• Puppies and dogs coming from shelter or rescue situations may not have had enough individual attention over a long enough period to detect subtle health problems.

• Your puppy or dog may be “current” on vaccinations and deworming, etc. but that does not mean he/she doesn’t still require booster vaccines, repeat deworming or monthly treatments for heartworm, fleas, ticks, etc.

• Although experienced and knowledgeable about dogs, shelter or rescue personnel may not know what is best for your pet’s new lifestyle and home location. Your Veterinarian tailors the vaccine and preventative schedule to best suit your unique situation.

• It is important to establish a relationship with a Veterinarian.

• Veterinarians will typically only take your pet as an emergency patient if you are already an established client. There are many people and pets on the island and not a lot of Veterinarians to meet their needs.

• There are many ways to care for pets, and it is important for you to find the Veterinarian that matches the way that makes sense to you. You may need to ask your friends and family for recommendations or try more than one Veterinarian.

• Pets age much faster than people. If you go by the old convention, if your dog goes to the Veterinarian every year, it is like you going to the doctor every 7 years. If a dog skips a year, it is like you not going to your doctor for 14 years. Many irreversible conditions can happen in that time.