How to Select a Vet

How to Select a Vet

What type of experience are you looking for? A small practice of one or two vets will give a more personal experience for you and your dog. A more considerable practice will be a little more impersonal in that you may see different vets from visit to visit, but they may be able to afford newer equipment better. Do you want a vet with years of experience or recently graduated with “fresher” training? That’s not to say the mature vet doesn’t keep up with all the new technology – mine does.

Depending on your work schedule, their office hours may be a consideration.

How long is the wait time for an appointment? When I call my perfect vet if I have an important issue, one of the three vets at the office can see me without much delay. If it’s an emergency during their business hours, I’ve always been told to get there as fast as possible, and I have not been charged an additional fee. I certainly have my preferred vet at the office, but I wouldn’t go there if I were opposed to seeing any partners. For a well-puppy visit – they typically offer an excellent choice of days and times.

I’ve never been charged an additional fee for asking lots of questions and taking more time. I try to be considerate of other patients and not “chit chat,” but an office visit charge covers whatever amount of time that takes.

Maybe your vet will see you for an “after-hours” emergency; my local vets all participate with an emergency clinic and refer their patients to that location.

Some vets offer boarding and grooming. My vet once reminded me that they have sick dogs on site. I prefer to board at a reputable boarding facility and take my dog to a groomer that I like. We’ll have to discuss finding a good groomer in another newsletter.