When choosing a veterinarian you should give your decision the same care that you do when choosing any doctor. The credentials of the vet are the first place to start. Does the vet specialize in any areas or have a specialty that you need for the type of animal you own. You also want a veterinarian who you feel comfortable with and will answer all of your questions. Does the vet truly love animals and care about your pet.
A great place to start is asking for recommendations from friends or neighbors go to websites such as http://www.craigslist.org or the Better Business bureau. If the same name keeps coming up it is usually a good indication that the vet is knowledgeable and is worth looking into.
You will also want to look into the location of your vet. If there is an emergency you want to be able to get there as quick as possible. Also take a look at the hours they are open, are they convenient for your schedule? Many vets offer other services such as grooming and boarding, are these services that you need?
As you know, emergencies can crop up at any time of the day. Does the vet offer 24 hour emergency services or are they affiliated with an emergency clinic that is staffed for off hours? Ask the doctor for the address and number of the nearest emergency facility, keep it handy and take a drive by just to make sure you know where it is.
Stop by your new vet for a get acquainted visit. Check out the facilities. You can tell a lot about a clinic by visiting. Some things to look for:
– Is it clean and tidy
– Is the staff friendly and helpful
– Is the doctor open and interested in your pet
I hope this has been a helpful guide to choosing a doctor for your pet.
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