How to pick a good Local Veterinarian
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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?
