Who do you turn to when your pet needs care, healing, or just a little extra love during a tough time? Most pet owners immediately think of their trusted veterinarian. But have you ever stopped to consider what goes on behind the exam room door, or the many hands and hearts that work together to keep your pet healthy?
December 9 is International Day of Veterinary Medicine, and it’s the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the professionals who care for our animals, day in and day out. At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital in Shoreview, MN, we’re honored to serve our community and support the lifelong health of pets from puppy and kitten visits to senior pet care.
This special day gives us a chance to pause and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and expertise that define veterinary medicine.
What Is the International Day of Veterinary Medicine?
International Day of Veterinary Medicine is held every year on December 9 to recognize the contributions of veterinary professionals around the world. It’s not just about celebrating doctors in white coats, but about acknowledging the entire veterinary team and their role in animal health and welfare.
Veterinary medicine plays a crucial role in both individual pet health and public health. Whether it’s diagnosing a chronic illness, performing surgery, managing pain, or protecting animals through vaccinations and parasite prevention, the veterinary profession touches nearly every aspect of a pet’s life.
More Than One Job: The Team That Makes It All Happen
When most people think of a veterinary clinic, they think of a veterinarian. But there is an entire support system behind every successful appointment.
At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, our team includes:
- Veterinarians, who provide medical diagnosis, perform procedures, and guide treatment decisions
- Veterinary technicians, who assist in surgeries, run diagnostics, and monitor patients
- Client care specialists, who schedule visits and make sure your questions get answered
- Animal care staff, who ensure your pet is safe, comfortable, and cared for
Every member of the veterinary team plays an important role in making sure your pet receives the best care possible.
From helping pets through surgery to holding a paw during a difficult diagnosis, this work is deeply emotional and highly technical. It’s a job that requires both scientific skill and heartfelt compassion and the ability to do both, often at the same time.
What Drives a Career in Veterinary Medicine?
The answer is simple: love for animals.
Veterinary professionals are drawn to this work because they care deeply about the wellbeing of pets and the people who love them. But the job goes far beyond cuddles and cute puppies.
It means making tough calls, being available for emergencies, and continuing to learn as medical knowledge advances. It also means helping families make end-of-life decisions with grace and empathy.
At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to be both AAHA accredited and have team members who are Fear Free certified, which means our standards of care exceed industry requirements. We go above and beyond to make sure both pets and their people feel safe and respected throughout the care process.
How You Can Show Your Appreciation
You don’t have to wait until a medical emergency to say thank you to the team that helps your pet live a healthier, happier life. Here are a few simple ways to show appreciation this December 9 and all year long:
- Send a thank-you card or message: A few kind words go a long way, especially after a difficult case
- Leave a positive review online: Sharing your experience helps others in Shoreview find trusted care
- Post a photo of your pet with a thank-you on social media: Tag Minnesota Veterinary Hospital to spread the love
- Schedule a wellness exam: Staying proactive shows that you value your pet’s health and trust your veterinarian to help guide the way
- Support your pet’s long-term care needs: Visit our online pharmacy for safe, veterinarian-approved preventatives, medications, and nutritional supplements
Whether you’re bringing in your dog for routine vaccinations or seeking treatment for a more complex condition, your local Shoreview veterinary team is here for you and your pet.
Local Heart, Lifelong Commitment
Veterinary care is not just a service. It’s a relationship. Here in Shoreview, Minnesota Veterinary Hospital has been caring for the pets of our community since 1968. That kind of legacy only happens when compassion, commitment, and trust come together over decades.
Because our team is Fear Free certified, we take extra steps to reduce stress and anxiety for your pet during visits. Whether your dog is shy or your cat hates carriers, we use gentle handling techniques and calming strategies to make appointments smoother and more pleasant.
We also offer a wide range of services to meet your pet’s needs at every stage of life, including:
- Wellness exams and vaccinations
- Dental care
- Surgery and diagnostics
- Senior pet care
- Parasite prevention
If you’re looking for a veterinarian in Shoreview, MN who puts pets and their people first, Minnesota Veterinary Hospital is proud to be your partner in pet health.
Celebrating the People Who Keep Pets Healthy
Behind every healthy pet is a veterinary team that cares deeply, often working long hours, facing tough situations, and doing everything possible to make sure each animal receives the attention and medical care they need.
On International Day of Veterinary Medicine, take a moment to celebrate the people who help make wagging tails, wet noses, and happy purrs possible. Whether you’re a new pet parent or have shared a lifetime with your furry companion, Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, your local Shoreview veterinary clinic, is here to support every step of the journey.If you’d like to thank our veterinary team in person or schedule a wellness visit, contact Minnesota Veterinary Hospital or give us a call at (651) 484-3331. We’d love to see you and your pet soon.