CLEVELAND -- Pets are a part of many families and dog owners trust that their pets are getting the best of care when they go to the veterinarian.

Most veterinarians are caring and compassionate, but a 5 On Your Side investigation found how Ohio veterinarians can continue to practice even with a history of harming pets.

The undercover investigation found what happens inside some vet clinics may make you think twice about your pet's safety.

Investigator Ron Regan reported that Chad and Trudi Thompson's dog was burned by a heating pad while being treated at a local vet clinic.

"At its worst point -- almost skinned alive -- is what it looked like," Trudi said.

What happened to the Thompson's dog was so painful, she suffered for weeks with third-degree burns. The Thompsons blame a local veterinarian they trusted.

"She was in horrific pain for a good six or seven months," Chad said.

Regan reported the injuries the Thompson's dog sustained happened at Dr. Hart's Emergency Pet Clinic. Regan's investigation found Dr. Lisa Hart had a history of humane, sanitary and hygienic violations including expired drugs, failure to turn over lab results and hiring an unregistered vet technician.

Some of the violations were so serious, the State Veterinary Board has threatened to revoke or suspend Dr. Hart's license four times since 2003. The fines for the violations totaled $14,388.

NewsChannel5 tried repeatedly to talk with Dr. Hart on the phone and outside her clinic.

"Dr. Hart told you she doesn't want to talk with me?" asked Regan.

"Yes, she told me that," responded a veterinary employee at the clinic.

NewsChannel5 wondered how many other veterinarians in Ohio are accused of poor care. The On Your Side investigation reviewed State Veterinary records, court documents and complaints from pet owners. Regan found that the State Veterinary Board that's supposed to oversee Ohio's 3,700 veterinarians could be putting your pet at risk.

"They're basically saying that this woman can have umpteen million complaints against her and all they kept doing is fining her and making money for themselves but not doing anything to protect the consumer or their pets," said Trudi.

The owner of another dog complained that it was viciously attacked by a pit bull in a back room of the very same clinic. Chareen Fountain heard her dog crying for help.

"Blood and feces were everywhere, all over the floor, all over my dog. It was horrific and traumatizing for me as well as my dog," said Fountain.

Regan reported Julie Barracato's cat was bleeding from a serious wound and was told to come right over to Dr. Hart's clinic. Barracato rushed her cat to the clinic but when she arrived, no one was there. Another clinic saved her cat.

"The cat was in major pain and I didn't think he was going to make it till the next day," said Barracato.

During the investigation, all three pet owners questioned why Dr. Hart is still practicing. In fact, Regan reported that records show Dr. Hart was on probation when the Thompson's dog was seriously burned. Dr. Hart only received a reprimand and a $1,000 fine for that serious injury.

The investigation found that the Veterinary Board is supposed to discipline veterinarians, but they are never told of past violations.

Theresa Stir is the newly appointed Executive Director and promises the board will change that.

Regan asked, "Why in the world would someone with her track record still have a license?"

"(The board) determines, in executive session, settlement agreements before they even know who this individual was. I, as the new sheriff in town, would like to change that," answered Stir.

Dr. Hart is not alone. The investigation found 494 complaints across Ohio in the last three years, including incorrect anesthesia that killed a cat, surgery on the wrong side of an injured dog and a dog that bled to death after a vet "refused to return" to work.

The investigation also found only eight suspensions and one revoked license in the entire state in the last three years ... all because the past track of bad veterinarians who harm your pets is kept secret from board members who hand out discipline.

"What is going to change at this Board to safeguard pets?" Regan asked.

"My goodness, in the court system, they would never allow something like that. So I think we hold a responsibility to the public to do that as well," Stir answered.

And as a result of the On Your Side investigation, the State Veterinary Board will begin looking into "progressive discipline."

Under that system, veterinarians would be judged on their entire past record, prior offenses would be considered and sanctions would increase with each offense.

For more information, click on the list of veterinarians.