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| AKC Veterinary Network By Penny Leigh, AKC Internal Consultant
For puppies, that means proper nutrition, training, grooming, and health care. The American Kennel Club understands puppy buyers have many decisions to make and that is why AKC launched the AKC Veterinary Network – to help new owners get expert advice from veterinarians on raising their new additions. Newly registered dogs, whose owners provide an e-mail address, receive a certificate redeemable for a first office visit with a veterinary practice in the AKC Veterinary Network. More than 3,220 veterinarians around the country take part in the network, and their contact information appears on the AKC website, which is viewed by more than 1 million individuals each month. It is free to join the AKC Veterinary Network, and all participating practices receive AKC educational materials on topics of interest to new puppy owners, including training, breeding, competitive events, permanent identification, and pet health insurance.. Each veterinary office also gets purebred dog breed posters for waiting and/or examination rooms and AKC coloring books for clients with children. AKC regularly updates the network veterinarians on news about purebred dogs and canine health issues and, starting this month, sends a quarterly newsletter with information on AKC programs, breeding and reproductive issues, and more. Falls Village Veterinary Hospital participates in the AKC Veterinary Network because “it is a win-win program for dog owners and for our practice,” said Dr. Amy Lewis DVM of Raleigh, N.C. “We gain new clients, we advertise and promote our practice, and we receive numerous brochures, pamphlets and reference materials,” Lewis said. “We are viewed on the AKC website and receive help to educate the public on all aspects of responsible dog ownership.” The AKC Veterinary Network certificates are good for the cost of an office visit (sometimes called the exam fee) and are not redeemable for vaccinations, medications, X-rays, and other procedures. Practices agree to honor the certificates. The certificates state the puppy’s registered name, registration number, breed, sex, color and markings, and microchip number (if applicable). Owners may use the certificates within 60 days of the date that the puppy is registered. An expiration date is displayed on the certificate. To receive a certificate, dog owners must include a valid e-mail address on their online or paper registration applications. AKC sends the certificates via e-mail to the primary owner within two business days to enable the owner to use the certificate for the pup’s first trip to the doctor. |
