Christopher Day, holistic 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.

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 as the demand for his holistic treatment increased, Mr Day found that he was unable to continue to run the practice, which had grown to a thriving five-man practice with four centres. He therefore set out on the dedicated specialist alternative / holistic route. The premises is a traditional farm house and smallholding, on which no pesticides, agro-chemicals etc. are used. It is run on organic and biodynamic management principles and accommodates 2 acres of wildlife reserve.