Choose a Vet for Your Pet
Provided by P&G Everyday Solutions
Finding the right veterinarian is an important task. You want your pet to live a
long, healthy life, so it's critical that you find a vet you can trust. The worst
time to look for a vet is when your pet becomes ill. Start looking for a vet as
soon as you adopt your new companion.
Get a reference. One of the best ways to find a vet is by word of mouth. Talk with
friends, family and neighbors. Ask them what they like the most about their vets.
If you purchased your pet from a breeder or shelter, ask them for a recommendation.
Find a vet near your home. Although you shouldn't choose based on convenience alone,
it’s still a consideration. In case of an emergency, you'll want to get to the vet's
office quickly, so location is an important factor. The vet's office hours are also
something to consider. If you work most of the day, you'll want to find an office
that is open during your availability.
Call the office. Once you've narrowed down a few vets based on references and location,
call the office. Take note on how you're treated on the phone. Were you on hold
for a long time? Was the person on the phone friendly and helpful?
Some questions you may want to ask on the phone are:
- Is your office American Animal Hospital Association® (AAHA) accredited? Having an
AAHA membership signifies that the veterinary office has met the AAHA's standards
in providing excellent animal care.
- Is there more than one veterinarian in the office?
- How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?
- What are the office hours?
- Does your office provide any other services, such as grooming or boarding?
- Can you give me an idea of the fees for routine services and vaccinations?
Visit the office. Based on your phone conversations, schedule some time to visit
at least two veterinarian offices. This will be your opportunity to meet with them
in person and tour the facility.
What to look for at the vet's office:
- Does the office look and smell clean?
- Is the front-office staff friendly and attentive?
- Is the waiting room comfortable enough to accommodate many pets and owners?
- Are cat and dog cages kept in separate areas?
- Is the examination room clean and comfortable?
Get to know the vet. Qualities you might look for in a veterinarian are compassion,
friendliness, good listening skills and, of course, knowledge. You'll also want
to observe how your pet responds to the vet. If your pet is generally difficult
to handle, notice how the vet deals with your pet's stress. Remember that the technicians
will also help in your pet's care, so be sure to get to know her as well.
When speaking with the veterinarian, ask her:
- How much familiarity do you have with my pet's breed?
- If your pet has an unusual condition, ask: How much experience do you have in treating
my pet's condition?
- Do you have a specialty, such as pet behavior, dentistry or geriatrics?
- Are you available for emergencies? If so, how do I contact you?
- Are x-rays, ultrasounds and other diagnostics done in house or referred to a specialist?
Once you've chosen a veterinarian, make sure you take your pet in for regular checkups.
Keep the vet informed on any changes in your pet's health. At any time you feel
your pet's needs are not being met, don't be afraid to get a second opinion.
Finding a veterinarian you can trust will ensure that your pet gets quality care
for years to come. So plan ahead and choose wisely — it's the best thing you can
do for your best friend.
