Family pet tips: Finding a great vet

Having trouble finding a good vet? Click here to find out the questions to ask from everything to emergency clinics to general care to fees.

By Jack Marinadi, Vet   Talk to the Author.

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Family pet tips: Finding a great vet

Part of responsible pet ownership is selecting a vet that fulfills your needs and treats your pet well. Sometimes it is difficult to find such a vet, because there are so many issues to consider. For example, does the vet welcome your questions? What about emergency care? Will your pet have one doctor or several? How will that affect his care? Selecting a vet may seem overwhelming, but it can be made easier by using the following steps:

1) Find a vet through referrals from family and friends. Ask them what they like and don,t like about the vet.

2) Schedule an appointment with the vet, and bring your pet. There should not be a charge for this initial interview unless you have your pet examined.

3) Upon arriving at the vet, note the friendliness and efficiency of the staff. Is the vet clean, welcoming and roomy? Are there separate entrances for dogs and cats? Are animals required to be leashed or caged? Are you and your pet promptly seen, or is there a long wait?

4) Once in the examining room, notice how the doctor handles your pet. Is he patient and kind? How does he handle unseen circumstances, like a cat clawing him or a dog throwing up? If you tell him about your pet's quirks or special needs, such as hating to have his temperature taken or a food allergy, does the vet listen and take precautions?

5) Notice the demeanor of the doctor when he talks to you. Does he make you feel like an equal partner in your pet's care, or do you feel like he is being condescending? Does he welcome your questions and concerns? Does he address your issues completely? Does he explain procedures and shots he gives your pet? Does he patiently explain further when you don,t understand the initial explanation?

6) Ask about your pet's primary doctor. Will he have one or several? How will this affect his care?

7) What about emergency care? Who do you call when your pet becomes injured or ill in the middle of the night? Will you need to take the pet to the vet you regularly see, or will there be an emergency clinic in a different location? If the emergency clinic is in a different location, where is it? What charges will be issued for emergency care? What training do the doctors have? Will your pet be able to see his regular doctor in an emergency?

8) Ask about fees. How much is a physical exam, and how often is one needed? How much are shots? Does the vet require payment at the time of services, or are payment plans available? Does the vet charge more if more than one animal is seen in the same visit? Will you receive a discount if you consistently bring more than one pet to the vet? Do you get discounts if you refer other people to the vet?

9) Note the location of the vet. Will it be easy for you to get there? This issue may or may not be important depending on how many issues, including how many pets you have, what your work schedule is like, and if you can get other people to take your pets to the vet.

Asking the above questions will increase your chances of finding a vet you like, and will most likely result in you and your pet being happier, which should make life a little bit easier for everyone.

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