Animal medical service providers are organizations or businesses that offer animal health care and medical attention. This can include animal hospitals, clinics, emergency services, mobile veterinary services, online pharmacies, and more. They usually have a staff of animal health care professionals, such as veterinarians, animal nurses, and support staff, who are trained to provide medical care to animals.
History
Animal medical care has been around for centuries, with the first animal hospital being established in 1776. However, it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that animal medical care began to be seen as a profession. In 1879, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) was founded, and in 1908, the first animal hospital in the United States was established.
Today, animal medical care is a growing industry, with an estimated $15 billion annual revenue in the United States alone. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that there are over 17,000 animal hospitals and clinics in the United States, and that number is growing every year.
What Animal Medical Services Are Available?
There is a wide range of animal medical services available, depending on the needs of the animal and the preferences of the owner. Some common animal medical services include:
Animal hospitals: These are facilities that provide 24-hour care for sick or injured animals. They often have a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options available, as well as the skilled staff who can provide around-the-clock care.
Animal clinics: These are less comprehensive than animal hospitals but can still provide many basic animal medical services, such as vaccinations, routine check-ups, and treatment of minor injuries or illnesses.
Emergency animal medical services: These are animal medical services that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide care for animals in urgent or life-threatening situations.
Mobile veterinary services: These are animal medical services that come to you, rather than you having to take your animal to them. They can be a convenient option for routine care or for those who have difficulty getting their animal to a clinic or hospital.
Online pharmacies: These are websites that sell animal medications and other animal health products. They often have a wide range of products available and can be a convenient way to get the supplies you need for your animal.
Routine Services: Routine services are those that are not considered to be emergency or urgent care. These include things like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings. Most animal medical service providers offer routine services during regular business hours.
Some animal hospitals and clinics also offer boarding, grooming, and other services.
Boarding: Boarding is a service that animal medical service providers offer when pet owners are going on vacation or business trips. Boarding facilities provide a safe and clean environment for pets to stay in while their owners are away. Most animal hospitals and clinics offer board, and some even offer daycare.
Grooming: Grooming is a service that animal medical service providers offer to keep pets clean and healthy. This can include things like bathing, brushing, and trimming nails. Most animal hospitals and clinics offer grooming services, and some even have specialties, such as dog grooming or cat grooming.
Surgery: Surgery is a type of medical procedure that is performed on animals to treat injuries or diseases. Surgery can be performed on an animal with a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around the incision, or a general anesthetic, which puts the animal to sleep.
Urgent Care: Urgent care is similar to emergency care but is not considered to be life-threatening. Examples of conditions that would be considered urgent care include diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory infections. Urgent care is usually available during regular business hours but may have extended hours depending on the animal hospital or clinic.
How to Choose an Animal Medical Service Provider
When choosing an animal medical service provider, there are a few things you should keep in mind, such as:
The services they offer: Make sure that the animal medical service provider you choose offers the services that you need.
The location: If you need emergency animal medical services, you’ll want to make sure that the provider is located near you. If you’re using mobile veterinary services, you’ll want to make sure that they service your area.
The cost: animal medical services can be expensive, so be sure to compare prices and look for discounts or coupons before making your final decision.
The reviews: Checking online reviews can be a helpful way to get an idea of what other people’s experiences have been like with a particular animal medical service provider.
If you’re looking for animal medical services, we hope that this guide has been helpful. Remember to keep the needs of your animal in mind and to compare prices and reviews before making your final decision.
