The Internet and Pet Health Information: Perceptions and Behaviors of Pet Owners and Veterinarians

Introduction: The current study assesses the online search behavior of pet owners for pet health information and the perception of clients’ internet use by their veterinarians.Materials and methods: A random sample of veterinary clinics was selected from two metropolitan US areas. Results and Conclusions: The majority of clients reported using the internet for pet health information with positive results. Veterinarians expressed concern over clients’ ability to understand medical information and the potential negative impact of misleading information. Recommendations pertaining to the growing presence of the internet and its impact to the field of veterinary medicine are offered.