Choosing the Right Vet

Most pet owners would agree that one of the most critical aspects is making sure your pet, your friend, is well taken care of in every way.  One sure way is that we, as pet owners, choose a competent veterinarian to take care of our friends and keep them healthy and strong as long as they possibly can to ensure a life-long companionship.  Just remember, the vet is going to be your pet’s second best friend.  So please take the time and do the research to find the best one for them.  When you search for a veterinarian, do so as you would a physician or dentist for you or your children.  You can find the best veterinarians by word of mouth.  Ask friends, family members or an animal shelter for recommendations. 

There are several things to look for at a veterinarian’s office before actually making that first appointment for your beloved pet.  The first thing to notice is whether the facility is clean, organized and comfortable.  Ask the staff if appointments are required, how many veterinarians practice at this facility, are there any other staff as well as technicians working there, is the staff competent, caring, and calm, and does the vet practice in special areas like geriatrics or behavior? 

Upon your visit at the vet’s office you can also check to see if the cages for dogs and cats are kept in separate areas. Find out if any discounts are available, decide if your budget will allow for their fees, is there any diagnostic equipment such as x-rays, EKG machines, and others, are there emergency services available, and is the location and parking convenient for you?  You may want to check the distance between your home and the office to minimize stress on your pet if it does not enjoy riding in a car.

Once you have visited and decided that this vet is for you and your pet, then be sure to make an initial appointment for the vet to see your pet.  Once you arrive you’re your pet’s first visit, check the room out to see if it is clean and in order.  Ask the staff if the exam table has been wiped down since the last patient.  Once the vet arrives in the room the first thing the vet should do is perform a check-up.  The vet should ask you questions about your pet and its past medical history and overall general health.

You should decide to be a good client of the vet’s office, because your vet can be your best comrade in your pet’s health.  You can help your vet out by learning what is normal for your pet so you can help the vet recognize any illness or injury that may come along.  Be sure to have regular check-ups to ensure the health of your pet.  One last thing, be sure to get your pet to the vet at the first sign of an illness.  Be sure to be on time, if not early, to your scheduled appointments. Also, bring your pet on a leash or in a carrier for the safety of you, your pet, and others in the office.    

Your main responsibility is for the care of your pet.  If you feel you or your pet are not receiving the care you should, then you need to find a new veterinarian.  If it is just a misunderstanding, try to work through it first before moving on.  You really want the relationship between the vet, you, and your pet to be a close one that can be rewarding down the road. 

You have a great responsibility owning a pet.  There are many things you need to see to in order to have a successful relationship with your pet.  There are four main parts to being a responsible pet owner.  First, you need to have your pet either spayed or neutered to keep the animal population down.  Secondly, provide an indoor place for your pet to stay in order to keep them safe.  Third, take good care of your pet by feeding, playing with them and giving them companionship.  Finally you need to choose a competent veterinarian.  Once you have accomplished all of those things, you will prove to be a great pet owner and a true friend to your pet.