World Veterinary Day – Celebrating veterinary healthcare teams

Written by louise-horton
April 23, 2024

At PetGP, we are incredibly lucky to have an excellent veterinary team comprised of highly skilled, qualified vets and nurses with many years of post-qualification experience.  

Veterinary teams are made up of essential health workers not only there to help your pets but also an integral part of human health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) promote a "one health" system that advocates for a unifying approach. This aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. The health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment are closely linked and depend on each other. Animals must remain healthy to improve the health of humans. 

What do vets do? 

Veterinary Surgeons hold several different roles. Often they are not the ones you first think of. Traditionally we think of vets working towards the diagnosis, control, prevention, and elimination of diseases.  

There are also many Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses working hard in roles associated with: 

  • Animal surveillance 
  • Epidemiology 
  • Containing antimicrobial resistance 
  • The management of health aspects of laboratory facilities and diagnostic laboratories 
  • Biomedical research 
  • Health education and extension 
  • The production and control of biological products and medical devices 
  • Food production 
  • The management of domestic and wild animal populations 
  • Protection of drinking water and the environment 
  • The management of public health emergencies  
  • Education 

How are our veterinary team different to those in your usual veterinary practice? 

In essence they aren’t!  

Our team have all worked in British veterinary practices for more than 3 years post qualification. Many of our team have advanced qualifications and knowledge. A large proportion have also worked within referral centres, specialist hospitals and dedicated emergency and critical care clinics. Each of our Vets and Vet Nurses is committed to continuous professional development and completes additional training and development each year. They now work in telemedicine; this is the remote delivery of veterinary care for specific situations and medical conditions. It complements the care provided by a veterinary practice. It is not a replacement for a physical assessment when required.  

At Pet GP we offer teletriage. A structured and prompt assessment of a patient. This process enables the level of urgency in which on-going care is required, to be determined safely and quickly. Advice can then be given about your pets continued care recommendations. This may also involve a recommendation to contact your usual veterinary practice. 

Why choose PetGP? 

PetGP is here to help when your pet is unwell, or you would like to discuss a concern. Our veterinary healthcare team provide independent, evidence-based, expert clinical advice to allow you to give your pet the best possible care. 

  • Our veterinary healthcare team are here to help you look after your pet’s health 24/7 365 days of the year.  
  • Calls are answered quickly. Less than 30 seconds and you are speaking with a veterinary professional. 
  • We ask a series of questions to allow us to understand your worries as soon as possible.  
  • Each time you contact us you can be sure we will identify the severity of the problem and provide quick, safe, evidence-based guidance to ensure your pets health and recovery. 
  • In 2 out of 3 cases, we find that an immediate visit to the vet is not necessary.  
  • By calling us first you can avoid the inconvenience, stress, and cost of avoidable vet appointments.  
  • PetGP is not there to replace your vet. There will be times where a vet visit is necessary. If we feel this is required, we will give you clear guidance to keep your pet as safe as possible. 
  • No question is too big or too small. Our team are happy to discuss all aspects of animal health and wellbeing.  

No matter what route you choose, the health of your pet is of the utmost importance. The best route is the one that allows your pet to receive the care they need in the quickest timeframe.