"The significance of the human-animal bond has never been more appreciated and valued in the history of man than presently", says Dr. Sylvia Domotor, or "Dr. D" Veterinarian and owner of the Animal House Veterinary Hospital.

Her ideas on improving and strengthening the people & pet relationship focuses mainly on education.

"Education for all pet owners is, of course, the key to widespread understanding of the needs of our pet population. More than half of the homes in America contain some kind of pet, yet only a small percentage of these pet owners seek veterinary health care for them."

Continuing, the Veterinarian says, "The vast majority of pet owners, through a lack of information or fear of expenses, are depriving themselves and their pets of valuable preventative health care. In the long run, periodic veterinary care and consultation would be less painful for the pet and less expensive for the owner."

Additionally, she informs, "Preventative care covers a large territory, beginning with the selection of a pet. This includes its breeding and background (especially for large exotics and small pets which can require specialized enclosures, locations, and correct temperatures). Equally important for the health and welfare of pets are issues concerning spay/neutering, vaccinations, as well as feeding practices, lifestyle, and behavior counseling. For both the pet and owner, these issues should be investigated and answered before a pet is selected and brought into the home environment."

Dr. D suggests, "One sure way to start the process of education is by providing our children with pet ownership courses beginning at an early age in grade schools. Kids should learn pet basics, including how to avoid a variety of common pet injuries, along with care for a pet who has the potential to follow them from grade school all the way to college." She concludes, "I believe pets are truly family members and friends. Early in life, we need to allow our kids to learn and recognize the value of their pets along with the basics in math, reading and science."

Background:
A true citizen of the world, Dr. Sylvia Domotor was born in Europe, and as a child lived in Europe, Canada, and the United States. In 1979 she received her Bachelor's Degree in Science (Neuro Biology) from McGill University, in Montreal, and in l985 her doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.

After graduation, Dr. D (as her patients parents affectionately call her) returned to Southern California to practice small animal medicine and surgery. In l996 she founded Dr. Domotor's Animal House Veterinary Hospital
in the foothill community of Monrovia, California. Over the years, it has steadily grown into one of the larger small and exotics animal practices in the area.