Choosing the Right Vet

Just like choosing which doctor will best suit your needs, choosing the best vet for your pet can be a difficult task. 

Sometimes people move to a new area and leave behind a vet that they felt very comfortable with. Let’s face it, the search for any new doctor or vet can be quite overwhelming.  There are so ads and listings to choose from.  How do you know which is going to be the best fit for your pet? While there is no way to guarantee that there will be that “magical” connection between you and the vet of your choice, there are a few simple ways to make this decision much easier.

Ask for Referrals

A good rule of thumb is to ask around for recommendations.  We live in the age of social media.  Chances are that you’ve got one or two friends locally that can recommend a vet to you. Find out why they chose this vet and what they like about him or her. Get as many recommendations and opinions as you can since no one vet is liked by everyone.

Call and schedule a visit to the office

Most staff members will be happy to answer your inquiries. Many people don’t know that its okay to ask to schedule a tour of the office and facility. Make sure the facility is up to your standards. Naturally some offices are busier than others and may not be able to provide a tour without an appointment.  However, most offices will be more than happy to schedule one for you at your and their convenience.

If you decide to make an appointment you will then have the opportunity to meet your potential new veterinarian and their assistants.  Make sure you hold them to the same standard, if not better, as you did the rest of the office staff.  When meeting the veterinarian, don’t be too shy.  Make sure you are prepared with your list of questions. It’s okay to ask him or her to show you their credentials and discuss their professional history.

Observe Interactions

We all think that our pets deserve the best treatment from others, am I right? Make sure to evaluate and observe the behaviors and actions of the office staff.  Did someone acknowledge you upon entry into the office? Were the staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure to also pay close attention to how the office staff is interacting with their other established clients.

Observe how they interact with your animal.  Are they being too rough with your pet during the examination?  Do they seem genuinely interested in what you are telling or them or do they seem like their mind is elsewhere? In the event that your pet needs a special procedure or hospitalization, make sure they have answered all of your questions in a clear and concise manner.

Sniff Around

Check the air for odors.  Obviously, an animal may have just gone to the bathroom on the floor.  But there is a distinctive smell to long-term odors. Does the staff answer their phones in a polite and professional manner?  As we all know you can learn a lot from simple observation.

After you have checked the boxes on your list for your vet and his staff, then it seems you may have found your new veterinarian.