News - Vet Care Associates

Is Your Pet Ready for an Emergency? A Simple September Preparedness Checklist

By Scott Monterastelli | September 24, 2026

September is National Preparedness Month, which makes it a good time to ask a question many of us do not think about until the weather alerts start rolling in: If you had to leave home quickly, would your pet be ready too? Here in Central Illinois, emergencies may look different from other parts of the […]

Rabies Exposure: Why Vaccines Matter and What Pet Owners Should Do

By Scott Monterastelli | September 14, 2026

Rabies is one of those diseases most pet owners have heard of, but many people do not think about it until there is a bite, a bat in the house, or a sudden wildlife encounter in the yard. And at that point, things can get stressful quickly. The good news is that rabies is preventable. […]

Back-to-School Season: Helping Pets Adjust to a Quieter House

By Scott Monterastelli | August 26, 2026

Back-to-school season brings a lot of changes: new schedules, earlier mornings, packed lunches, sports practices, homework, and probably at least one missing shoe. But while families are adjusting to the school-year routine, our pets are adjusting too. Dogs and cats may not understand where everyone went, but they do notice when the house suddenly gets […]

Is Your Dog Itching More Than Usual? Here’s When to Pay Attention

By Scott Monterastelli | August 7, 2026

Every dog scratches now and then. Sometimes it is just a quick itch. Other times, it may be your dog’s way of telling you something more is going on. August is recognized as Itchy Pet Awareness Month, making it a great time to take a closer look at your pet’s skin health. Allergic itch, also […]

Why Vaccines Matter: Protecting Dogs, Cats, and the People Who Love Them

By Scott Monterastelli | July 23, 2026

Vaccines may not be the most exciting part of your pet’s veterinary visit — most dogs would probably vote for treats, and most cats would vote to skip the car ride entirely — but they are one of the most important tools we have to protect your pet’s long-term health. For dogs and cats, vaccines […]

New World Screwworm: What Central Illinois Pet Owners Should Know

By Scott Monterastelli | July 7, 2026

New World screwworm has been getting a lot of attention recently, and understandably so. When headlines include phrases like “flesh-eating parasite,” it tends to make every pet owner pause mid-scroll. The good news? For most pets in Central Illinois, the current risk remains low. The even better news? A little awareness and good wound care […]

Summer Safety for Cats and Dogs: Simple Ways to Keep Pets Comfortable, Calm, and Healthy

By Scott Monterastelli | June 23, 2026

Summer Is Fun — But It Can Be a Lot for Pets By late June, summer is officially settling in. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and many families are spending more time outside, traveling, grilling, or getting ready for July celebrations. For our pets, summer can be exciting too. Dogs may get […]

Adopt-a-Cat Month: Helping Shelter Cats Find Healthy, Happy Homes

By Scott Monterastelli | June 4, 2026

June Is Adopt-a-Cat Month June is Adopt-a-Cat Month, a time dedicated to celebrating shelter cats and encouraging more cats and kittens to find loving homes. For many animal shelters and rescue organizations, late spring and early summer can bring an increased number of kittens and cats in need of care. Whether you are thinking about […]

National Rescue Dog Day: Celebrating Second Chances and Lifelong Wellness

By Scott Monterastelli | May 20, 2026

Celebrating National Rescue Dog Day Every year on May 20, pet lovers celebrate National Rescue Dog Day — a day dedicated to honoring rescue dogs, raising awareness about adoption, and recognizing the joy these pets bring to their families. Rescue dogs come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some may have been surrendered by previous owners, some may have […]

Spring Into Prevention: Protecting Your Pet from Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms

By Scott Monterastelli | May 1, 2026

Spring Weather Is Here — and So Are Parasites Warmer weather, greener grass, longer walks, and more backyard adventures make spring a welcome season for pets and their people. Unfortunately, dogs and cats are not the only ones excited about the change in weather. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes become more active as temperatures rise, which […]

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