Choosing the Best Vet for Your Pets
Article by: S. Carson
The most important thing you need to keep in mind when finding a new veterinarian is to find someone you feel comfortable talking to about your pet. You don’t want a vet who talks down to you. It would be ideal to find a vet who specializes in small animals as opposed to a vet that treats all types of animals like horses, cows, and household pets.
The best way to find a good vet is by word of mouth. Ask everyone you know if they have a good vet or have heard of a good vet in the area. A personal recommendation is by far the best way to find a new doctor. Ask lots of questions to make sure the vet would be a good fit for you. Ask if they are happy with the vet, do they like the way their dog or cat is treated at the vet office, and is it hard to get an appointment in case of emergency.
If you have a pure breed dog, you may want to contact a local breeder for a referral. A vet who is familiar with your breed of dog may be able to diagnose problems quicker than a vet who does not specialize in your breed of pet.
Once you have a list of vets that have been recommended, here are some questions to ask:
- How well does the vet communicate with you about your pet? Do they speak to you in a conversational manner, asking questions and listening to your answers, or do they talk down to you with medical lingo? Do they go over options with you, explaining necessary tests and costs?
- Is the vet’s office fully equipped with an x-ray lab, overnight facilities and a onsite lab for quick test results?
- What is the range of services the vet offers? Is it a multi-doctor practice? How difficult is it to get an emergency appointment? Do they offer 24 hour emergency services or are they affiliated with someone in the area who does?
- Make sure to check out the facility before your first appointment. Is it clean or does it smell? Is the waiting room “pet friendly”? When you visit is the waiting room over crowded? This could be a sign of overbooking appointments.
Take your time, do your homework and ask lots of questions to do a complete and thorough evaluation before deciding on a new vet. Your pet’s health depends on the choices you make.