How to pick a good Local Veterinarian
One of the most important decisions you will make in this process is choosing your veterinarian. If, like most of us with pets, you treat them like your child, his or her health and well being will be of utmost importance to you. You should be willing to spend some time in researching the subject and we would recommend visiting several practices before you make your decision. Ideally, you should conduct your research before you get your animal so that any of his health needs can be addressed immediately.
Pick a veterinarian who you feel comfortable with, and who answers your questions in full, completely and gives you answers you can understand. You don't need a vet who talks down to you, or acts like you're too dumb to understand what they're saying!
If you're new in the community, or haven't needed a vet before –
Ask questions like
What services does the veterinarian offer? Is it a one-doctor office, or a multi-doctor practice? As vets try to streamline services many are consolidating practices and forming partnerships and group practices. There's nothing wrong with this – just be aware that you may not always see the same veterinarian. And find out if they offer 24 hour emergency services, or if he or she is affiliated with someone in the area who does. Like everything else in life, illness or accidents don't always happen between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Does the veterinarian offer a full surgery suite with on-site lab work?
X-rays? Ultrasound?
If the veterinarian has to send all lab tests to an outside agency to be processed, you may be getting popped with additional charges because those tests aren't being performed or processed in-house.
Get a fee schedule.
Cost is usually one of the biggest considerations for dog owners, and it should be lowest on the list of importance, at least in my mind. Not because cost isn't important – of course it is, but - if you have a veterinarian that you're happy with – who gives your animal the best care you can possibly find in your area – does paying a little extra for that care really matter in the long run?
Check out the physical characteristics of the facility. Is it clean, or does it smell? Are the ads or magazines in the waiting room current? (That may not sound important, but if the staff and doctors aren't keeping up-to-date on the latest and greatest information, this may not be the place you want to bring your animal.)
How well does your veterinarian communicate with you? Will he or she explain the condition or illness in terms that you can easily understand, or do they try to confuse you with high-tech or medical jargon? A good vet will go over treatment options with you, explain necessary tests, review x-rays or test results, give complete and clear instructions for home care or further testing requirements, etc.
Finally, how is your pet's relationship with the veterinarian? Does he or she speak in relaxed tones to your pet and does your animal appear to be at ease while in care? Realistically, no pet will enjoy going to the vet, but it is extremely important and the doctor is tolerant and that you feel comfortable with the way he or she treats your pet.
Above all word of mouth is a great way to start looking for a new veterinarian. Ask everybody you can get your hands on – co-workers, friends with pets, local humane societies or shelters. Ask questions: are they happy with their veterinarian? Do they like the way they're treated when they take their animals in?
You can find Local Veterinarians at Animaroo.com
