Why online pet groups are both helpful and harmful
Dr. Geoff Carullo, DVM, FPCCP, DPCVSCA
- Articles
- 2 min read
Today, almost every pet owner belongs to an online pet group. From Facebook communities for aspin lovers to group chats for breed enthusiasts, these digital spaces have become the new barangay halls where questions, photos, and stories are exchanged daily. For many, they feel like a lifeline — a place to ask, share, and connect when vet visits seem intimidating or expensive.
But these groups also have a dangerous edge.
Online pet groups are both a gift and a gamble. They offer community, comfort, and quick access to resources, but they also spread harmful advice and misinformation. The challenge for vets is not to fight these groups but to guide them — to be present, patient, and clear.
Because behind every post isn’t just a pet owner — it’s a pet whose health may depend on the very first answer they read.
Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
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