“Beautiful People” PR Events, met the famous veterinarian of social media, Nikoleta Sereti, in Thessaloniki, who talks to us about her plans but also about her actions regarding the protection of animals !!!
–What made you start your career as a vet? Were you interested in animals from a young age?
The truth is that since I can remember myself, I loved spending time with animals. When I was born, we already had pets, a dog named “Boubou” and a parrot, named “Lisa”. So, when I learned that there is a profession through which I can heal, help, and be in contact with animals, I instantly decided that this is my dream job. With effort and perseverance, I managed to get to Vet School and then practice this profession.
–Do you think that Greek people have improved their behavior towards animals?
The truth is that important steps have been taken for this particular issue in recent years. Nowadays, most pet owners are much more aware of their obligations towards their pets (vaccines, parasite control, pet microchips, routine veterinary care, well-being) while the incidents of abuse have decreased and whenever there is such a case there is an outcry from the healthy part of society. The tightening of penalties has helped a lot in the reduction of these incidents.
–What else needs to be improved in Greek society in terms of animal protection?
Although the beginning has been made, there is still room for improvement for the protection of animals in our country. What needs to be done is to raise public awareness so that citizens can react and report any incidents of abuse they encounter. Of course, the competent authorities must also assist in this so the citizens have their support in such cases. However, to eliminate the problem, it is necessary to emphasize on education and cultivate a love for animals from an early age. Only in this way, the mentality of the Greeks in this matter will change radically.
–How important is the child-pet relationship? Do you think children should grow up around pets in the house?
It is observed that the co-existence of children with pets is beneficial in many areas. Initially, children who grow up with pets tend to socialize easier and to have heightened empathy. Also, having a pet at home strengthens the bond between family members. Finally, we must not forget that a pet is a good motive for children as far as physical exercise, a healthy habit that nowadays falls behind.
–Recently, due to COVID-19 but also to natural disasters, we have observed an increased tendency to adopt animals. What are the requirements for adopting a pet?
It is a fact that during quarantine, mainly due to isolation, there was an increase in the adoption of animals. But what one should pay attention to before deciding to adopt a pet is to be sure that he/she will be able to meet its needs both in terms of time (walks, training, grooming) and financially (nutrition, training, veterinary expenses). Having a pet – depending on what animal someone chooses to adopt – entails a responsibility that will accompany them for several years and one must be confident enough before moving on, so as not to regret it later.
–What are the benefits of adopting a stray pet? Do they need to be treated differently from other pets?
In the case of the adoption of a stray, the benefits are multiple for both the animal and the individual but also the society in general. Through adoption, a pet obtains an eternal family and has the opportunity to get out of the streets and get protected from the dangers that lie outside. On the other hand, the person who adopts gains a friend while at the same time is helping to eliminate the problem of strays, as the number of stray animals in our country is unfortunately quite high. Like all animals, the only thing they need is love. Special care should be provided if an animal has been abused in the past. In such a case, you may need the help of an instructor but the good that will be done will be even greater.
–What are your next professional steps and what are your plans for the future?
Regarding my future professional steps and plans, there are two main goals that I would like to achieve. One concerns my desire to mobilize more and more people to become aware of strays and the environment, with the least that anyone can offer. And the other to share as much of my knowledge as possible regarding pets. Having a pet or even if you want to get one in the future, it is necessary to have some basic knowledge, as far as behavior, nutrition, training, knowing the obligations one may have towards a pet, in order to offer a healthy living environment.