How to Choose the Right Veterinarian for Your Pet

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By Deanna Lynn Sletten
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Our Pets Need Good Medical Care Just as Our Families Do

Whether you have just adopted a new pet, moved to a different area or have to find a new veterinarian because your last one retired, you want to find the best doctor for your pet. Pets visit the veterinarian several times throughout their lives and during emergencies, so you want to make sure this is a veterinarian you trust and can get along with well. Here are a few things to check when choosing a veterinarian.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Do your homework. Don’t just pick the first veterinarian you see in the phone book. Check out websites of qualified veterinarians in your area such as the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP), (www.abvp.com), or HealthyPet.com. Word of mouth is also a good way to get a recommendation. Ask co-workers, friends and family where they take their pets. A good recommendation from someone you trust is a great way to narrow the search. Once you have decided on which clinics you are interested in, the next step is to schedule a visit.
Step 2

Go for a well visit. Once you think you have found a good veterinarian clinic, take your pet for a well visit. This will give you a chance to thoroughly check out the clinic and also give the doctor a chance to meet your pet. Hopefully you will strike gold at the first place you visit, but if you don’t, you can always check out other places as well.
Step 3

Keeping our Pets Healthy is our Responsibility as Owners

Check qualifications. Check if the veterinarian specializes in a particular area besides general practice, such as cardiology or surgery. Also check to see if the abbreviation ABVP follows the veterinarian’s name. This means that the vet has done extra work to qualify for the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and continues to update his education on a regular basis.
Step 4

Check the clinic. Is the clinic clean and orderly in appearance? Check to see if the clinic has the abbreviation AAHA after its name. This means that the clinic meets the standards of the American Animal Hospital Association such as having up-to-date equipment, updated education in animal care and a knowledgeable staff.
Step 5

Talk to staff. Is the staff friendly and has a genuine love of animals? Even if you approve of the veterinarian, if the staff isn’t friendly and helpful it can become a problem. If you like the staff, you will feel more comfortable leaving your pet in their care, especially if the pet has to stay overnight.
Step 6

Birds Need Special Care so Check if Your Vet is Licensed in Aviary Care

Ask about policies and services. Ask about the clinic policies such as hours open, how many veterinarians are on staff, emergency policies, do they do their own lab and x-ray work and if they are certified to perform small surgeries. It is much easier to have a veterinarian who can care for your pet in almost every circumstance so you don’t have to go to a specialist for extras.
Step 7

Check on cost and payment options. Ask the staff about the cost of a regular visit and whether or not you have to pay the same day or are billed. Also check to see if they take credit cards, or will set up a payment plan in the event your pet has a medical emergency.
Step 8

Relax. Once you have chosen a veterinarian, sit back, relax, take your pet for its regular visits and vaccinations and enjoy your pet.