FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boat Club Road Animal Hospital (BCRAH) is using Facebook to create an online community for Fort Worth, Texas pet owners. The practice regularly shares seasonal care tips, local interest stories, animal photos and fun, veterinary facts. For example, the Facebook page recently posted the FOX 4 local news story about the benefits of massage therapy for animals, which featured the animal hospital's own veterinary massage therapist. According to veterinarian Dr. John Dedwylder, the hospital's Facebook page is a unique way to regularly communicate with pet owners.
Dr. John Dedwylder, the owner and founder of Boat Club Road Animal Hospital (BCRAH), is embracing Facebook as a unique way to build a social network of Fort Worth pet owners. For Dr. Dedwylder, incorporating Facebook is a natural extension of his dedication to education and connecting with pet owners.
"Educated and informed pet owners are able to provide better care for their pets," said Dr. Dedwylder. "Unfortunately, in our busy society, it can be difficult for pet owners to regularly check in with their veterinarians. It's easy to forget about vaccinations, miss seasonal care information, and overlook important wellness news."
Dr. Dedwylder turned to Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and other online services that give clients access to their pets health records to enhance communication.
"The average Facebook user checks their account at least once every few days," said Dr. Dedwylder. "Posting wellness news and seasonal care tips to Facebook is an easy way to reach out and educate pet owners."
The vet hospital regularly shares pet care tips, blog posts, and news stories. Topics include the benefits of spay and neuter, information on pet boarding and animal grooming, and trainer recommendations. The Facebook page also frequently features animal photos and entertaining video clips.
In addition to sharing pet stories, BCRAH is committed to fostering an engaged community on Facebook. "Just like with parenting, other pet owners are a great resource for sharing creative tips to solve obedience problems that they have also experienced. The goal with our Facebook page is to connect fellow pet owners, giving them a support network and access to important wellness resources."
BCRAH's Resort for Pets facility was recently featured on a FOX 4 news segment about veterinary massage therapy. A link to the story was posted on Facebook with the video encouraging Facebook members to share their personal experiences with pet massage therapy.
"We hope to continue growing our Facebook and other social media presence, bringing valuable information to our pet owners," said Dr. Dedwylder.
Dr. John Dedwylder was named to Texas Monthly's 2006 "Top 10 Texas Veterinarians" list. The Fort Worth animal hospital serves Haslet, Lake Worth, Rhome, and Saginaw.