Casey Dacanay

Our furry family members have always been just that – family.

My girls have taken on the immense responsibility of caring for both a dog and cat over the past two years and have each found tasks that they love doing with and for the animals. We are so thankful for all of the veterinarians that are available to help and care for our pets just as much as we do.

This Thanksgiving Week, Nat Geo WILD is bringing back Vetsgiving, the time when we give special thanks to the professionals who work to keep our animal friends healthy. The celebration kicks off Monday, November 22 and runs through Sunday, November 28. Each night serves up four-hour helpings of shows including Heartland Docs, DVM, Critter Fixers, Vets On The Beach and more.

We were invited to an exclusive early look at Pop Goes The Vet With Dr. Joya, which you can view on Thursday, November 25 at 11/10c in advance of its standalone series premiere in Spring 2022. Dr. Joya Griffin is a veterinary dermatologist who is one of those people that is a true pet superhero. Everything she does is awesome! From removing oozing cysts to massive hair loss, Dr. Joya is is not afraid to get her hands dirty. And most importantly, she truly cares for all of the animals that she meets.

But be forewarned: if you plan to watch this episode, it does contain graphic, gooey content that may not be appropriate for dessert viewing or the faint of heart. That being said Olivia, my 5-year old, was absolutely fascinated by Dr. Joya’s work, but it helps that she also wants to be a veterinarian! Now that there is such an aspirational role model in Dr. Joya, Olivia may just prance down the medical path.

This year’s Vetsgiving will provide an extra helping of fan-favoriate veterinarian series each night beginning at 8/7c. The 2021 Vetsgiving lineup is as follows and is subject to change:

Monday, Nov. 22: Critter Fixers: Country Vets

Between emergency visits throughout rural Georgia, Drs. Vernard Hodges and Terrence Ferguson constantly encounter unique cases. For the Critter Fixer team, there is no such thing as “normal.”

Tuesday, Nov. 23: Heartland Docs, DMV

In Hartington, NE, Drs. Ben and Erin Schroeder put thousands upon thousands of miles on their truck as they crisscross America’s heartland to treat all creatures great and small. The Schroeders’ dedication to their hometown, and the animals that are a part of it, is what makes them invaluable members of their local community.

Wednesday, Nov. 24: Hatcher Family Dairy

The Hatcher Family Dairy is an animal-packed docu-series that follows the wildly unpredictable, often funny, and always charming lives of the Hatchers. It’s farm, animals and family, creating pure feel-good entertainment.

Thursday, Nov. 25: The Incredible Dr. Pol

Whether it’s a dose of TLC, urgent critical care or after-hours emergencies, Doc Pol and his team are on call…all day, every day. It’s another season where heroics are on display every day as this dedicated team answers the call for help. We laugh, we cry, and we raise a glass to Doc as he celebrates 50 years of veterinary service to animals small and large in central Michigan.

Pop Goes The Vet With Dr. Joya: Series Sneak Peek Thursday, Nov. 25 at 11/10c and Saturday, Nov. 27 at 10/9c

Leading veterinary dermatologist Dr. Joya and her protégé Dr. Jeff see it all in their Kentucky-based animal clinic. They put on their detective hats and investigate the largest organ on an animal’s body – the skin – to get our four-legged friends back to living their best lives.

Friday, Nov. 26 & Saturday, Nov. 27: Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet

Making house calls in the far reaches of the Great North is a daunting task in the least, considering hundreds of miles may separate the houses. That challenge doesn’t stop Dr. Michelle Oakley from performing her many duties as a veterinarian in one of the most rugged environments on Earth.

Sunday, Nov. 28: Vets On The Beach

No day is ordinary for these dynamic vets across the Australian coast as they tackle cases like no other. From a dog with a fishhook caught in his tongue to aging elephants and sick wallabies, pets aren’t the only patients on the docket.

Stream is on Nat Geo Wild and on Disney+. Happy Thanksgiving!

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