Introduction
Dr. Kara Amstutz is a leading expert in veterinary sports medicine and canine rehabilitation based in Springfield, Missouri. With over two decades of clinical and educational experience, she has advanced specialized care for animal mobility and pain management. As CEO of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and founder of Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Amstutz shapes the future of veterinary rehabilitation through innovation, training, and compassionate care.
Facts About Kara Amstutz
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Dr. Kara Amstutz |
| Known As | Dr. Kara Amstutz, DVM |
| Profession | Veterinarian, Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist |
| Kara Amstutz Age | Around 50 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Springfield, Missouri, USA |
| Education | BSc in Biology – Missouri State University; DVM – University of Missouri |
| Major Certifications | CCRT, CVPP, CVA, DACVSMR |
| Specialization | Veterinary sports medicine, canine rehabilitation, and pain management |
| Husband | Dr. Dwight Amstutz |
| Known For | Co-founding Hometown Veterinary Hospital and leading Canine Rehabilitation Institute |
| Organizations | Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CEO & Lead Instructor) |
| Founded Clinics | Hometown Veterinary Hospital (2002), Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation (2024) |
| Children | Four children, including singer Chappell Roan |
| Notable Role | Former President of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians |
Early Life and Education
Dr. Kara Amstutz grew up in Springfield, Missouri, where she later built her career and professional legacy. Her early interest in biology and animal care led her to pursue a science-focused academic path.
She attended Missouri State University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology in the mid-1990s. Her undergraduate studies provided the scientific foundation for her future work in veterinary medicine.
After completing her undergraduate degree, she enrolled at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2000, she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, officially beginning her professional journey as a veterinarian.
While many veterinarians focus on general practice, Dr. Amstutz eventually developed a deeper interest in animal mobility, rehabilitation, and pain management, areas that were still developing specialties in veterinary medicine at the time.
Professional Credentials and Specializations
Over the years, Kara Amstutz expanded her expertise through several advanced certifications that focus on animal rehabilitation and pain therapy. These credentials highlight her commitment to specialized care for animals suffering from injury, chronic pain, or mobility issues.
Her professional credentials include:
- DVM – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- CCRT – Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
- CVPP – Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner
- CVA – Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
- DACVSMR – Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
The DACVSMR certification, achieved in 2023, is particularly notable. Only a limited number of veterinarians in the United States hold this board certification, which requires extensive training, clinical experience, and a rigorous residency program.
This specialization places Dr. Amstutz among a select group of veterinarians focusing on sports medicine, injury recovery, and physical rehabilitation for animals.
Founding Hometown Veterinary Hospital
In 2002, Dr. Kara Amstutz and her husband, Dwight Amstutz, opened Hometown Veterinary Hospital in Springfield. The clinic served as a general veterinary practice focused on small animals.
For many years, Hometown Veterinary Hospital became a trusted healthcare provider for pets in the community. The clinic allowed both veterinarians to provide routine care, surgeries, and preventive treatments while developing strong relationships with local pet owners.
However, during this period, Kara Amstutz increasingly became interested in the rehabilitation side of veterinary medicine, especially treatments designed to help animals regain mobility after injury or surgery.
Expanding into Canine Rehabilitation
As veterinary rehabilitation began gaining recognition as a specialty field, Dr. Amstutz pursued additional certifications and training.
In 2013, Dr. Kara Amstutz earned the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) credential through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, enabling her to provide specialized therapies such as physical therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation, arthritis mobility treatment, and conditioning programs for working and athletic dogs.
By 2014, she launched River Canine Rehabilitation, a specialized rehabilitation program connected to her veterinary practice. The program focused on treating animals with mobility issues, chronic pain, or orthopedic injuries.
Leadership in Veterinary Education
A major turning point in Kara Amstutz’s career came in 2022, when she and her husband acquired the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI). CRI is a respected organization that provides advanced training and certification programs for veterinarians and rehabilitation therapists.
After acquiring the institute, they relocated its headquarters to Springfield, Missouri. Dr. Amstutz became CEO and lead instructor, placing her at the forefront of veterinary rehabilitation education.
Through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, she trains veterinary professionals in areas such as canine physical therapy, rehabilitation program design, pain management, and acupuncture-based mobility therapy.
Her role in CRI allows her to influence veterinary rehabilitation practices not only in the United States but also internationally.
Launch of Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
In 2024, Dr. Amstutz founded Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, a specialty clinic located near the CRI facility in Springfield.
The clinic focuses on advanced treatments including physical rehabilitation therapy, arthritis and chronic pain management, sports medicine for working and performance dogs, and post-operative recovery programs.
Momentum VSMR represents the culmination of her professional interests, combining clinical care, rehabilitation science, and education.
Professional Leadership and Recognition
Beyond clinical practice and education, Kara Amstutz has been active in veterinary professional organizations. She previously served as President of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV), an organization dedicated to advancing rehabilitation medicine for animals.
Dr. Kara Amstutz is actively involved in veterinary conferences, educational programs, and continuing education workshops. She also contributes to professional publications and regularly delivers lectures within the veterinary community.
At conferences, she often speaks on topics such as osteoarthritis treatment in dogs, rehabilitation therapy techniques, and the business aspects of veterinary rehabilitation.
Her contributions have helped expand awareness and acceptance of rehabilitation medicine as a key component of veterinary healthcare.
Family Life: Dwight and Kara Amstutz
Outside her professional achievements, Dr. Amstutz is known for her family life. She is married to fellow veterinarian Dr. Dwight Amstutz, with whom she has worked professionally for many years.
Together they have four children, including singer and songwriter Chappell Roan. Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, has gained international recognition in the pop music industry.
Kara Amstutz Age and Personal Life
Kara Amstutz has not shared her exact birth date with the public. BBased on her education records and career timeline, her estimated age is around 50 years old as of 2026.
She still lives and works in Springfield, Missouri. There, she continues to help animals through veterinary care while also teaching and leading programs that train other veterinary professionals.
Conclusion
Dr. Kara Amstutz stands out as a dedicated professional who has significantly influenced the field of veterinary rehabilitation. From co-founding a local veterinary clinic to leading an international education institute, her career reflects a commitment to improving animal health and mobility.
Through her work in clinical practice, professional education, and veterinary leadership, Dr. Amstutz continues to advance innovative approaches to pet rehabilitation and pain management. Her contributions ensure that animals recovering from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions receive the specialized care they need.
