problems.

Up to date knowledge

Veterinarian and certified in Acupuncture, Neuro-acupuncture, Chinese Nutritional Therapy, Natural Veterinary Nutrition and Integrative Nutritional Therapy. Never finished learning and always looking for new information to help your animals even better.

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better do better." Maya Angelou

Education

Education
Year
Educator
Veterinary medicine
2004
University of Utrecht
Cert. Advanced veterinary medicine (internal medicine)
2011
University of Liverpool
Cert. Veterinary acupuncture
2017
IVAS/BEVAS
Cert. vaccicheck veterinarian
2019
NMLHealth
Chinese nutritional therapy
2020
BEVAS
Cert. Advanced Veterinary Neuroacupuncture
2021
CIVT
Cert. Veterinary natural nutrition
2022
CIVT
Acupuncture mastermind
2022
Nell Ostermeier
Cert. Veterinary integrative therapeutic nutrition
2023
CIVT
Various post-graduate courses and webinars
2004 – present
Several
Member of : SNVA, IVAS, BEVAS, CIVT
2017- present

Reviews from my clients

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"Spiky became increasingly ill overnight in March 2019. He still ate and drank but we had to feed him the food because he could hardly walk. We also had to lift him outside but he stayed where I put him. The vet thought he had back trouble. An X-ray was taken which showed that he had a neck hernia. Spiky had the very heaviest painkillers he could have but they did not work sufficiently. We also really thought we had to put him to sleep because we couldn't put him through that pain. Until the vet talked to us about acupuncture, which might still help. We made an appointment with Anneke and fortunately we were able to get there very quickly. And a miracle really happened because after only the first treatment, he was almost pain-free. We came home and he jumped right back on the couch which he hadn't done for 2 weeks. After having acupuncture a few more times, I can safely say that Spiky has recovered."
Emmy with Spiky
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Evy, one of my Bordercollies has trouble getting up after a day working with the sheep. She walks stiff and rigid. Sometimes this persists for a few days where she limps. Through Facebook I see that Anneke does acupuncture on animals. After doing some reading up, the thought was soon. "it's worth a try". After an extensive intake and examination, it was suspected that Evy soured in her muscles. Acupuncture could help her well. Thus began the first treatment then repeated several times over a short period of time. Evy improved quickly. She is more flexible and has no more pain symptoms. She played with the other dogs again. Meanwhile, we still come quarterly for a "maintenance treatment." Evy turns 9 this year.... But jumps around like a young dog! A happy dog ... makes a happy owner!"
Ralph with Evy
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"Our dog Boo developed major problems with her hindquarters last December. She could no longer raise or lower her paws. She dragged both her hindlimbs. We were worried and were already preparing saying goodbye to our very old and very loyal four-legged friend. Through our veterinarian we were made aware of acupuncture for animals. Never heard anything about it. We went to try .......and after a few treatments there was movement in her legs again. After a few more treatments, she was able to walk small distances with llittle support. The treatments continue. Boo happily walks to the vet and allows herself to be treated very easily. Thanks to these treatments, we hope to give her beautiful senior years. She has earned that."
Hester with Boo
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"Our dog Rocky had been suffering from an intermittant ear infection in his left ear for almost 1.5 years. We also noticed that Rocky was not comfortable in his proverbial skin. He no longer liked being lifted and would growl occasionally. Almost everything western veterinary medicine had to offer Rocky, we had tried but had not found the solution. Anneke took all the time for us and for Rocky, explained exactly what she was going to do and did some tests on him. And indeed, a number of energy pathways were disrupted including one that exits at his ear. The pain Rocky indicated when lifting was also caused by this. After only a few treatments, the pain was gone and we noticed that hairs began to grow again behind his ear. Acupuncture, good nutritional advice and the right medication have ensured that his ear infection is healed, his bald spot is completely gone and he no longer has pain. Very special to be able to see and experience up close what can be achieved through close cooperation between Eastern and Western medicine. Grateful to have been given this opportunity."
Monique with Rocky
