Choosing the Right Vet

Everyone wants to give their pet the best medical care. Choosing the right vet is very important. Some suggestions:

1. If you have family, friends or neighbors who have pets, ask them which vet they use.
2. Call your local animal rescue or shelter. These groups use vets who sometimes donate their services or provide low cost services. They may recommend vets in the area. You will also feel good knowing your potential new vet is offering their services to help out these organizations.
3. Get a current local phone book and locate the vets in your area. You can do this on the Internet, but sites are only as accurate as those updating them. Internet sites not updated frequently enough leave you with incomplete or outdated lists.

Make a list of vets near your home. In an emergency, you do not want to make a 30 minute drive to your vet during rush hour, prolonging the drive to an hour or more with a sick or injured pet. Make a list of important questions. Call each prospective vet's office. Explain your situation - new to the area, new pet, etc. Ask them if they have a moment to answer a few questions. You can write their response next to your questions. Questions you may ask include:

1. What are your hours? Open late? Saturdays?
2. How much do you charge for: office visit, regular and rabies vaccinations?
3. If I need to bring a pet in immediately, how are emergencies handled?
4. If you are closed, what do I do? Where do I go?
5. If your pet has a specific ailment - diabetes, asthma, etc., ask questions regarding your pet's illness.
   A. Has your office dealt with this illness?
   B. Do you treat other pets with this illness?
   C. If medications are required, how do I reorder prescriptions?

Make a note how they answered the phone.

1. Did they answer quickly or let it ring? This is important if you have an emergency.
2. Were they courteous?
3. Did they answer your questions?

After calling those on your list, compare what you have learned about each vet. You may want to visit each vet's office during a slow and busy time to observe how they handle both situations. When visiting during a slow time, ask to be introduced to the vet. If time allows, discuss your pet. All this will give you a little better feel for the vet's office staff and the vet.

Unfortunately, your vet may not always be available. Having a back up vet is a good idea. This vet can see your pet whenever your first vet choice cannot. You should always be knowledgeable of several vets in your area. Emergency clinics are another way of insuring the best medical care. Knowing where they are and how to get there will save time and hopefully your pet's life. Keep your vets and emergency clinic phone numbers in your cell phone.