Preventative animal health care is goal highlighted by many members of the urban animal industry. But educating pet families on the benefits of preventative care and annual check-ups has become increasingly difficult.
Partners for Healthy Pets is a committee of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation created to ensure pets receive the preventative healthcare they deserve through regular veterinary visits. The program provides vet practices with the tools and knowledge they need to communicate with pet owners. Seminars, presentations, educational modules and guidelines are offered up to ensure that pets have access to the healthcare they need to create trust, prevent serious diseases and enhance the pet owner's perceived value of preventative veterinary care.
Dr. Drew Van Niekerk, Calgary North Veterinary Hospital, believes programs like Partners for Healthy Pets have great intentions and serve an important function. But he maintains that trust is the most important element that should exist between pet owners and vets to ensure animals are getting the care they need.
"The veterinarian earns trust by truly understanding the client and matching that with the talents they have for medical care. Understanding a client includes knowing the intricaces of their relationship in the family, the resources they have to put toward pet care, and the fashion in which they make decisions," said Van Niekerk.
"Annual physical exams are extremely important to the pet and the family. It is an opportunity to educate pet owners on all facets of home care, as well as reducing risk of pain, discomfort and disease. This message is real and important. Tell that to pet families and they will see the importance and trust the veterinarian's advice to return annually, because there is value to the service."
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