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" Tessa was already quite old when she got a heart murmur, she was given medication for that. In addition, her back was increasingly troubled. Anneke suggested trying acupuncture and I was open to that. Tessa has, I think, had acupuncture once every 2/3 weeks for almost a year for her back pain from Anneke. The difference was really obvious. Before the treatment she could hardly get up, after the treatment I always walked with her in the woods and she jumped over a branch again with ease. Anneke was always very sweet and compassionate and Tessa was happy to see her every time, even if it was in veterinary practice which, like most animals, she was not a fan of. Unfortunately, acupuncture does not stop old age either and Tessa passed away last summer, but the acupuncture certainly made her last period bearable and worthwhile."
Judith with Tessa
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"Hello, I am Sammy, a kitten of 14 years. For a few years now, I was not so comfortable in my beautiful black skin. I licked myself to bloody bits and was very bitchy to everyone. The little dogs and the cat who also live in my house were just afraid of me. Once we arrived at Anneke's place, she immediately felt many things that were not comfortable in my body. She would press with her fingers on certain spots and they would hurt me very much. She then put a few needles in my little body, then I would sit there quietly for fifteen minutes to half an hour. When Anneke pressed the same spots again after that, they (almost) stopped hurting! Great, it looked like magic! After 1 treatment, I was also rid of the diarrhea I had been having for months, so I (but especially my mom) was very happy about that! For the other organs, I had treatment weekly or every other week for several months. I have become a completely different kitten. I have my cone off by now and don't lick myself anymore. The acupuncture given to me by Anneke has absolutely helped me feel much better and finally comfortable in my skin again!!! Thank you again dear Anneke!!!"
Yvonne with Sammy
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"Switching to fresh food is the best decision we ever made for our dogs! Our oldest miniature Schnauzer ate kibble for 8 years. Due to obesity, she was only allowed to eat a ¼ of the amount so she was constantly hungry. She had little energy, played little, could not jump on the bed by herself and walks were very stressful for her. She is now eating more and losing weight. She has more energy and is acting like a 2-year-old puppy again. Our second dog made a snoring noise for which we have already been to three veterinarians and to a specialist. Since she is on fresh food, she makes this sound twice a day instead of every 20 minutes. If you have any doubts about starting fresh food..... do it! It will be the best decision you ever make for your animals. Anneke thank you so much for everything!"
Debbi with Bella, Miley and Lilly
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"Nera our sheltie of 5 years, has had two litters. After her last litter, she was less comfortable in her own skin. She made less contact with me and her coat was visibly less beautiful than before. She also slept more and was less active. A general blood test gave no abnormalities yet I still did not have my happy Nera back. Now Anneke performed an acupuncture treatment on her. The very same day I noticed a big difference. We have now had three treatments and I am very positive! She is playing nicely with our other dogs again and comes for a hug regularly. We still need to see if more treatments are needed but so far I am already very happy with the results!"
Daniek with Nera
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"I think Anneke is a pleasant person to deal with and so does my dog. Noya clicked right away and that's kind of nice. Anneke took all the time to note all my dog's issues and did an overall check. Noya got 8 needles in her body while Anneke explained well how it works. My dog just stayed put and after a while the needles spontaneously fell out. Anneke ended the session with a little fooling around with Noya and a toy. Now after three treatments it is different. Her pulse has improved, her tongue looks completely different and more beautiful. At home, she is suddenly very confident and acts like the leader who is completely done with the meddling behavior of her future pack successor. Her teeth we all got to admire again.... And then our finest moment: long-lasting fireworks are set off again in the street. As usual, my youngest Border Collie then comes barking too me. I then sit on the floor and hold her stiffly against me and she quickly calms down. The moment I am sitting like this, I suddenly feel another body against my legs: that of Noya lying curled up against me. No shivering, very stiff but so not hiding in the transport box that has been into our living room for her since September. For me, an unprecedented emotional moment because my dog seeks contact with me and for a moment she doesn't feel like totally unreachable. I am very glad we started this treatments and see this as a great tool to help my dog with her fear of death during the fireworks period. Thank you Anneke, this works for us."
