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missionpethealth 9 2 4 things every Birmingham pet owner should know, according to this local expert — Dr. Bradac and her sidekick Bruce. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Magic City pets live a pretty good life: long walks on Lakeshore Trail, sunny patios that overlook the Cahaba and plenty of James Beard-nominated treats.

But between the Alabama heat, year-round pests and the occasional mystery snack off the floor, there’s more to keeping them healthy than you might think. Ahead of National Pet Day on April 11, we asked one of Birmingham-based Mission Pet Health’s Regional Medical Directors, Dr. Tricia Bradac, to break down what every local pet owner needs to know.

1. Don’t skip your pet’s annual checkup

missionpethealth 5 4 things every Birmingham pet owner should know, according to this local expert — Small steps can make a big difference in your pet’s health and happiness. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

If there’s one thing Dr. Bradac wants every pet owner to prioritize, it’s this: Schedule their yearly vet visit. Bradac says these annual exams are key to keeping pets healthy long-term and catching potential health issues early.

A solid annual checkup includes:

A full physical exam
Blood work + fecal testing
Heartworm screening
Updated vaccinations

Pro tip: Pair annual visits with consistent heartworm, flea and tick prevention for year-round protection.

2. Plan ahead for hot Alabama summers

dog — Be sure to watch out for hot concrete + surfaces. Cool off the paws! (Lacey Munsterman)

If you’ve lived through a Birmingham summer, you know the heat and humidity are no joke—and your pets feel it, too.

Dr. Bradac recommends:

Keeping fresh, clean water available at all times
Adding ice cubes to water bowls for extra cooling
Trying pet water fountains to encourage hydration

You can also make summer more fun (and safe) with pet-friendly treats like:

Frozen carrots
Peanut butter-filled frozen toys

Just be careful! Some human foods are toxic to pets, including grapes, raisins and an artificial sweetener called xylitol. This low-calorie alternative is found in some chewing gums, peanut butters and baked goods and is highly toxic (and sometimes fatal) to dogs.

For a comprehensive list of toxic foods, consult the ASPCA poison control resources.

3. Adopting a new pet? Take it slow

IMG 1139 4 things every Birmingham pet owner should know, according to this local expert — Your cats may not *immediately* get along… but they’ll come around. (Grace Howard / Bham Now)

Bringing home a new pet is so exciting, but it’s important to remember they may need time to adjust. For first time adopters, Dr. Bradac says patience is everything.

Her advice:

Focus on building trust before anything else
Introduce new people + environments gradually
Stick to leashes or secure fenced areas early on

Because many adopted pets come with unknown histories, a slow, thoughtful approach helps them feel safe and settled.

Here are some local shelters the Bham Now team loves:

4. Stay connected with your vet

missionpethealth 4 2 4 things every Birmingham pet owner should know, according to this local expert — Bruce is loving his vet visit. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

For Dr. Bradac, the job goes far beyond the clinic—developing a long-term relationship with your vet can be meaningful and make a difference in your experience.

“My favorite part is the connection with pet owners in the community. It’s so rewarding to run into clients around Birmingham and hear how their pets are doing.”
Dr. Tricia Bradac, Regional Medical Director, Mission Pet Health

While life-saving cases are incredibly rewarding, she says some of the most meaningful lessons come from the pets she’s lost.

“I care deeply about every pet I treat, and losing a pet is never easy.

Those experiences push me to reflect, learn and grow, so I can do everything possible to help the next pet.”
Dr. Tricia Bradac, Regional Medical Director, Mission Pet Health

From the hospital to Home Office

missionpethealth 2 4 things every Birmingham pet owner should know, according to this local expert — Great vet care starts with great teams. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Dr. Bradac began her career in animal health in a single hospital and has since grown into a broadly influential role as a Regional Medical Director with Mission Pet Health.

Headquartered in Birmingham, Mission is veterinarian-led and one of the largest veterinary networks in the U.S., supporting more than 900 animal hospitals nationwide.

“Mission invests deeply in the continuous professional growth of their teammates. Without the support of the people at this company, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue a new path—one where I now get to empower and support so many amazing hospitals as they deliver exceptional care to the people and pets in our communities.”
Dr. Tricia Bradac

Curious about careers with Mission Pet Health? Explore opportunities today!

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