World-Class Pet Care Resources
When a pet first encounters a mirror, they may react as though they’ve seen another member of their own species. They may even look behind the mirror, looking for the playmate—or intruder— depending on how they “see” themselves. But eventually their attempts at play or aggression have no result. No cat or dog comes running out to play, and no intruder continues the threat by confronting your pet. Soon enough, your pet will begin to pay no attention to the mirrors in your home. In other words, they’ve become habituated to the mirrors. Habituation happens when someone learns not to respond to a previously arousing stimulus—in this case, a mirror! Some pets become habituated to mirrors quickly, while it may take others longer. If a pet encounters a new mirror or one in a new location, they may return to their old behaviors.
While pets can't actually recognize or identify themselves in the mirror, that doesn’t mean they lack intelligence. It takes quite a bit of sophisticated integration of information about yourself and your own movements, and what you're seeing in a mirror, to recognize your reflected image. Our pets—and babies too—don’t have this level of sophistication.
That said, pets may know their body is their own and doesn't belong to someone or something else. For example, animals recognize their own abilities and limitations while performing physical activities such as running, jumping and hunting.
If your pet seems anxious or stressed by looking in a mirror, remove it if possible or divert their attention with a game, toy or treat.
*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCATM mobile app, available at Apple's App Store and Google Play.
*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.
Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.
