SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (April 1, 2025) — As a companion animal or livestock owner, you trust the health of your animal(s) with college-educated, professionally-trained veterinarians, and certified veterinary technicians to keep them in good health.
April is recognized every year as Healthy Pet Month by Illinois' veterinarians, certified veterinary-technicians (CVTs), and clinic-practice professionals, the majority of which are members of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA).
Veterinarians always encourage pet and livestock owners to recognize the importance of proactive, preventive health-care for their beloved pet or their herd, as well as for any medical procedure that will keep them healthy and continue to be a member of the family or livestock operation.
"The foundation for the oversight and care of any animal Illinois veterinary professionals treat and care for is our veterinary medical education, knowledge about animals, and our years of experience caring for them," says Matt Bussan DVM, ISVMA President, Town and Country Animal Hospital, Normal.
Dr Bussan says taking care of the health of any animal is a great responsibility that is not taken lightly.
"When a veterinarian and his or her clinic team assume responsibilities for the care of beloved pets or for large animals, the human client is allowing the veterinary team to take responsibility for making clinical judgements regarding the health of these animals and the need for medical treatment. Of course, the client will need to follow the veterinarian's instructions for the appropriate follow up and private care of the animal(s)."
Debbie Lakamp CAE, ISVMA Executive Director, says veterinary professionals have the medical knowledge and experience of working with animals, both domestic and exotic, to take charge of their care. "Veterinarians, CVTs, and others employed at animal clinics and hospitals across Illinois can effectively diagnose an animal's condition thanks to their education and hands-on experience, but also because of their personal involvement with that animal and its human caretaker," says Lakamp.
"Our ISVMA member veterinarians and CVTs are involved with the overall health of the animals through routine checkups and have access to the medical records to make a professional assessment."
Those who pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree have typically four years of college education, followed by four years of post-graduate studies from an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited university. Graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination and all Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requirements prior to practicing. State law also necessitates veterinarians enroll in forty hours of biennial continuing education. Veterinarians are required to understand many distinct types of animals and their physiology to be able to accurately diagnose and treat them to provide the highest level of compassionate care, whether the animals live indoors or outdoors.
CVTs must have graduated from an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited college or university and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. CVTs must also take biennial continuing education courses to maintain their license to practice, granted through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
The ISVMA is a professional association representing more than 1,900 member veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians, practice managers and veterinary and technician students from around the state to promote and protect veterinary practices. ISVMA leaders and members study a multitude of innovative medical and business practices, as well as pertinent legislation to determine the impact on pets, animals. and their human caretakers.
