From the first day you have your pet, you should have a good veterinarian to help maintain their health.
Choose a vet the same way you would choose another health care provider. Think about what’s most important to you, the American Veterinarian Medical Association, such as location, hours, payment options and services.
Finding a Vet
Start by asking friends and family who takes care of their pets. Ask them why they chose that vet. You can also ask breed clubs and special interest groups in your area; the people who run those groups may have strong relationships with certain vets that are familiar with your pet. Also look to your state or local veterinary medical associations.
When You Move
If you’re looking for a new vet because you’ve moved, ask your current veterinarian whether they can recommend anyone in your new area. Then schedule a visit as soon as you can to establish care before it’s an emergency.
Visit the Clinic First
When choosing a practice, ask whether you can schedule a visit to meet with and discuss your pet. Ask about fees, services and payment policies. You may want to visit several clinics before making a decision, the AVMA says.
Some questions to ask:
- What are the regular office hours? Will the practice accept e-mails or can appointments be made online?
- Who covers the practice when the regular veterinary staff is unavailable?
- Do they have an emergency practice or do they refer to a local emergency clinic?
- What is the average wait time for a non-emergency appointment?
- Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
- Do they have pet insurance or do they accept your pet’s insurance?
- Are payment plans available if you need them?
- Are any non-medical services available, such as boarding, grooming or training?
What to Bring
You’ll need to bring your pet’s previous medical records with you, including any records of preventive care such as vaccinations, deworming and other procedures. Bring records of illnesses, surgeries and medications, just like you would to a human health care professional.
Bring your pet, of course, and pay close attention to how the veterinarian and their staff interact with your pet. Watch to see whether they can make your pet comfortable in the office and that they handle them with care.