10 tips for choosing the right vet

Communication

Video: 10 things i wish i knew before choosing a college!

American animal hospital association (aaha) accredited
Community involvement
Philosophies
Access to medical information

Medical equipment/services
Open access to all areas
Interaction
Vet techs and assistants
Hours

When you bring a dog into your life, you are responsible from that day forward for his dog nutrition, dog safety, dog health and dog care. But finding a stellar veterinarian doesn’t just happen by accident.

Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right vet for you and your dog:

Communication

Get the family together for a conference. Share your thoughts about what qualities in a veterinarian are important to all of you. Make a list of questions and concerns to ask every vet you interview. Also get references from breeders, shelter and dog rescues or other dog owners.

Video: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Choosing a College!

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited

Investigate the veterinarian’s education and experience. Does the clinic or hospital have AAHA approval? Although many excellent clinics are not AAHA members, such membership does ensure a certain level of medical care.

Community Involvement

Does the veterinarian get involved with the community? Do they invite dogs and owners to visit the clinic and staff socially, during times of wellness as we as need?

Philosophies

Ask the veterinarian about their philosophies. Do they mesh with yours? How does the veterinarian respond to your own question and concerns about canine care? Does this seem like someone with whom you’ll be able to communicate?

Access to medical information

Whether from a doctor or a technician, see if you can get timely answers to your medical questions. If your pet is hospitalized, can you call as often as you want for updates?

Video: Picking the Right Bird for a Pet

Medical equipment/Services

A good hospital should have access to x-ray, ultrasound, dentistry, in-house lab tests, IV pumps, blood pressure, and eye pressure monitoring, as well as the ability to send out labs and refer to specialists. And also inquire about any areas of health care that are specific to your pet. Does the doctor offer those special dog care services?

Open access to all areas

Ask for a tour of the hospital. A good hospital is going to be proud of their facility and want to show you everything. There is one exception: a medical procedure being performed that requires privacy.

Interaction

Observe how the veterinarian interacts with the animals in the clinic. Do they project calm-assertive energy? If possible, introduce the veterinarian to your dog in a casual, friendly manner—long before you go for a visit. Be sure to sense the energy of your dog around the veterinarian to see if he is comfortable around them.

Vet techs and assistants

Do they seem knowledgeable about and sensitive to animals? Ask about the longevity of the medical and nursing staff. Staff members who feel empowered to do good medicine and nursing care tend to stay with a practice longer.

Hours

You need to be sure that the clinic is open hours that are convenient for you. However, long hours are not as important as good communication and dog care.