Dr. Tami Shearer and Dr. Matt Vail provide in Integrative Veterinary Care in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains.

What Is Integrative Medicine?

With every patient, Drs. Shearer and Vail reaffirm the importance integrative medicine which focuses on the bond between the caregiver, practitioner and patient. This philosophy of care focuses on the whole patient, informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches, healthcare and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.

Learn More

Dr. Tami Shearer is internationally renowned for her work in animal hospice and palliative care. She is one of the leading veterinarians in the world who helped develop and specializes in hospice, palliative care and pain management. Located in Sylva, North Carolina, her award-winning veterinary practice serves dogs and cats from across the southeastern United States.

Dr. Tami approaches your pet’s care from a fully integrated medical practice that incorporates conventional, alternative and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, and also advanced rehabilitation and pain management care. She is a 1986 graduate of The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine. To provide integrative treatment options for her patients, she has invested over 1000 hours in continuing education to acquire certifications in acupuncture, pain management, rehabilitation, hospice and palliative care. As a Veterinary Instructor, she develops curriculum to teach other veterinarians her philosophy of care.

Dr. Matt Vail joined the Smoky Mountain Integrative Veterinary Clinic in 2021 because the clinic’s philosophy of care aligned with his moral standards and values. He graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania which is one of five of the highest ranking vet schools in the nation. Dr. Vail did his undergraduate studies at Hamilton College in New York. Hamilton College prepares its graduates to “think critically and present themselves well”; a skill that Dr. Vail has perfected.

Dr. Vail enjoys all aspects of small animal practice but has special interests in physical rehabilitation, pain management and palliative care. He is a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA) and will be completing his training as a Canine Rehabilitation Veterinarian (CCRV) in December 2025. Dr. Vail has dedicated hours of time and financial investment in advanced training to improve the comfort and quality of life of patients seen at the practice.

Drs. Shearer and Vail Can Help Your Pet When:

  • There are no conventional treatment options or options are limited

  • There is a decision not to pursue curative treatment

  • There is diagnosis of a life limiting illness

  • Symptoms of a chronic illness interfere with the pet’s routine

  • Curative treatment has failed

  • A pet requires long term nursing care

  • A pet has a progressive illness or trauma with associated health complications

  • The family’s primary care veterinarian makes a referral

Patients Get The Very Best

Dr. Shearer’s extensive certifications in rehabilitation, pain management, acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, food therapy, Chinese massage (Tui-na), palliative and hospice care provides patients with a multitude of therapy options.

Dr. Vail is trained in veterinary rehabilitation, palliative and hospice care and is a certified acupuncturist. Between the doctors, these qualifications directly benefit pets under their care.

  • Management of pain

  • Decreased the amount of medications needed to maintain comfort

  • Faster and better recoveries

  • Weight management for pets that have become less active

  • Reclaimed activities of daily living

  • Methods carries a low risk of adverse effects

  • Prevents side effects of inactivity (weakness, joint stiffness and bed sores)

  • Improved emotional and physical quality of life

  • Non-invasive treatment options

  • Most techniques are well tolerated by most pets

Veterinary Services

“Dr. Tami gave my 11-year old, 95lb German Shepherd Ellie a year more of life. In the fall of 2009 Ellie became paralyzed in her back legs due to a fibrocartilaginous emboli. My regular vet had no suggestions for me except risky, expensive specialty surgery or put Ellie down. A friend told me to try Dr. Tami, who had recently moved to our WNC area. Little did I know that Dr. Tami had literally written the book on Laser Therapy treatment for animals and she was cautiously optimistic that she could help us. After 2 weeks of intense laser therapy and 24/7 care, Ellie started to move her back legs. She regained walking, a loose trot, and swam with her bright green PFD for therapy. Ellie made it another full rich year of total activity with us. Dr. Tami is brilliant, caring, and the most skilled vet I have ever encountered.”

~Julie Thorner

Appointment Hours

Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

After Hour Emergencies

  1. If you have been referred to our clinic by another veterinarian, please try to contact that doctor.
  2. If you are a client of Drs. Shearer and Vail and if you have an emergency after hours, please call:

Urgent Daytime Need When the Doctors are Unavailable

  1. If you have been referred to Dr. Shearer by another veterinarian, please try to contact that doctor.
  2. Try one of these preferred hospitals for daytime appointment availability: