A guide for choosing a Veterinarian
Welcoming a new furry friend into your life is an adventure filled with wagging tails and unforgettable moments.
But along with the joy comes a great responsibility - to ensure their health and happiness for years to come.
It's important to interview and choose a veterinarian who will be there for your dog throughout its life with these easy tips for choosing a veterinarian.
You're looking for someone to meet your needs and those of your pet, a doctor who has people and animal skills.
The worst time to find a vet is when you need one, so interview and choose your veterinarian before you have an emergency and need one.
Veterinarians often work with a team of professionals, including technicians and qualified support staff or other people who make money working with animals.
Seek Recommendations from Trusted Sources
Just as you'd ask friends for restaurant recommendations, consult other pet owners for vet suggestions.
Start with a friend, neighbor, animal shelter worker, dog trainer, groomer, boarding kennel employee or pet sitter when choosing a veterinarian.
Their first-hand experiences can provide invaluable insights.
Online reviews and community forms are also excellent resources.
Consider Location and Accessibility
In moments of emergencies or routine check-ups convenience matters. Look for a veterinarian clinic that's easily accessible from your home or workplace.
Proximity ensures timely care when your pets need it most.
Evaluate the Clinics Atmosphere
Pay attention to the vibe when you visit potential clinics. Is it welcoming? Clean? Organized?
A warm and inviting atmosphere can ease your pet's anxiety and make vet visits less stressful for you both.
Assess the Veterinarian's Qualifications
Your pet's health is non-negotiable. Ensure the veterinarian and staff are licensed, experienced and compassionate.
Don't hesitate to inquire about their education, specialties, and ongoing training to stay up to speed of the latest advancements in pet care.
Inquire About Services Offered
Different pets have unique needs. Whether it's routine vaccinations, dental care, or specialized treatments, ensure the clinic offers comprehensive services tailored to your furry friends' requirements.
Embrace Technology and Innovation
A progressive clinic isn't just a plus, it's essential. Look for facilities that leverage modern technology for diagnostics, treatments, and record-keeping.
Digital X-Rays, telemedicine options, and online portals to accessing your pet's medical history enhance convenience and efficiency.
Evaluate Emergency Care Options
Accidents and illnesses can strike unexpectedly. Know the clinic's protocols for handling emergencies. Are they equipped to handle urgent cases during or after regular business hours?
Having a plan in place eases anxiety during stressful situations.
Assess Costs and Payment Options
Quality pet care shouldn't break the bank. Before committing to a veterinarian, ask about their fee structure and payment options.
Some clinics offer wellness plans or pet insurance partnerships to help manage costs.
Trust your instincts
Sometimes it all boils down to a gut feeling. If something doesn't feel right or if you don't click with the veterinarian or staff, explore other options.
Your pet's well-being is too important to compromise.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Veterinarian
1. Is the clinic clean, comfortable and well-organized?
2. Are appointments required?
3. How many veterinarians are in the practice?
4. Are there technicians or other professional staff members?
5. Are dogs and cat cages in separate areas?
6. Is the staff caring, calm, competent and courteous, and do they communicate?
7. Do the veterinarians have special interests such as geriatrics or behavior?
8. Which emergency services are available?
9. Are X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, EKG, endoscopy and other diagnostics done in-house or referred to a specialist?
10. Location and parking convenient?
11. Do expenses fit your budget and are discounts for older adults or multi-pet households available?
Have Good Client Manners
1. Visit your vet for preventive visits, not just when your pet becomes ill.
2. Learn what's normal for your pet, so you recognize the first signs of illness.
If a pet's not well, don't wait until she's sick before you call your vet.
It's frustrating for a vet, and heartbreaking for owners, to have an animal die of illness if professional care had begun sooner.
3. Schedule appointments and be on time. Lateness is rude and wreaks havoc with the office's timing.
4. For your pet's safety and that of other clients and pets, bring your cat to the veterinary office in a carrier.
5. Don't disturb your veterinarian during non-working hours for matters that can wait and don't expect your veterinarian to diagnose a pet's problem over the telephone
6. In the event of an emergency, call ahead to make sure that the veterinarian's available.
She will have to work your pet into the regular schedule, so you may need to wait.
7. Get a referral to an emergency vet clinic if the Doctor isn't available when you to the office.
8. You'll want to come to the visits prepared.
9. Don't be reluctant to ask for information on your dog and any potential problems.
Preparing for your Veterinarian Visit
1. Make a list of foods and treats you are feeding your pets, along with the quantities you are feeding.
Telling your veterinarian you're feeding a handful doesn't tell him much, measure if you're uncertain.
2. Make a note of any symptoms your pet may have. List any medications.
A few days before, pay attention to your pets' drinking, appetite, and energy levels.
3. Call ahead to ask if you need to bring in a stool sample for examination of intestinal parasites.
4. If you have shot records from your earlier vet.
5. Ask for the latest flea and tick prevention and control programs.
6. Heart worm tests records and asks for the preventives.
7. Ask questions on Parvo Virus and symptoms.
8. Check with the vet on any illnesses common to your breed. Keep a dog first aid kit on hand.
9. Ask for suggestions on minor injuries and how to treat them.
10. Let them recommend a good antiseptic cream.
Spaying or Neutering your Dog
If you do not plan on breeding your dog, consider spaying or neutering.
By spaying your female dog you are:
- Removing the chance of accidental breeding.
- Eliminating two three-week-long sessions per year of her being in season.
- Eliminating the problem of vaginal discharge during her season.
- Preventing false pregnancies and infections of the uterus.
- Reducing the chance of mammary tumors.
- Eliminating nuisance male dogs in the neighborhood congregating at your home during the season.
By neutering your male dog you are:
- Removing the chance of his siring a litter of puppies.
- Eliminating the wish to roam from home if a female dog is in season in the neighborhood.
- Eliminating the need to mark his territory with urine if he scents a female dog in season.
- Decreasing, sometimes aggressive behavior towards other male dogs.
For more information on spaying/neutering, check with your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Veterinarian
Choosing the right veterinarian for your furry friends is never a simple task. I've had to switch veterinarians a couple times until finally finding one that truly cares and will help my dogs.
Personally, having a strong connection when dealing with your pets is extremely important. Sometimes that means asking questions and shopping around for the best possible veterinary office.
Remember, a compassionate and competent veterinarian isn't just a health provider, they're an integral part of your furry family's support system.
Duncan Lance says
I actually think that it is pretty cool that you go over some of better ways to be polite to your vet. After all, since they are treating your pet and taking care of their health you will want to be respectful to them. It is particularly nice that you bring up getting to your appointments on time since, not only is that respectful, it helps with your pet's health as well.
Ruby Doodle Dog says
I completely agree....We love and highly respect our vets. In turn, they provide the best care for my dogs. Thank you for your comments.
Erika Brady says
Your advice to check if they specialize in certain practices, such as veterinary geriatrics or behavior, would be important. When you research potential veterinarian services, it would probably help to go online to learn about their services and experience to see if they specialize in the care your pet needs. Going online could also be useful to get their contact information to then follow your advice of interviewing them before you have an emergency and need their care.
Ruby Doodle Dog says
Absolutely! I wholeheartedly agree.
It also helps distinguish what kind of practice you're looking for. There are many types of veterinarians - standard vets, holistic vets, and specialty practices. Researching your vet's practice, but also any referrals or positive/negative comments online can help to direct you to the type of veterinarian you're needing, wanting or in some cases believe in...Thanks for commenting.
Charlotte Fleet says
My younger brother and his wife adopted a puppy last weekend and they need to find the best vet for the dog's needs. Thanks for mentioning how it is a good idea to make sure the vet you choose has a clean and comfortable clinic. I will pass along this tip to my brother and sister-in-law so they can find their dog's perfect vet.