A veterinary clinic is a health care facility that specializes in providing services for domestic animals like cats, dogs and rabbits. Most often staffed by veterinarians – doctors trained specifically in treating animal illness and injury – and their support staff (veterinary technicians and nurses). Some also feature diagnostic equipment like x-ray machines and blood pressure monitors; although most veterinary clinics are situated within rural or small town locations.
Veterinarians work in clinical hospital environments to perform preventive medical examinations on both traditional and exotic species; diagnose and treat illness or injury; provide preventive care such as vaccinations, microchipping, deworming; as well as perform surgery. Veterinarians specializing in internal medicine, surgery or ophthalmology may possess additional qualifications and training.
Some veterinarians work for city, county and state agencies investigating animal disease outbreaks among both humans and animals and developing programs to combat them. Veterinary epidemiologists play a vital role in assuring food processing plants, restaurants and water supplies are safe environments. Furthermore, other veterinarians work for federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or Department of Homeland Security protecting people and animals against manmade or natural disasters.
Many veterinary professionals work for public service organizations or community health centers that serve people with limited incomes who do not have access to veterinary care. Working in this type of practice enables veterinarians to work directly with both humans and pets – something many find personally rewarding – making this type of clinic particularly attractive as flexible work schedules may also allow employees to work from home more conveniently.
At times, there can be an impression in veterinary clinics of economic constraints and social context as being barriers to providing optimal clinical care that relies solely on an objective notion of health. Such historically informed views make veterinarians more attuned to ethical challenges of scientifically representing an animal’s interest in its wellbeing, and also increase sensitivity for heterogeneous concepts of adequate therapy that incorporate various understandings of an animal as well as its diseases.
As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, some veterinary practices will begin rebuilding relationships with clients and evaluating the ways they interact with patients. They may work toward rebuilding trust and communication. As part of their responsibility, clients should make sure to understand prognosis and diagnostic tests as early as possible to help reduce unintended disappointment for both client and pet. By engaging in open conversations earlier on in the process, this can prevent unwarranted disappointment for both parties involved. Conflict prevention also relies on effective communication. For instance, if a client believes their dog’s diagnosis is certain while the veterinarian disagrees, this is something they must discuss carefully with the client in a very delicate manner. It will have a lasting impact on both parties involved as well as quality veterinary service provided to pet owners.