Providing Care for a Lifetime

Unlike doctors in human healthcare, general veterinary practitioners can care for their patients throughout their lifetimes. During a pet’s life, the veterinarian directs these efforts to promote the pet’s overall wellbeing; prevent, diagnose, and treat disease; and support the pet-owning family.

In this booklet, AAHA has gathered experts on lifetime care to share their experiences in conducting care for their patients:

• Developing or updating written preventive care protocols: communicating to clients and your team
• Proactively helping clients be financially prepared: pay-over-time (credit) options, pet insurance, or wellness plans
• Creating an excellent client experience: convenience of appointments, scheduling client communication, telehealth, and stress-free pet handling and environment
• Sharing credible client education and resources: in the practice, on social media, on the practice’s website, and in client communications
• Building a collaborative care community: connect with local veterinary specialists and emergency clinicians