Choosing the right veterinarian for your dog is something that you should carefully consider. This is the person that could potentially save your pet’s life and keep them healthy. Both and your pet should come to a consensus about this person before you make a long-term commitment to work with them. Here are some things to consider when choosing a veterinarian.
Ask for personal recommendations One of the best ways to find the right veterinarian is to ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Other families with pets in your area may know some good veterinarians to check out, so that should be the first place you look for advice.
Find a veterinarian with an expertise in treating dogs Veterinarians are not all created equal. There are different types of veterinarians that specialize in working with different types of animals, and some of them may have more experience treating cats, rabbits, or other types of non-canine animals. You will definitely want to work with a veterinarian who has an expertise in treating dogs specifically, so ask about how much experience they have with dogs before you get started.
Look for licensed personnel Although most people would assume this would be a given, that is not always the case. Make sure that veterinarian really is licensed in your state and also see if some of the other workers are licensed, because there are also registered veterinary technicians. You can ask to see their licenses or contact your state board of veterinary medicine for more information.
Inquire about their approach to pets and medicine A veterinarian is not just there to administer medication, but to provide care for the entire being. Vets tend to have different approaches when it comes to pets and medication. Have a brief discussion with your potential vet and see what they think about wellness and prevention issues when it comes to dogs. If they are not on the same page with you, then you should keep looking.
Consider the cost and location If an emergency situation occurs, then you will need to be able to get to the vet’s office quickly. Try to find a veterinarian that is less than an hour away from you at the most. Costs can also vary depending on the vet, so see if their prices fit into your budget before you commit to them.
Both you and your pet should be comfortable Being comfortable around your veterinarian is important because you should be able to tell them everything about your dog. The same thing applies to your dog because they should also feel at ease around the vet. Some initial discomfort around a vet can be normal for some dogs, but signs of anger, fear, or distress toward a vet is certainly a red flag that you should move on.
Look for a clean facility Have a look around the facility and notice the level of cleanliness. If the place seems a little dingy or dirty, then that is also a sign to move on. Since it is a medical facility, it should be just as clean as a hospital for humans.
Personal referrals are a great way to start the search, but you should still spend some time to get know the vet and staff first. Ask about their background and experience, and then see if they hold views similar to yours on medical treatments for pets. Make sure that both you and your pet are comfortable with the vet and facility. The veterinarian will play a significant role in your pet’s life, so keep looking until you find the right one.