Your relationship with your veterinarian is one of the most important resources for keeping your pet healthy. Mutual trust and understanding between you and your veterinarian is necessary for your pet to receive the best care. Doing some research before you select a veterinarian will increase the chances that you and your pet’s experience at the vet is positive and that you will develop a great relationship with your new clinic.
Look for a clinic with knowledgeable, friendly and helpful support staff
Veterinary support staff play an integral part in both the kind of care your furry friend receives and in your collective experience. When calling to make an appointment take into consideration the attitude and knowledge of the members of the clinic’s support staff. These are the people that will serve as your initial contact with the clinic both on the phone and in the clinic. Getting information and making an appointment should not be difficult or unpleasant.
Connect on Philosophy
Make sure that your principles, philosophies about medical care and overall ethics with respect to pet care match your veterinarian’s. When faced with difficult decisions, having like-minded philosophies with your vet can make all the difference in the world. Friends, family and other pet care professionals like groomers and boarding facilities can be great sources of information.
Not All Vets are Created Equal
Inquire about the training and credentials of the veterinarians on staff. Veterinary school curricula are not standardized, with programs lasting from three to six years. It is important to ensure that your veterinarian has received specific training in small animal medicine and has experience with dogs and cats.
Find a New Veterinarian Before You Need One
It is always recommended that owners find a new veterinary clinic (and establish a relationship with the clinic) before they need one. Dealing with an emergency with your pet is a stressful situation. Not having a trusting relationship with your vet can make this experience even more distressing. In order to provide the best care for your pet it is vital that the doctor have access to your pet’s medical history. In many cases it is not possible to have records forwarded from another clinic on a moment’s notice. In an emergency, time is a critical factor.
Below you will find links to articles that provide additional information and offer a list of good questions to ask yourself and any clinic you are considering.