As a Veterinary professional, I frequently encounter pet owners, outside of the Veterinary clinic, who view routine preventative care—such as vaccinations, parasite prevention, and wellness exams—as optional. (I feel this is especially true with cats and exotic pets.) This mindset is not only concerning but can also lead to serious health consequences for pets, not to mention the zoonotic potential of some diseases. While we can educate clients in the exam room, we must remember that our influence extends far beyond the hospital walls. Our family, friends, and neighbors often look to us for guidance when it comes to their pets, and it’s essential that we help shift the perception of preventative care from an optional expense to a necessary investment in their pet’s health and longevity.
Leading by Example: Is It Enough?
Modeling good pet care practices is a great start. When people see us prioritizing preventative care for our own pets—bringing them in for routine exams, staying up to date on vaccinations, and using year-round parasite prevention—they may be more inclined to follow suit. Social media provides another platform to subtly reinforce these practices. Sharing a photo of your pet at their vet visit in family or neighborhood groups online with a caption like “Annual check-up time! Keeping Miller healthy with routine care” can serve as a gentle reminder without direct confrontation. However, leading by example alone is often not enough. Some people need more direct encouragement or information tailored to their concerns and hesitations.
Breaking Down Barriers and Addressing Concerns
Many pet owners avoid preventative care due to misconceptions, financial worries, or a simple lack of awareness. We can address these issues by:
- Providing Education Without Judgment
Instead of saying, “You need to take your dog in for vaccines,” try, “Did you know that even indoor pets are at risk for preventable diseases? Vaccinations are a simple way to keep them safe.” Educating without making people feel guilty fosters an open and productive conversation. - Sharing Stories and Real-Life Consequences
A powerful way to encourage preventative care is by sharing experiences from practice. “I recently treated a dog with parvo because they weren’t vaccinated—it was heartbreaking, and it could have been prevented” can be more impactful than just stating that vaccines are important. - Addressing Financial Concerns with Practical Solutions
Many pet owners worry about the cost of Veterinary care. While we know that prevention is far more cost-effective than treatment, they may not. Informing them about wellness plans, pet insurance, low-cost clinics, or community resources can make preventative care seem more attainable. - Alleviating Fears and Minimizing Stress
One reason that many pet owners report for not bringing pets in for Veterinary visits is the stress—both to the animal and their humans. Having a conversation to educate pet owners on recent advancements in the knowledge and treatment of pets’ emotional well-being, and offering resources on pre-visit pharmaceuticals, training to acclimate pets to pet carriers and car rides, and/or educating the client on house call or mobile Veterinary practices in your area may mitigate a client’s fears surrounding Veterinary visits. - Encouraging Small Steps
For those overwhelmed by the idea of multiple visits or expenses, suggest starting with one thing at a time—perhaps a wellness exam first, then discussing vaccinations and preventatives during that visit.
A Community Effort
Encouraging those around us to seek preventative care for their pets is not about shaming or forcing compliance—it’s about creating a culture where pet health is valued and prioritized. While leading by example is essential, direct conversations, practical guidance, and empathetic support can make a significant impact. If every Veterinary professional took small steps to educate and encourage the people in their lives and communities, we could collectively improve the well-being of countless pets.
The next time a friend, family member, or neighbor mentions their pet, take the opportunity to plant the seed of preventative care. That simple conversation could mean the difference between a healthy pet and a preventable illness, and isn’t that our common goal as a Veterinary community?