Common sense tells us how to take care of our pets' basic needs, like keeping them safe, warm and fed.  And pets do a pretty good job of taking care of themselves.  We can thank instinct for that.

      But you and your pet both need a friend when it comes to protecting your pet's health, preventing illness, and giving your dog or cat the best possible quality of life.

      Your veterinarian is as important to your pet's health as your family doctor is to yours.  A veterinarian gets to know your pet as an individual and keeps a history of your pet's health to better determine his needs.

      Although veterinary hospitals differ in size and scope, here are basic veterinary services you can expect to receive at most hospitals:

An increasing number of veterinarians also offer:

     In addition, the number of veterinary specialists is growing.  Patients are most frequently referred to specialists in orthopedics (bone), opthamology (eye) and surgery.  Dermatology (skin), oncology (cancer) and cardiology (heart) are among other growing areas of specialization.  What this means to you and your pet is a greater range of health care resources.
 

Choosing A Veterinarian.

      You should choose a veterinarian as carefully as you would a family doctor.
Here are a few guidelines:

If you don't have a regular veterinarian, use our Listing below of some of the Veterinarians, Clinics and Hospitals located in the Durham Region.