Vets care for your pets. Like your family doctor, they are your first recourse when your dog, cat or rabbit needs medical attention. Like medical doctors, vets are trained to care for animals in the same way doctors care for people. Their role is to promote animal health and welfare, relieve animal suffering, protect the health of the public and environment, and advance comparative medical knowledge.
Remember that pets are somewhat like human beings. They get sick, have moods, may get angry or scared, they feel cold when you take them out, they crave attention and react like humans in many situations. If you plan to adopt a pet make sure you locate the vet you will be dealing with. Do not be afraid to contact them ahead of time to get a heads up on your plan for adoption. They will only be too glad to assist you as they see you as a potential client!
Vets are important to have because, like people, they keep records of your pet’s health, medical records, medication and care. They are trained to take care of most problems with pets. They do everything from routine examinations to surgery if the need arises. In isolated cases, a specialist vet may be needed such as when eye surgery is needed.
Be sure to involve parents as there are many things that they can help with, especially paying the bills of the vet which can at times be a tidy sum!
The bottom line is to deal with your vet as you do with your family doctor. Schedule regular checkups for your pets. Get their advice on caring for your pet. They have loads of information and are on top of the issues.