Hearing that your precious pup has cancer is alarming and very frightening. You want to do everything possible to help your dog. The first thing to do is to be sure you have a diagnosis that you trust and a treatment plan that you believe in. This may mean getting a second opinion.

There are about 200 veterinary oncologists in the U.S. today, and millions of dogs with cancer. Many of these dogs will receive treatment but will not see an oncologist. The specialty of oncology did not even exist in veterinary medicine until the early 1900s!

If you are unable to find a veterinary oncologist in your area, don’t despair. Here are some options:

• Find a general practice vet who provides cancer treatment. If your dog's cancer treatment will be given by a general practice vet (not a veterinary oncologist), you can ask your vet to consult a veterinary oncologist about the best treatment plan for your dog and about any issues that arise during your dog's treatment. If your vet does not have a specialist that s/he regularly consults, you may request that s/he contact an oncologist at Oncura Partners for consultation. (www.OncuraPartners.com)
• Find out if there is a candidate for board certification in your area. This is a vet who has been trained in oncology but is not (yet) board certified. Most general practice vets are aware of local candidates for board certification.

If you need help finding a veterinary oncologist in your area who can provide chemotherapy for your dog, click the blue box below. The list that we send you will include medical oncologists, not radiation oncologists or board certified surgeons. Type your city and state into the Subject line of the Email that will open.

Once a year, we update our list by contacting each veterinary oncologist on the list, as well as those who are newly graduated. This service is provided by the Magic Bullet Fund.

NOTE: We do not resend lists if they are rejected and we do not send an additional Email to clear our address in your program. Please add the Email address: vetoncologistfinder@themagicbulletfund.org to your list of approved addresses before clicking the blue box.