AVMA, Fort Dodge launch pet-wellness campaign

SCHAUMBURG, ILL., AND OVERLAND PARK, KAN. — The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Fort Dodge Animal Health launched a national pet-wellness educational campaign, aimed at raising awareness of disease risks to pets and their prevention.

The "Being a Pet is Risky Business" campaign will encourage twice-yearly wellness exams for all pets.

It will attempt to reach pet owners in two ways: providing educational materials for in-clinic use by veterinarians, technicians and other staff members; and through television and radio public-service announcements urging pet owners to contact veterinarians to schedule wellness exams.

"Not only does this campaign bring important information to the public, but it allows veterinarians to recognize the important frontline role of veterinary technicians in communicating with and educating pet owners," says AVMA President Roger K. Mahr.

The nearly 15,000 clinics registered with National Pet Wellness (sponsored by AVMA and Fort Dodge Animal Health) soon will receive In-Clinic Education Kits containing three items:

• Canine and feline disease-risk assessment forms for use by technicians and DVMs to determine risk factors for each patient and appropriate prevention programs. Copies can be provided to pet owners.

• "Risky Businesss" brochures to inform pet owners about how regular risk assessments can help DVMs develop individualized programs for their pets.

• A clinic-education DVD containing a presentation on how to integrate twice-yearly wellness exams and risk assessment protocols into the clinic, campaign materials, AVMA public-service announcements and other public-relations materials.

AVMA-sponsored television and radio public-service announcements will begin this summer, funded by a Fort Dodge Animal Health education grant.

"We're pleased the AVMA and so many local veterinary clinics see value in the National Pet Wellness campaign for clients, patients and their practice," says Craig C. Wallace, vice president-marketing for Fort Dodge Animal Health.

Further information about pet wellness and disease-risk assessment is online at www.npwm.com.