For those of us who love our pets, choosing the right veterinarian can be a big decision. There are several things you can do to ensure that you find a doctor you are comfortable with and who will take the best possible care of your pet.
- Ask for recommendations. One of the best ways to find a good veterinarian is to ask other people for recommendations. You can ask family and friends, and you can also check with a breeder or the staff of your local animal shelter. Getting recommendations from people who have a good relationship with their veterinarian is better than searching your local yellow pages.
- Ask about the hours of operation and arrangements for emergency situations. Think about when you are going to be available to take your pet to the vet. Look for a veterinarian who is able to accommodate your schedule. It's also important that your vet has a contingency plan for emergencies that occur outside of regular hours of operation.
- Check with your state's veterinary medicine association. Most states have an association which keeps track of licensing information of veterinarians within the state. These organizations also provide continuing education for their members. The state associations can give you information about a particular veterinarian's certifications and license, and possibly any complaints that have been made against him.
- Pay the office a visit before bringing your pet in for an appointment. Take the time to talk to office staff, and to note the cleanliness of the facility. If the office seems unclean, or the office staff is rude, abrupt, or doesn't have time to answer your questions, you will probably be better off continuing your search.
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Author: Amy Bender