Christopher Day, acupuncture vet, founded the AVMC in 1987, possibly the first dedicated alternative medicine veterinary practice in the UK. However, he had been using homeopathy in practice, since 1972 and on himself for many years before that. He has used veterinary acupuncture since 1981.

Chinham House was his family home, a country veterinary practice run by his parents, both of whom were vets. However, as contemporary veterinary medicine developed along less traditional lines, with differing values and diverging philosophies, Mr Day found that he was unable to continue to run the business, which had grown to a thriving five-man practice with four centres. He therefore sold the practice and specialised in what had already been occupying most of his time, the specialist alternative and holistic route. The premises is a tradtional farm house and smallholding, on which no pesticides, agro-chemicals etc. are used. It is run on organic management principles and accommodates 2 acres of wildlife reserve.

In support of vet acupuncture, Chris Day uses animal chiropractic manipulation. If the spine is misaligned, and if that spinal misalignment is not resolved, this leads to muscle spasm and 'blockage' and wastes the potential beneficial effect of any acupuncture treatment. The Ancient Chinese performed manipulation in conjunction with acupuncture, which is often forgotten in modern western practice of veterinary acupuncture. This technique is especially useful in equine acupuncture and canine acupuncture, in which species back problems and back pain are very common. He also advises on natural feeding.