They are the furry friends who anxiously await by the door to greet you every day.

Animals play a large role in many lives, whether they are your own pets, or strangers looking to say hello at the park.

The week of October 2-8 has been declared as Animal Health Week.

Dr. Kim Hoshizaki from the Animal Health Clinic of Humboldt says it is an opportunity to inform people of how crucial their pet's health is.

"It is a week where veterinarians promote animal health and how it relates to people," she explained. "This is the one week where we do a little bit of advertising and promotions and other sorts of things."

Each year, a different theme is the highlight of the week, according to Hoshizaki.

"This year is One Health. It involves mostly animal's relations with people and how it affects people."

Hoshizaki says that staying in touch with your animal's health means getting vaccines and check-ups each year.

"I think it's really important for people to understand that vaccinations for dogs and cats are due annually," she noted. "Not every vaccine needs to be done every year, but certain ones do. We like to see your animal every year and we do a full physical exam at that point."

"We go through the eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, we listen to the heart and lungs, we go through the lymph nodes, we take a temperature. It's all done to make sure your animal is healthy and that they can receive the vaccine."

A routine check-up can lead to other discoveries, much like in people, Hoshizaki says.

"There is lots of times when people come in for vaccinations and we find other things. Some times it is serious like cancer or growths and sometimes it is minor like dental care."

In addition to the exams and vaccines, the clinic offers surgical procedures, medical treatments, blood work, boarding services, as well as food and other supplies.