How to Choose a Vet
Our dogs and cats are valued family members so we want to make sure they’re in the right hands! And whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or first-time adopter, you might find yourself on the hunt for a qualified person to care for your furry friend. So how do you look for a good veterinarian? How do you know that you’ve chosen the right vet? What should you do if you don’t like your current vet? Read on to find out!
How to Find a Vet
Typing “vets near me” or “veterinarian near me” in Google will probably yield several results. A good second step is to limit your search to animal hospitals accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. AAHA-accredited care facilities meet a minimum of 900 requirements, so you know that your pet will likely receive a decent standard of care. You can also use this tool to find an AAHA hospital near you.
Word of mouth also might be quite useful in your search. Do you have local friends or family members who you consider to be responsible pet owners? Great! They likely have a preferred vet in your area and would be happy to provide a recommendation. If you recently adopted a dog or cat, inquire at the shelter or rescue which veterinarians they prefer.
What to Look for at Your Appointment
Once you book your first appointment with a vet, the search doesn’t end there. Keep your eyes peeled during the appointment itself to decide whether or not this is the right animal hospital for you. The nature of the space, and the staff, will help inform your decision.
Is the building clean? Sure, this is an animal care facility. You’re bound to see a hair or two on the floor. Otherwise the hospital should be very clean.
Are the staff members – veterinarians, vet techs and administrative workers – friendly and helpful? Are they patient with your animal? Do they seem knowledgeable and answer all your questions?
Is the hospital busy? If you have your appointment during a peak hour, such as a Saturday afternoon, see if it seems like your vet has plenty of patients. It’s a good sign if your veterinarian of choice is popular among other pet owners in your zip code.
Thank you for reading and we hope you found this article helpful. Remember, always call a veterinarian or take your pet to the vet if you suspect they are sick. Better safe than sorry!
