ROCK HILL, SC (WBTV) - When you're sick you go to the doctor what people don't realize is their pets need a yearly check up just like they do.

Dr, Jay Hreiz at Ebenezer Animal Hospital in Rock Hill says in the past few years while the economy has been down, so has the number of clients bringing in their pets for checkups.

"We understand the economy has hit everybody hard but we still think that annual pet care is extremely important," said Hreiz.

A Bayer Veterinary Care study last year found that 24 percent of pet owners agreed that routine checkups for their animals are unnecessary.

The same study showed 33 percent of dog owners and 41 percent of cat owners agreed that if their pet did not need to be vaccinated every year.

Though Hreiz has seen a decline of pet checkups yet he's seen a rise elsewhere.

YORK COUNTY - Thomas is a very sweet and huggable kitten that loves to be carried like a baby doll.  He also loves to play and is a natural comedian. He came to the shelter at just a couple of weeks old with his brother and together they were in foster care.  His brother has been adopted and Thomas is still waiting.  

Come visit Thomas at the Humane Society of York County at 2036 Carolina Place, Fort Mill, SC during our adoption hours Tues. - Sun. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Visit our website at www.humanesocietyofyorkcounty.org  to learn more about the HSYC.  Thank you for your support.

Photographs courtesy of Karen Premo Photography.  www.premophoto.com

YORK COUNTY - Cooper is a very loving 2 year old, 70 lb, Black Lab mix.  Per Cooper's current foster parents...'He loves being around people and has never met anyone he didn't like, except our cat.  He gets along great with our 14 year old miniature poodle. 

Cooper loves to lay on your feet if they are available and loves to lay across your lap.  He's very playful and smart.  He's house trained and crate trained.  He knows sit, stay, drop it, leave it and lay down. 

I think he knows "come" to a certain extent but we haven't worked on that enough for him to be consistent.  He's very teachable for anyone willing to spend the time to work with him. '

One of Coopers struggles is....he loves socks and shoes.  Due to this struggle, Cooper has gotten an obstruction that had to be removed by surgery. However, if you can keep Cooper from having any socks or shoes available he'll thrive! 'If those items are kept out of sight, then he is fine and very well behaved.'