What Makes an Animal Care Specialist Different from a Regular Veterinarian?

You always want the best possible care for your furry and feathered friends. Whether you're dealing with a sudden illness or just want to make sure your pets are as healthy and happy as possible, bringing them to a qualified veterinary professional is always a top priority. However, with so many different types of animal care professionals out there, it can be tough to know who to turn to for the specific type of care your pet needs. 

Specialization

While all vets are trained to care for a wide range of animals and health issues, specialists focus specifically on one particular area of veterinary medicine. For example, an oncologist works exclusively with pets who have cancer, while a dermatologist specializes in skin and allergy issues. By working exclusively in a specific area of medicine, specialists can build up a deep level of knowledge and expertise and offer more targeted care to their patients.

Additional Training

To become an animal care specialist, a vet must complete a residency program after completing their veterinary degree. This involves several years of intensive training and studying in their chosen area of specialization, which helps them gain the expertise and experience they need to provide the best possible care for their patients. Regular veterinarians generally don't have this extra training, but they still have extensive knowledge of animal health and wellness.

Advanced Technology

Animal care specialists also tend to have access to more advanced technology and equipment than regular vets. This is because they need specialized tools and techniques to diagnose and treat health issues in their specific area of expertise. Regular veterinarians still have access to many of these tools and techniques, but they may not be quite as advanced or specialized.

Referral System

Finally, it's worth noting that animal care specialists often work together with regular veterinarians to ensure the best possible care for their patients. If your regular vet suspects that your pet has a health issue that requires specialized care, they may refer you to an animal care specialist for further testing and treatment. This referral system allows pets to receive the highest quality care possible while still benefiting from the expertise and knowledge of their regular veterinary practitioner.

Whether you're dealing with a general health issue or a specific medical condition, it's important to know that there are animal care professionals out there who can help. While regular veterinarians are highly trained and knowledgeable about animal health and wellness, animal care specialists offer a higher level of expertise and specialization in specific areas of veterinary medicine. By understanding the differences between these two types of professionals, you can make informed choices about the type of care your pet needs and ensure that they receive the best possible treatment for their health concerns.

Learn more from an animal care specialist near you today.