Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Ziskin.
Hi Jodi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2005, my soulcat Kayla turned 15 and her health began to decline. She was diagnosed with everything that could possibly go wrong – chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and IBD. I had just begun my post-graduate studies in holistic nutrition. Knowing this, my conventional veterinarian suggested I make an appointment for Kayla with a very well-respected holistic veterinarian. During the visit, I asked him what I was doing wrong. His answer was, “Everything.”
That day, he became my mentor. With his encouragement, I shifted my concentration in school from humans to companion animals. Over the next few years, I was a sponge – absorbing all I was learning in school, along with his extensive knowledge and the knowledge shared by a host of integrative veterinarians. After earning my master’s degree, I took an intensive course and became certified as a Pet Nutrition Consultant.
Meanwhile, Kayla was holding strong. By changing her diet, adding specific supplements, and adding modalities like cold laser therapy and acupuncture, she lived to be nearly 22 years old.
When she passed away, I was devastated. But I also realized that Kayla was my greatest teacher of all. Because of her, I spent days, weeks, and even months researching how ingredients were sourced and processed, which herbs and supplements were legitimate, how to ask veterinarians better questions, what to look for in a veterinarian, and so much more.
I was determined to help pet parents help their pets thrive at every life stage. In 2009 I established Holistic Healthy Pets, which over the years morphed into Healthy Pet Coach.
For nearly 14 years, I’ve been helping pet parents make informed choices about nutrition, enrichment, environment, and care for their cats and dogs. My approach is personalized because every pet is a unique individual with individual needs. Caring for our fur babies should be joyful, not stressful!
Consultations take place via Zoom or telephone. I am also available for in-home visits throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Following a consult, I create a 12 – 14 page personalized report for each client chock full of information. It’s sort of a kitty or doggy bible!
Over the course of my time as a Healthy Pet Coach, I’ve written and have been quoted in numerous articles on topics ranging from nutrition to CBD to homemade food for pets to why cats do the things they do!
In addition, I love public speaking and have been featured at events ranging from a talk on CBD at CatCon to demonstrating how to make homemade pet food at Whole Foods.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Early Struggle: It took some time to find clients! When I began, holistic and integrative pet care wasn’t as well known or understood as it is today. And there certainly wasn’t the wide variety of products there is now. Natural pet supply stores were few and far between. I was fortunate enough to befriend many of the shop owners who began referring clients to me. As they watched their pets feel and look better, they began to refer me to their friends.
Scary Struggle: As my reputation grew, I drew the attention of a person who had a pet health radio show. She invited me to be a guest. After my appearance, she basically attacked my character and began saying some awful things to people we had in common. I was shaken. So, I reached out to several holistic veterinarians who championed the way I was helping pet parents. They told me that her petty gossip was proof that I was doing something right! That she felt threatened. Whether that was true or not, I’ll never know. But having the support of some of the best holistic vets in the country meant the world to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Healthy Pet Coach?
Helping pets thrive is my mission.
For nearly 14 years, I’ve been helping pet parents make informed choices about nutrition, enrichment, environment, and care for their cats and dogs. My approach is personalized because every pet is a unique individual with individual needs.
In 2009 after earning a master’s degree in Holistic Nutrition (concentration in companion animal care) and becoming a certified Pet Nutrition Consultant, I established Healthy Pet Coach.
It didn’t take long to earn the respect of clients, veterinarians, pet behaviorists, and other pet-focused professionals throughout the United States and abroad.
There is so much misinformation out there in the pet world. I help pet parents navigate through the ick and find the resources that make sense.
The best feeling is hearing from clients I worked with five or more years ago, telling me how well their pet is still doing.
The biggest honor is being rehired by a client when they add a new cat or dog to their household.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
When a client explains their pet’s situation to me, I can truly relate. This helps create trust. And because my recommendations are not cookie-cutter, clients feel heard.
I take budget and lifestyle into consideration. For example, if someone loves to cook and wants to make homemade food for their pet – I create a recipe. If they hate cooking, I find the best alternatives for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HealthyPetCoach.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthyPetCoach
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/holisticjodi/healthy-pet-coach/
Image Credits
Photos by Todd Kellstein