FAQ

Tavi says, “There’s no such thing as dumb questions,
only dumb answers!”

How safe is acupuncture?
When the acupoint gets stimulated, it causes a tingling sensation, which is similar to (but not nearly as intense) as hitting your funny bone. Most animals will notice this effect but are not bothered by it. Sometimes the treatment site will bleed a drop when the needle is removed and the skin may be slightly red, which is normal.  Over 95% of patients tolerate acupuncture therapy well. In fact, many patients fall asleep during the procedure. Several patients stay in a very relaxed, comfortable state for 24–48 hours following a session.

Acupuncture needles are sterile, thin and painless.

What are the needles like and are they sterile?
Yes, they are sterile, single-use needles. Acupuncture needles are typically very thin (like a piece of thread) and flexible. They are not stiff, hollow and thick like the hypodermic needles used to give vaccinations and, therefore, produce little or no sensation at all when inserted. Different sizes are used for different sized animals and some have plastic, colored handles while some have metal.  Acupuncture needles are sterile, thin and painless.

Allie Jacobs doing her impression of a unicorn

Will you communicate with my veterinarian?
Absolutely! I strongly believe that your pet deserves the best of both worlds, and integrating conventional medicine with TCVM does just that. It is my goal to have an open line of communication with your veterinarian so that we can come up with the best treatment plan possible to optimize your pet’s quality of life and well-being.  With that said, many vets are not fully aware of the benefits of integrative medicine and the use of acupuncture as a viable modality. It would be my pleasure to educate your veterinarian on the benefits of acupuncture and the research that supports it.

Do you make house calls?
Yes! I come to you and serve your pet in the environment where you and your pet are most relaxed and comfortable — in your own home.

Gracie and Bennie Augustine love when
Dr. Schepps comes to visit.

How far will you travel, and what do you charge for this convenience?
I will travel within a 15-mile driving distance of 30062. Travel surcharge rates take into account driving distance, drive time and typical Atlanta traffic patterns. The travel surcharge rate will be determined before your visit and ranges from $20—$60 per visit.

How much time does each session take, and what will it cost?
The Initial Exam Fee ranges from $136–$154 and takes 1–1.5 hours to do both the examination and treatment. Follow up visits are $100–$118 each and typically take 45 minutes to an hour. During the initial visit, your pet will receive a thorough, head-to-tail examination and complete evaluation of his/her pertinent medical history. Several different methods of acupuncture may be used during the treatment (dry needling, electro-acupuncture, moxibuxtion, aqua-puncture or acupressure), and the cost of the exam covers any and all of these methods. When indicated, rehabilitation exercises and instruction are also included in the exam fee.