At some point in every pet parenting experience, we face the prospect of picking, possibly from hundreds of options, a health-care provider for our pet. In some cases, such as when dealing with exotic pets or birds, the selection of vets in your area may be smaller, making it easier to narrow it down. When we’re talking about a dog or cat, however, the numbers of possibilities can be overwhelming. So, what should we look for when we’re making this decision?
Dr. Louise Murray, D.V.M., author of Vet Confidential, provides readers with a two-part checklist of things to consider when making this important choice. She suggests gathering information such as how the patients are monitored overnight and how modern the clinic’s equipment is; additional vital questions include: are the veterinary technicians licensed and experienced, is the practice accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, and how many vets are at the practice?
The Humane Society of the United States suggests looking for a clean and well-organized practice with a calm, caring staff. They also point out that it is important to know if the practice in question offers emergency services or refers emergency patients to another location. Another good tip: ask if discounts are available for multi-pet households.
When I moved from a very small town in Mississippi to a much larger community in Alabama, I was faced with a nearly overwhelming supply of new vets to pick from— I was going from two practices in my hometown to five pages of practices listed in the Birmingham yellow pages, and had no idea where to start. For me, going with my gut was the best choice. The first practice was close to my house, but the staff seemed uncaring. The second practice was great but way out of my price range. Luckily, in a Goldilocks turn of events, the third practice I took my cat to was perfect. It was close to my home and job, the staff genuinely cared about Stanley’s well-being, the entire veterinary staff was very willing to work with me on payment options, and, best of all, the doctors and technicians never seem to tire of my endless questions and desire to learn to “help” with the exams.
If you are not brand new to an area, though, and have the benefit of friends, neighbors and co-workers to ask, I highly recommend doing so. If you know your sister loves her dog as much as you love yours, try out her vet; if your boss is obsessed with his cat, just like you, try out his doctor. There are also online pet forums with local reviews, ads in the backs of magazines such as Cat Fancy and Dogs USA, and the staff members at your local Pet Supplies “Plus” are always happy to discuss their own experiences with customers.
Clearly, pets with special needs require a special vet, and it may take a while longer to find the right fit for your diabetic dog or a cat with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Ask if the vet you’re considering specializes, how in-depth her experience is, and if she refers out in cases of special needs animals. The HSUS reminds pet parents to look into a vet’s board certification in any specialty area.
Clearly, the task of finding the right vet for your pet can be daunting. Don’t be discouraged if you strike out a few times before finding the perfect fit—I certainly did! There is support out there and, with a little perseverance, you will find what you need.
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