HEALTHCARE

• Cat Health Topics is a guide to reliable online resources.  It is on the web site of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.  The site has areas devoted to wellness care (how to trim your cat’s nails), nursing care, and information on common feline conditions such as chronic renal failure and hyperthyroidism.  www.catvets.com 
• A site dedicated to the Indoor Cat Initiative which was created to enrich the lives of indoor cats by understanding their needs, enriching their indoor environment, and keeping them healthy.  A variety of feline health and behavior conditions are related to stress and may improve with an enriched indoor environment.  www.vet.ohio-state.edu/747.htm

• Sponsored by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and Fort Dodge Animal Health.  A campaign to educate owners about subtle signs of sickness in cats and how to know when to contact a veterinarian.  www.Healthycatsforlife.com

• www.growingupwithpets.com  Sponsored by Novartis Animal Health this is a great site for expectant parents, parents of toddlers, and of school age children.  Includes information about preparing for a new pet or preparing your pet for a new baby.  In addition, there is information on protecting children from the health risks that pets can pose, and helpful ideas on how to teach your toddler and older child to interact with pets.

• An essential site for the owners of a diabetic dog or cat.  Reliable information from experts in the field of veterinary endocrinology.  Thorough and practical information on all aspects of diabetes mellitus in pets including risk factors,  symptoms, diagnosing diabetes,  home monitoring, blood and urine testing, signs of hypoglycemia, insulin administration, diet, and exercise.  The site has product recommendations, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions on giving insulin. www.bddiabetes.com/ca/english/main.aspx?cat=1001&id=1358  

• Healthypet is a site sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association.  This comprehensive site provides reliable information on a wide variety of topics including dog and cat breed information, animal behavior, common health problems, illnesss, and the human-animal bond.  There is also a video library covering many interesting topics.  www.healthypet.com/library_main.aspx   

BEHAVIOR

• The site of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has a public site with pet behavior articles.  In addition, the behavior book reviews are helpful in choosing books that are based on legitimate behavior science.  They are read and reviewed by members of the AVSAB. www.avsabonline.org
   

• A great site overall with information on a variety of topics.  It is a helpful source of information on normal behavior and common behavioral problems.  www.aspca.org/behavior
   

DAYCARE AND PETSITTING

• www.twodogspaws.com   This is an insured and bonded petsitting service owned and operated in Monrovia by Jen Havens and her staff.  I have worked with Jen for many years and know that she is intelligent, reliable, and in love with her job!  Jen and her staff are also available for dog walks, hikes, and playtime.  She can transport your pet to the hospital for appointments if needed.  In addition, Jen has veterinary experience and can help with medicating your dog or cat.
   

SPECIALISTS/REFERRAL HOSPITALS

• www.eyecareforanimals.com  We are fortunate to have Dr. Allison Hoffman at the Pasadena Eyecare for Animals office.  She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.  Also on staff is Dr. Kelli Combs, an ophthalmology resident.  Patients may be referred to Eyecare For Animals for evaluation and treatment of complex eye problems as well as for eye surgery such as cataract removal.  Complete eye examinations are available for any pet, especially those breeds that are predisposed to certain eye problems. The web site has information on a complete list of eye conditions.
   

• www.cmsurgicalgroup.com  The web site of Drs. Charisse Davidson and Fiona Little at CM Surgical Specialty Group.  Both are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.  Located in South Pasadena, they are available to work with me to provide the best care possible for your pet.  In addition to being skilled surgeons, they are both kind and caring people and I have great confidence in referring my patients to them when necessary.
   

• www.pasadenavet.net  Pasadena Veterinary Specialists are located in South Pasadena.  Dr. Jocelyn Mott is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.  Dr. Vivian Yao is a resident in internal medicine.  They perform specialized diagnostics such as ultrasound or endoscopy.  I have worked with them a great deal in the past and will refer to them when evaluation and treatment of complex conditions are necessary.
   

• VETERINARY CANCER GROUP has two oncology referral practices located in Culver City and Tustin.  They are the most reliable and complete source of information regarding treatment options for pets with cancer.  www.vetcancergroup.
  
  

PET LOSS

• www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAH/petloss_resources.cfm  The Pet Loss Support Hotline at the School of Veterinary Medicine at U.C. Davis unfortunately has been discontinued due to budget cuts.  The school's web site still provides many pet loss resources including listings of other hotlines, web sites, and published material on grief and pet loss.

• http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/goodbyefriend/goodbye.asp  The web site of the American Veterinary Medical Association has a section devoted to pet loss.  The site has information regarding the difficult decision of euthanasia, the emotions of pet loss, and ways to remember your pet.
   

• The Delta Society's mission is to help lead the world in advancing human health and well being through positive interactions with animals.  The Pet Loss and Bereavement section of their web site is a source of local resources such as counseling and support groups.  In addition, there are extensive listings of other websites, articles, and other resources related to pet loss and grieving.  www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=307

CARE CREDIT

As a service to our clients, we are pleased to offer the CareCredit card, North America’s leading patient payment program.  CareCredit lets you begin your treatment immediately – then pay for it over time.  CareCredit offers a full range of No Interest and Extended Payment Plans for treatment fees. www.carecredit.com
 

PET INSURANCE

Pet insurance can make a difficult situation easier knowing that your pet is covered when a serious condition or emergency procedure becomes necessary.  There are many plans available.  Consider the following questions when researching prospective plans:

• Can you use any veterinarian?
• Does the policy cover your particular pet's medical needs?
• What are the policy's conditions/exclusions?
• Does the company offer a multiple-pet discount?
• Does the plan cover any congenital or pre-existing condition?
• What is the waiting period?

PET INSURANCE COMPANIES

Pets Best                          www.petsbest.com

• Shelter Care                       www.sheltercare.com
• Pets Care                          www.petcareinsurance.com
• Pets Health                        www.petshealthplan.com
• Veterinary Pet Insurance       www.petinsurance.com
• Nestle Purina Pet Care          www.PurinaCare.com
• Pet First Healthcare            www.PetfirstHealthcare.com 
• Petplan Insurance               www.GoPetplan.com
• Trupanion Pet Insurance        www.trupanion.com