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Choosing a vet for your dog is one of the most important decisions you'll make for him, so it's important to take your time and make an informed decision. You’ll want to find a vet you can connect with, since working as a team with your veterinarian helps guarantee that your pet will live a full and healthy life. When choosing, select someone who has the same level of passion about pet care as you do.
Referrals from other pet-owners is a good place to start when looking for a vet. Even though your friends may have different expectations than you, at least you'll have a list of good prospects to check out. And although advertisements supply information about vet services offered, a personal recommendation is always best.
You will want to make an appointment for a visit for your and your dog to meet the veterinarian and the staff. While you’re there, check for cleanliness, a relaxed professional atmosphere and staff members who are ready to answer your questions and give you a tour. Observe how the vet and the staff interact with your dog.
One very important thing to consider is how you feel once you're in the examining room. It doesn't matter how many diplomas the vet has, or how many credentials are framed and hanging on the walls of his office. While education and knowledge are important in a veterinarian, what really matters is that your dog -- and YOU -- feel comfortable. You should be able to sense the vet’s compassion for animals.
Make sure you can communicate well with your veterinarian, and that you feel comfortable asking any questions at all regarding your dog's health. If you feel that your veterinarian isn't taking the time to answer your questions in terms you can understand, it's probably time to look for a new vet.
Ask what types of services are available at his/her particular clinic. It's also important that you have a number to call in case of after-hours emergencies. If you plan to purchase pet health insurance, make sure the clinic you're at accepts it. (For links to pet health insurance sites that I recommend, click here.)
Some vets consider some vaccinations essential, while others don't. And some vets have a particular schedule for vaccinations, while you may have strong feelings about the extent to which your dog should be vaccinated. Be sure you and your potential veterinarian agree (or agree to disagree) on this important topic.
Ask if you can see the kennel area where animals are cared for. This area should be absolutely clean and odor-free. The air should be warm, dry, and comfortable. If it’s not, move on!
While it’s tempting to select a veterinarian based on location, it may be worth it for your and your dog to drive a little further to find the quality of care you’re looking for.
Finally…trust your instincts. If you don’t like the “feel” of the situation, it’s probably best to look for a different veterinarian.
Referrals from other pet-owners is a good place to start when looking for a vet. Even though your friends may have different expectations than you, at least you'll have a list of good prospects to check out. And although advertisements supply information about vet services offered, a personal recommendation is always best.
You will want to make an appointment for a visit for your and your dog to meet the veterinarian and the staff. While you’re there, check for cleanliness, a relaxed professional atmosphere and staff members who are ready to answer your questions and give you a tour. Observe how the vet and the staff interact with your dog.
One very important thing to consider is how you feel once you're in the examining room. It doesn't matter how many diplomas the vet has, or how many credentials are framed and hanging on the walls of his office. While education and knowledge are important in a veterinarian, what really matters is that your dog -- and YOU -- feel comfortable. You should be able to sense the vet’s compassion for animals.
Make sure you can communicate well with your veterinarian, and that you feel comfortable asking any questions at all regarding your dog's health. If you feel that your veterinarian isn't taking the time to answer your questions in terms you can understand, it's probably time to look for a new vet.
Ask what types of services are available at his/her particular clinic. It's also important that you have a number to call in case of after-hours emergencies. If you plan to purchase pet health insurance, make sure the clinic you're at accepts it. (For links to pet health insurance sites that I recommend, click here.)
Some vets consider some vaccinations essential, while others don't. And some vets have a particular schedule for vaccinations, while you may have strong feelings about the extent to which your dog should be vaccinated. Be sure you and your potential veterinarian agree (or agree to disagree) on this important topic.
Ask if you can see the kennel area where animals are cared for. This area should be absolutely clean and odor-free. The air should be warm, dry, and comfortable. If it’s not, move on!
While it’s tempting to select a veterinarian based on location, it may be worth it for your and your dog to drive a little further to find the quality of care you’re looking for.
Finally…trust your instincts. If you don’t like the “feel” of the situation, it’s probably best to look for a different veterinarian.
Much more information is available about
vaccinations and veterinary care at our recommended reading page.
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