How to Choose a Veterinarian

After working in the animal health field for over 15 years I have learned what it really takes to be a top quality veterinary hospital. Read this article to find out what to look for and how to find the best place for your furry friend.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Research tools: the internet or a phone book.
• A willingness to ask questions.
• A clear idea of your budget.

1. Open up your phone book and/or pull up the internet. You will likely be met with a variety of veterinary choices. Here's what you do:

2. Determine your NEEDS to begin narrowing:
   
   -Do you have an 'exotic', 'pocket' pet or large animal? Exotic pets are typically reptiles, amphibians; even avians (birds) are sometimes considered exotic. Pocket pets are typically hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs; even rabbits are sometimes considered pocket pets. Large animals are typically animals you'd find on a farm; horses, goats, pigs.
   
   -Is your pet a certain breed where you might be looking for a practice that specializes in that breed?
   
   -Do you work & need a practice with flexible hours?
   
   -Do you need a practice that can provide additional services such as boarding or grooming?
   
   -Do you need a practice that is within walking or public transportation distance?
   
   -Do you need a practice that has specific equipment (ultrasound, dental x-ray, tono pen)?

3. Determine your PREFERENCES to further narrow:
   
   -Do you and/or your pet have a gender preference?
   
   -Do you prefer a breeder friendly practice or a spay/neuter preferred practice?
   
   -Do you prefer a 'baby talking' or a 'down to business' environment?
   
   Come up with a basic idea of what you have loved or hated about your previous veterinary experiences. You & your pet will be glad you did.

4. Call around & ask questions:
   
   -How many veterinarians do you have & can I choose which one my pet sees?
   
   -How long has the veterinarian been practicing?
   
   -Get a price quote if possible & find out what services are or are not offered as part of that price. Note that some problems require that your pet come in to be examined for a quote.
   
   -Ask the receptionist if she/he enjoys working there. This will often give you a sense of the 'behind the scenes' dynamic.
   
   -Ask why you should choose them. Ask nicely & you will typically get an honest response. If they have nothing nice to say then run for the hills!
   
   -If you are really in a financial bind, ask if they offer payment plans.
   
   Be sure to also ask questions related to your needs & preferences to ensure a perfect match!

5. The final test is the visit itself. If you have time, go visit the practice before your appointment. When you arrive with your furry friend look for the following:
   
   -Acknowledgment by the front staff & a welcoming attitude toward you & your pet.
   
   -Cleanliness of the lobby.
   
   -Veterinary degrees & technician certificates posted in rooms or in the lobby.
   
   -Educational literature/pamphlets.
   
   -Are they willing to discuss their services with you? If you are paying for it & your pet is experiencing it, then you should understand it! You are not only paying for treatment/services, but their expertise & they should be able to gain your confidence.
   
   -Do you feel that your pet has received the best care possible within the budget you have set?

Tips & Warnings

• Veterinarians are NOT graphic or web designers & you may miss out on a great practice if you eliminate based on the aesthetics or their add or website.
• Hospital vs. Clinic: typically just semantics. A hospital is no more likely to have better equipment or be open longer hours than a clinic.
• Be honest about your expectations and preferences. If you ignore them you are setting yourself up for dissatisfaction.
• Veterinarians are there to help & are not trying to rip you off. It often seems expensive because it is not usually subsidized by insurance (although pet insurance does exist!).
• It may hurt to hear, but when you decide to bring a pet into your life you are taking on a large financial responsibility. Veterinarians provide an important service & in order to stay in business cannot typically cut consumer costs.

Resources

• AAHA Standards

[starlet67]

on 5/29/2009 Great details and smart tips for choosing a vet!5*

[Mindee94]

on 10/30/2008 Great points. Tips/warnings are only to valid and oh so true. Very thorough. Thanks for the information. Keeping these in mind if need to change. 5* ~Mindee

[Ladybugblue]

on 10/12/2008 This is a good article to know what to look for.

[alienangel555]

on 9/7/2008 it is very important to have the right vet. 5

[imagery]

on 8/26/2008 Really good article, thanks!