Gesina with Noya
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"I then started looking on the internet for another solution and came across the Qi 4 Paws website. Acupuncture, well you have to believe in it some people say. My email detailing Maggy's problem was written, I had no hope that there was a treatment for it. Anneke wrote; yes I do have treatment for that, and the first consultation was arranged. In this consultation, Anneke asked a lot of questions; she also saw Maggy, lying on the floor like a heap of misery. After her examination she began putting needles, they had to stay in place for fifteen minutes, this did not bother Maggy. Maggy's diet was also adjusted on Anneke's advice. Miracles don't exist, or do they? Not that she immediately felt completely good again, but you could see Maggy's eyes shining again. She also wanted to go outside with the other dogs, I thought at the time, it won't be those few needles after all. After four appointments, I had my Maggy May back, happy and cheerful as she used to be. On top of that, Maggy's hair texture has changed, firmer and shinier. Anneke thank you so much, you have given me back our Maggy."
Harma with Maggy
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"In early April, I came to the Animal Hospital Groningen with my increasingly poorly running young Cavalier Morris (19 months). He has always had nutrition and defecation problems. He was in a lot of pain. Immediate action was taken, he went under anesthesia and pictures were taken. This showed narrowing in his back and mild osteoarthritis at his hips. To my surprise, Anneke had immediately given him an acupuncture treatment while he was under anesthesia. I didn't know they could do that with animals. With pain medication and nutritional advice and a new acupuncture appointment, Morris and I went home. He improved visibly. He is still on light pain medication/anti-inflammatories and we are not there yet but after 2 treatments I had the happy, enthusiastic Morris back. Anneke explains everything clearly. Together with the nutritional advice, Morris has already greatly improved. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!"
Annemieke with Morris
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"I can't believe how happy and healthy he is with his new diet. I asked Anneke for help with his feeding a few months ago. She responded very quickly and was very patient with my millions of questions! She is now the nutritionist for all my dogs! Thank you so much! "
Tiffany with Arlo
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"Ever since Frans Ferdinand moved in with me from the shelter some ten years ago, he has had problems with his intestines. Very often he had diarrhea and he threw up a few times every week. Many examinations later, there was a high chance that this was something chronic. So how to proceed now? Drugs for the rest of his life? Well, what has to be, has to be, but I preferred a more natural solution. Fortunately, there was Anneke with her experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This was an option that appealed to me much more than one with chemical agents. After a "Chinese" diagnosis, she formulated a custom diet for Fer using only fresh ingredients. Step by step, we introduced it. Who would have thought that Mr. would eat with relish things that are not at all catty? If it wasn't already, eating has really become the highlight of the day for Fer. But most importantly, of course, is the result. I have only one word for that: stunning. He rarely vomits anymore, and maybe this is too much information, but he has never produced such beautiful droppings. We are now about three and a half months in and, as the last scan showed, the inside does not yet look as it should, but it is a lot calmer. It will always be a weak spot and we are watching him like a hawk, but if it continues, I'll sign for it. Thank you, Anneke!"
Maaike with Frans Ferdinand
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"Hi, I'm Troi and I'm 16.5 years old. You wouldn't say would you? Anneke is an acupuncturist. She does not treat me with needles (because I'm sensitive) but with a laser pen and it works fine for me. Anneke is very sweet and takes into account my sensitive side. With the laser pen, she affects different acupuncture points which makes the energy in my body flow better. It works so well, then I think I am being treated for my back pain, for example, but hey, then it turns out that my digestion has also improved and I no longer suffer from incontinence either! I visit Anneke regularly because her treatments allow me to still enjoy my old age well."
Elly with Troi

Do you want to work with me on the health of your animals? Do you have any questions? Feel free to send me a message!

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