@drlaragardner 860.707.6744

Mossflower Veterinary

Offering Integrative Veterinary Medicine To Achieve Optimal Wellness

Our Services

Our Approach

Dr.Gardner’s goal is to address the underlying causes of health problems and promote overall wellness through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. Holistic wellness visits help us stay ahead of disease, support aging animals, and maintain harmony. We focus on physical, emotional, and energetic health to help your animal thrive at every life stage. We primarily work with dogs, cats, and horses, but welcome inquiries about other animals in need of integrative care. We will work together with your primary care veterinarian and also your specialists to formulate an integrative plan.

Acupuncture and TCVM

Acupuncture is a time-honored modality used to restore balance, stimulate healing, and relieve pain. Veterinary acupuncture supports circulation, neurological function, digestion, and emotional well-being. With custom herbal formulations we are able to treat chronic conditions, support organ systems, and promote long-term vitality. We also believe that food is medicine and offer whole food based nutritional guidance. Diets and therapy plans are tailored to your animal’s constitution, health condition, and seasonal needs.

Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Nutrition

Dr. Lara Gardner

Mossflower Veterinary was born from a deep-rooted belief in the healing power of nature. Dr. Lara Gardner, a veterinarian with over 17 years of experience, has always been inspired by the wisdom found in the natural world. Her lifelong interest in natural therapies combined with extensive training in Western veterinary medicine naturally led her to create Mossflower.

Dr. Gardner blends conventional veterinary care with holistic approaches like acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Her mission is to support each animal’s whole health including mind, body, and spirit.

Guided by the rhythms of nature and the strength of scientific knowledge, Mossflower Veterinary is a place where animals and their people can find balance, wellness, and compassionate expertise.

Kara Rowell

Kara’s passion for animals began early in life, growing up with a variety of pets including cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, ferrets, mice, and rats. After graduating from Guilford High School, she earned a degree in Kennel Management from Connecticut K-9 Education Center and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

She began her career working in animal care in kennels and later as an Administrative Assistant at the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, where she supported volunteer training and community programs. Kara then joined Pieper Veterinary Hospital as a receptionist, later advancing to assistant roles while pursuing veterinary medicine.

Kara graduated from Penn Foster College as a Veterinary Technician. She is Level 3 Fear Free Certified and has additional training in laser therapy. Her clinical experience includes general practice, emergency, urgent care, and shelter medicine.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and her own pets, including one dog and several cats.

“Saving one animal will not change the world, but surely for that one animal, the world will change forever.”

Walter, Senior Tail-Wagging Specialist

Meet Walter!

Walter is a Pit Bull mix who was adopted from the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter. Born on August 18, 2023, Walter is one of our favorite four-legged team members. Although he has a few health challenges of his own, he greets every day with a positive attitude and a wagging tail.

Walter loves his special treats, enjoys learning new things, and is always happy to support our staff by bringing smiles to everyone he meets. He reminds us every day to stay resilient, enjoy the little things, and never pass up a good snack!