Pet Owners

Veterinarians are highly trained professionals who undergo:

• 2–4 years of undergraduate education
• 4 years of veterinary medical school
• Licensing and regulation by state boards
• Ongoing continuing education to stay current with medical advancements

Many veterinarians also pursue specialized training in fields like:

• Internal Medicine
• Dentistry
• Oncology
• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Surgery

This means your vet isn’t just qualified—they’re uniquely equipped to provide expert care tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

Your veterinarian is more than a medical provider—they’re an advocate for your pet’s health. They understand your pet’s history, lifestyle, and personality, and they’re committed to helping you make the best decisions for their care.

When you choose a licensed veterinarian, you’re choosing:

• Trusted advice backed by science
• Personalized care plans
• Preventive strategies to keep your pet healthy
• Compassionate support through every life stage

Online advice can be misleading, outdated, or even dangerous. Your veterinarian has your pet’s best interests at heart—and the credentials to back it up.

So whether it’s nutrition, vaccines, behavior, or wellness, make your vet your first call. Because when it comes to your pet’s health, expert care isn’t optional—it’s essential.

We get it—when your pet isn’t acting like themselves, it’s tempting to grab your phone and start searching. But while the internet is great for finding movie titles or recipes, it’s not the place to diagnose your pet’s health concerns.

Your pet’s health is complex, and no search engine can replace the expertise of a licensed veterinarian. Symptoms that seem simple—like lethargy, vomiting, or weight gain—can be caused by a wide range of conditions. Only a veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s full health picture and create a personalized care plan.

Veterinarians don’t just guess—they’re trained to assess, diagnose, and treat with precision. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Extensive Education: 2–4 years of undergraduate study + 4 years of veterinary school
• Licensing & Regulation: Vets are licensed professionals who must meet strict standards
• Specialized Training: Many pursue advanced certifications in surgery, dermatology, oncology, internal medicine, and more
• Ongoing Learning: Vets regularly complete continuing education to stay current with the latest in veterinary medicine

They combine your observations with a thorough physical exam and diagnostic tools to uncover what’s really going on—and how to help.

Unlike online advice, your veterinarian knows your pet’s history, lifestyle, and unique needs. They care deeply about your pet’s outcome—because they’ve dedicated their lives to helping animals thrive.

And yes, many veterinarians are pet owners too. They understand the worry, the questions, and the desire to do what’s best.

“Find a veterinarian near me.”

Skip the guesswork. Trust the professionals. Your veterinarian is your partner in keeping your pet happy, healthy, and safe—for life.

When you visit your veterinary clinic, you’re not just seeing a doctor—you’re benefiting from an entire team of dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to keep your pet healthy, safe, and comfortable. From the front desk to the surgical suite, veterinary support staff are the heartbeat of every clinic.

Veterinary support staff handle everything from:

• Cleaning and preparing patient areas
• Walking and comforting pets
• Running lab tests and taking radiographs
• Assisting in surgery and monitoring anesthesia
• Communicating with pet owners and managing appointments

At the center of this care are Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs)—highly trained professionals who bring clinical expertise and compassion to every patient interaction.

In Illinois, CVTs must:

• Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program
• Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
• Hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology

But they’re not alone. Veterinary clinics also rely on:

• Veterinary assistants who provide hands-on support and care
• Client service representatives who ensure smooth communication and scheduling
• Practice managers who keep operations running efficiently
• Kennel and animal care attendants who ensure pets are safe and comfortable

Together, these professionals create a seamless experience for both pets and their families.

The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) proudly supports veterinary support staff through:

• Regional continuing education events
• A statewide annual conference
• Hands-on labs and workshops to build new skills and stay current with veterinary advancements

This investment in education and training means better care, safer procedures, and healthier pets.

Veterinary care is a team effort—and every member plays a vital role. By supporting and empowering veterinary support staff, ISVMA helps clinics deliver the highest standard of care across Illinois.

So the next time you visit your vet, give a shout-out to the entire team. Because behind every healthy pet is a group of passionate professionals working together to make it happen.

We all want to save money—but when it comes to your pet’s health, cutting corners can be risky. Online pet pharmacies may seem convenient, but they don’t know your pet, your pet’s medical history, or what’s truly best for their care. Your veterinarian does.

When you purchase prescriptions directly through your veterinary clinic, you’re not just buying medication—you’re gaining access to:

• Personalized recommendations based on your pet’s health history
• Guaranteed product quality from trusted manufacturers
• Immediate support if side effects or concerns arise
• Exclusive manufacturer discounts often making prices equal to or better than online options

Your veterinarian and their team are trained to ensure your pet receives the right medication, at the right dose, with the right follow-up care.

While some online pet pharmacies are legitimate, the FDA has identified others that:

• Dispense medications without valid prescriptions
• Sell expired or counterfeit products
• Make misleading claims about safety and effectiveness

These risks can lead to ineffective treatment—or worse, harm your pet.

Good news! Most veterinary clinics now offer their own online pharmacies, combining the convenience of home delivery with the confidence of professional oversight. You get:

• Easy ordering and automatic refills
• Access to trusted, vet-approved products
• Competitive pricing and manufacturer rebates
• Peace of mind knowing your pet’s health is in expert hands

Your veterinarian is your partner in your pet’s lifelong health. They’ve invested years in education, training, and experience—and they care deeply about your pet’s well-being.

So when it comes to prescriptions, skip the guesswork and trust the expert who knows your pet best.

Need a refill or want to explore your clinic’s online pharmacy? Contact your veterinarian today.

Thinking about whether to spay or neuter your pet? You’re not alone—and you’re asking the right question. The veterinary community overwhelmingly agrees: spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their health and prevent unwanted litters.

These routine procedures are performed safely at most veterinary clinics and typically involve minimal recovery time. Talk to your veterinarian today to learn what’s best for your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle.

Neutering (orchidectomy) involves the surgical removal of both testicles. It’s an outpatient procedure recommended at different ages depending on species and breed:

• Cats: Typically neutered around 4 months of age
• Dogs: Generally neutered around 6 months or older, depending on breed and skeletal development

Benefits of neutering include:

• Prevention of unwanted pregnancies
• Elimination of testicular cancer risk
• Reduced risk of prostate issues (cancer, enlargement, infections)
• Decreased roaming and marking behaviors

Contribution to reducing shelter overpopulation

Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) involves removing the ovaries and uterus. It’s best performed before the first heat cycle, which can occur as early as 6 months of age.

Benefits of spaying include:

• Prevention of unwanted pregnancies
• Elimination of ovarian and uterine cancers
• Prevention of pyometra—a life-threatening uterine infection
• Up to 99% reduced risk of breast cancer if spayed before first heat

Helps reduce shelter overpopulation

Spaying and neutering aren’t just for dogs and cats. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats also benefit from these procedures:

• Male rabbits: Neutering helps reduce aggression and marking
• Female rabbits: Spaying prevents uterine cancer, which is common in intact females
• Guinea pigs and rats: Spaying can help prevent ovarian cysts and reproductive cancers

Consult your exotic animal veterinarian for species-specific recommendations.

For more detailed information on the benefits, risks, and timing of spaying and neutering, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s official guide:
 AVMA Spay/Neuter Brochure (PDF)

Food safety and animal health go far beyond your pet—they’re essential to the health of our communities and the integrity of our food supply. Multiple federal agencies work together to monitor and protect the safety of meat, poultry, eggs, and other food products, while also safeguarding animal welfare and preventing the spread of contagious and foreign animal diseases.