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  • Today's Veterinarian

Veterinarian with dog

Veterinarians solemnly swear to use their scientific knowledge and skills "for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge."

Today's veterinarians are in the unique position of being the only doctors educated to protect the health of both animals and people. They are not only educated to meet the health needs of every species of animal but they play an important role in environmental protection, food safety, and public health.

In taking The Veterinarian's Oath, a doctor solemnly swears to use his or her scientific knowledge and skills "for the benefit of society, through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, and the advancement of medical knowledge."

Today nearly 70,000 veterinarians are professionally active in the United States. They provide a wide variety of services in private clinical practice, teaching, research, government service, public health, military service, private industry, and other areas.

The Veterinarian's Oath (Adopted by the AVMA):

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

This section contains articles to help you better understand how veterinary medicine can help you and your pet enjoy the longest and fullest life together.

  • The Veterinary Approach
    Category: Today's Veterinarian

    Veterinarians employ state of the art technology that is very similar to technology used in the treatment of humans. Veterinarians in private clinical practice work to prevent disease and other health problems in their patients. They examine animal patients, vaccinate them against diseases, prevent the

    Read more
  • Vetopedia
    Category: Today's Veterinarian

    Vetopedia is a glossary of terms used by vets in treating animals. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials; an organization which sets standards for pet food ingredients and minimum daily requirements. Abdomen A region of the body between

    Read more
  • What We Do
    Category: Today's Veterinarian

    Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Surgeons are medical professionals whose primary responsibility is protecting the health and welfare of animals and people. The term "veterinarian" comes from veterinae, which means "working animals." Every veterinarian has gone through extensive medical

    Read more
  • What We Learn
    Category: Today's Veterinarian

    Continuing education is important, even after veterinarians have completed their college studies and acquired the appropriate licenses. Students interested in a career in veterinary medicine should begin their preparation by doing well in general science and biology in junior high school. They need

    Read more
  • You & Your Vet
    Category: Today's Veterinarian

    Your veterinarian will rely on your awareness of small changes in your pet's behavior or habits. As the pet owner you must communicate your pet's health care needs to your veterinarian. Nobody knows your pet like you. Many signs of illness are subtle. Your veterinarian will rely on your awareness of

    Read more
  • 1
  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Exotics
      • Birds
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Pocket Pets
        • Hedgehogs
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Rats
        • Hamsters
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
    • Livestock
      • Poultry
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Sheep
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
    • Children and Pets
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Equine
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests

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Testimonial

  • "The office staff works very closely with the veterinarians to answer questions and help with concerns. They are always ready to help you. 5 Stars"
    Cathy & Greg B.
  • "#1... it's easy, the professionalism and value for money well spent, as well as kindness for both the owner and the animal!
    5 Stars"
    Bonnie P.
  • "Been going there for 13 years now. Dr. Derfuss and her staff are the best. 5 Stars"
    Edward B.
  • "Great Vet... great staff... This group is like no other Vet I've been to. I tried 5 different Vets in the New Brunswick area... Branchburg is on a totally different leve. 5 Stars"
    Daniel F.
  • "We want to thank Dr. Derfuss and her entire staff at Branchburg Animal Hospital for all of the wonderful service and care we have received over the years. We've been with the practice since it opened many years ago. Whether we are coming to the office to pick up food or bring our pets in to be treated, we are given the best care. They are like family to us. We give them an A++ and have recommended them on many occasions."
    The Del Grosso Family
  • "Linda and I have been bringing our Labrador Retrievers (first Shiloh and now Cooper) to Dr. Derfuss and the Branchburg Animal Hospital for many years. We have always admired and embraced the leading edge, holistic healing practices that are employed there. This has included such applications as acupuncture, chiropractic and the utilization of natural supplements, all of which have appreciably augmented the overall quality of life for our beloved canines. At a time and in a country where the overuse of prescription medication has clearly run amok, it is great to have a facility in our area where numerous other alternatives are deployed and RX medication is applied on a far more discerning basis."
    Kevin B.
  • "My husband and I have been taking our German Shepherds to Dr. Derfuss for many years. She is extremely caring and compassionate. She not only practices traditional medicine but holistic too. Our "girls" actually loved when they went to the vet! We highly recommend Branchburg Animal Hospital!"
    Carla B.
  • "I’ve been bringing my cats here for 15 years and Dr. Derfuss and the staff have been caring and compassionate. Holistic treatments are available if you want them, depending on the animal’s condition, and I have gone this route a couple of times for ailing cats. I never felt pressured into accepting any particular treatment. I’ve always been given all the options and chose what I felt was best. There are a number of vets closer to where I live, but I continue to make a slightly longer drive to Branchburg Animal Hospital because I trust them."
    Loretta A.
  • "Great Vet, Professional Staff, Very Clean. We are fortunate to live close to this great Vet!!"
    Eka
  • "For the past five years, the veterinarians at Branchburg Animal Hospital have taken great care of Stitch. I highly recommend this vet for your cat or dog."
    Jaime Hernandez / Branchburg, NJ

Featured Articles

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  • Macaws

    If you've decided to enter the entertaining world of bird ownership, you may be thinking about adopting a macaw. These giants of the parrot world make fun companions, but here are some things you should consider before making that purchase. What You Should Know About Macaw Ownership Macaws can make a ...

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  • Cockatoos

    If you're looking for a lively, affectionate, intelligent pet, you don't have to limit yourself to a dog or cat. Members of the Cacatuidae family, better known as cockatoos, can provide those qualities in abundance. However, before you bring a cockatoo home for the first time, you need to understand ...

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  • Parrots

    If you’re thinking of adding a feathered friend to your family, you might be surprised at what it takes to care of this type of pet. While parrots are highly intelligent and fun pets, there are a few aspects that make them more difficult to care for than a cat or dog. Here’s what you need to know ...

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  • Sugar Gliders

    Thinking of getting a sugar glider? These tiny marsupials are energetic and friendly, making them popular choices as pets. Though they weigh less than a half-pound, they're more closely related to kangaroos than they are flying squirrels. If you think a sugar glider would make an ideal pet for your family, ...

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  • Prairie Dogs

    Prairie dogs are cute, affable creatures. But before taking one on as a pet, check your local laws. In some states, such as Colorado, it's illegal to keep prairie dogs as pets. Mostly, this is because they may spread monkeypox. If you live in a state that welcomes pet prairie dogs, be sure to buy from ...

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  • How to Help Your New Cat Feel Welcomed in Your Home

    Adopting a cat or kitten? Here's what you can do to help your cat adjust to its new home. ...

    Read More
  • Skunks

    Home and Veterinary Care for Pet Skunks If you're an adventurous pet owner, you may love exotic animals such as skunks. You'll be happy to learn that skunks can indeed make excellent domestic pets, but only if they receive the proper care to enjoy a happy, healthy life. Your veterinary team can help ...

    Read More
  • Flying Squirrels

    Much like sugar gliders, flying squirrels make affectionate pets when purchased young and raised by their owner. Unlike sugar gliders, however, flying squirrels are rodents that need veterinary care specific to the species. Your veterinary team can help with the care and treatment of flying squirrels. ...

    Read More
  • Fennec Foxes

    Fennec Fox Care Guide With oversized ears and mischievous faces, fennec foxes are cute as can be. But these exotic pets require a lot of care to stay healthy and happy. Health At just three pounds, fennec foxes are the smallest member of the fox family. Native to the Sahara desert, fennec foxes are ...

    Read More

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