Example Emails for Vector-Borne Disease Screening Reminders
Responsible pet owners and veterinary professionals all share the goal of keeping our pets happy, healthy, and safe from preventable diseases. One of the most critical aspects of preventive care that sometimes gets overlooked is vector-borne disease (VBD) screening. VBDs, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are transmitted by ticks, and mosquitoes. These diseases can be devastating for pets and, if left untreated, lead to chronic conditions or even death.
While regular testing for VBDs is crucial, it can sometimes be a difficult topic with pet owners who may not fully understand its importance, especially for seemingly healthy dogs. For veterinary practices, sending the right communication at the right time can help reinforce why VBD screening should be a priority for their pets.
To support your team in educating and reminding clients about the importance of regular VBD screening, these three email templates can be used by your clinic to help explain why preventive care, timely screenings, and continuous vigilance are vital to keeping pets safe, even when they appear healthy.
1. Reminder for Preventives and General Information
Subject: Keep Your Pet Safe: Vector-Borne Disease Prevention
Dear [Pet Owner's Name],
We hope you're doing well. We want to take a moment to remind you about the importance of keeping up with regular preventive care for [Pet Name].
Did you know that vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis can be transmitted by just one tick bite? Even with flea and tick preventive medications, there's still a risk of exposure, which is why regular screening is essential. In our state, X% of dogs have tested positive for a tick-borne disease just this year!
Keeping your pet on year-round flea, tick, and heartworm preventives is the best way to reduce the risk of infection. If you haven't already, we can discuss the best preventive options for your pet at your next visit.
If your pet is due for a refill or you have any questions about the best protection plan, we're happy to help! Your pet's health and well-being are our top priority, and we're here to help ensure they stay happy and healthy. Please don't hesitate to reach out to schedule a screening.
Best regards,
[Practice Name]
[Contact Information]
2. Reminder for Regular Screening in All Pets
Subject: Regular Screening Is Vital for Your Pet's Long-Term Health
Dear [Pet Owner's Name],
We want to remind you how essential it is to schedule regular screenings for vector-borne diseases (VBDs) for [Pet Name]—even if they seem perfectly healthy.
VBDs like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are often "silent" infections, meaning pets can carry these diseases without showing obvious symptoms. This can make early detection even more challenging. The good news? Regular testing allows us to catch these diseases as soon as possible, typically making treatment less expensive for you and less aggressive for your pup.
Even if your pet is on a tick preventive regimen and hasn't shown signs of illness, testing remains the best way to ensure they're not silently harboring an infection. We recommend annual VBD screening—early detection can make all the difference! Screening is quick and simple, and it could help us catch potential issues before they become serious.
Call us at [phone number] to schedule an appointment, or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Best regards,
[Practice Name]
[Contact Information]
3. Reminder for Why It's Important to Screen Previously Exposed Pets
Subject: Did You Know? Testing Is Important for Previously Exposed Pets
Dear [Pet Owner's Name],
If [Pet Name] has previously tested positive for a vector-borne disease (VBD) like Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis, regular screening is still essential. Some infections can persist without symptoms, while others can cause long-term complications if left unchecked.
In many cases, these diseases can remain dormant or cause subtle, progressive symptoms that may be overlooked until they reach more severe stages. Even if your pet is no longer showing signs of illness, it's important to test them regularly to catch any infections early and prevent long-term complications.
If you'd like to schedule a screening or discuss your pet's history and risks further, we're here to help. Ongoing screening helps us monitor your pet's health and catch any potential relapses or secondary issues early. Pets in our area can be exposed to mosquitos and ticks, we strongly recommend scheduling their next screening appointment soon.
Thank you for trusting us with your pet's care. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions.
Best regards,
[Practice Name]
[Contact Information]
Best Practices for Deploying These Emails
Effective communication is key to educating pet owners on the importance of VBD screening. These email templates can be used in various situations, depending on the pet's age, medical history, and preventive care routine. Here are a few best practices for deploying these emails:
Use Email Automation Tools
Set up reminders to send these emails at regular intervals. Automated email tools and client engagement platforms can help streamline communication and ensure pet owners stay informed.
Be Timely
Send reminders on a schedule, such as:
- General Preventive Reminder (Template 1): Send seasonally, especially in spring and early fall when tick and mosquito activity peaks.
- Regular Screening Reminder (Template 2): Send annually as part of wellness exam reminders or after peak exposure seasons.
- Previously Exposed Pet Reminder (Template 3): Send to pet owners whose pets have tested positive in the past, ideally six months to a year after the last screening.
Encourage Questions
In every email, invite pet owners to ask questions or schedule a call with their veterinarian to discuss any concerns. This reinforces trust and encourages open communication.
By using these templates effectively, your veterinary practice can increase awareness of the importance of regular VBD screening, helping to protect pets from serious, often preventable diseases.
