Wednesday, January 18, 2012


I have been working in the veterinary field for almost a decade now. I can honestly say that I love my job and truly enjoy working with the animals. I have learned so much from my experience’s treating the animals and getting to know their owners. I spend a lot of my time trying to educate clients on the responsibilities of owning that cute little puppy that they got for free from someone standing outside of a Wal-Mart parking lot. Most people don't even take into consideration the responsibilities of taking that cute, sweet, and free pet home. One of the main issues that irritate me is the way people prioritize the necessities of their animals or completely neglect them. Most people will choose to get their dog groomed instead of keeping the pet current on vaccines, or maintaining routine surgeries that need to be done. I don't understand how people can adopt a pet and not think about what all it entails to be a pet owner. Do people usually make big decisions without researching about it first, because I definitely don’t? I just wish people would invest more time in gaining knowledge about the true responsibilities of owning a pet besides the obvious things, such as walking or feeding. Pets have become more than just "outside dogs," they have truly become man’s best friend and should be treated as such. Pets should have yearly exams with vaccines, routine dental cleanings and blood work checked regularly. It is also very important for animals to stay consistent on heartworm and flea prevention. Most owners don't realize that neglecting these issues can have detrimental health influences on a pet and their owner's wallet. I have heard so many clients say, "They can’t afford to get pets treated for their medical disabilities or vaccines because the funds are not available. “These are the same people that are driving expensive vehicles, carrying a brand new smart phone, and wearing fashion name brand clothes. There are a few different options in helping owners who are in true financial distress. Most veterinary clinics offer credit cards that do not add interest for the first 6 months, or there are organizations that specialize in helping families who are truly less fortunate.