“According to the infographic—which sources information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, among others—there are a number of items that responsible pet parents need to be aware of, including:

• Finances: It is important that pet parents understand the financial cost of properly caring for a cat or dog—which when considering routine veterinary care, food, toys, training, grooming, and other expenses—can costs hundreds of dollars a year.
• Vaccines: In addition to regular care, pet parents should consult with their veterinarian about vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and other preventive measures that can protect cats and dogs from a range of potentially deadly diseases.
• Protection: According to the AVMA, more than 10 million cats and dogs are lost or stolen every year, and one-third of pets will become lost at some point in their life. Microchipping your pet greatly increases the chances that they will be recovered if lost or stolen.

“Now more than ever, we consider our pets to be members of the family, so it is essential that people understand all that goes into being a responsible pet parent,” said Fran Dirksmeier, President, Henry Schein Animal Health, North America. “We encourage veterinarians to download this infographic and share it with their clients so they can be the best pet parents possible. Through regular veterinary visits, a healthy diet, and lots of exercise, we can ensure our pets live long, healthy, and happy lives.”

Henry Schein/solutions for health care professionals (Henry Schein Recognizes Responsible Pet Owners Month By Reminding Pet Parents To Take Their Pets To The Vet – Henry Schein)