You love your puppy and want the best care. Of course that includes choosing the top veterinarian available in your area. However, this relationship needs to be more than professional; it needs to be personal. But how do you find a great vet, one that offers top medical care but also really cares about you and your pet? Let’s take a look:
Get Several Recommendations
There are several methods of finding a vet in your area. Here are a few suggestions:
Ask Pet Owners – If you have friends with a dog, ask them first. One of the best ways to find a great veterinarian is word of mouth. Ask them what vet they go to, and why. Ask around at the pet supply store. Pet lovers love to talk about their pets and their vets.
Check Media Resources – Look up local vets in the phone book, online, or in the local newspaper’s business section featuring pet care. Create a list of vets to interview. If the ad or article has testimonials, call them if you can.
Go to a local dog show – handlers and show dog owners are more familiar with veterinarians than most average people. They have probably either been with the same vet for years and know about experiences with other vets in the area.
Interview the Veterinarian
Once you find a few veterinary clinics worth checking out, you’ll need to go prepared with some good questions. Write up a list to include the following:
- What are the hours of operation?
- Do you handle emergencies? If not, who do I call?
- If my pet needs to stay overnight, how is this handled?
- What are the typical pet care costs, including vaccinations, medication, etc?
- How many veterinarians are on staff?
- If you’re not there, who will handle my appointment?
- What are the technicians allowed to do?
- Will I be able to get a message to you?
- How many years have you been in business?
- What other services do you provide? (laboratory, boarding, grooming, etc)?
- May I tour your facilities?
- Is there any pet insurance available or do you have partners to provide this?
- Do you offer micro-chipping?
- How many dogs and other pets do you have?
Even after all those questions, a lot of the decision is going to come down to your gut feeling. Don’t dismiss this. It may be the way the questions are answered; For others it may be the attitude; it may be the time the vet is willing to take with you. You can often get a great sense from your own intuition on whether a place is right for your pet and you. Of course, you’ll need to be practical, too, in terms of hours, location, the condition of the clinic, etc.
It’s Not Forever
Once you decide on a veterinarian, remember, there’s nothing to say you absolutely have to stay with them after you choose to make an initial appointment. Things may happen to change your mind. Veterinarians can vary widely in price or services.
Go to your first appointment and watch what happens. How does the veterinarian treat your pet? How does your pet react to the vet? Is the staff friendly and caring? Did your puppy get the attention he or she deserves while being examined? Did YOU get the attention you deserved, as well. Overall, did you and your puppy have a positive experience in the veterinarian’s clinic?
Choosing a veterinarian for your puppy may take some time and research, but it’s well worth the effort. A great vet will get to know your puppy throughout the years and become a trusted adviser. Take the time and you’ll be glad to know your puppy is getting the best care possible in order to grow into a healthy, happy dog!