How to Choose a Vet You Trust
Choosing a veterinarian for your pet is a big decision and one that can feel very personal.
To choose a veterinarian, you want to find someone who has the right experience and will explain things in a way that you can understand them. You will want someone who will listen to you and your concerns. You may even want to partner with this person to make sure that the decisions made for your pet are the right ones for your family. Here are some tips on how to choose a veterinarian.
Start With a Clear List
Understanding what is important to you will help you to make your choice. Some prefer weekend and holiday hours, while others want a practice that does house calls or has a focus on geriatric care.
To help you avoid being overwhelmed by the choices in your area, write down your top three most important things. This will help you choose quickly.
Visit the Clinic Before You Need It
If you can, set up a meet and greet or wellness visit before an emergency happens. That way you can see the clinic when you’re calm and your pet is healthy.
How do the staff members treat you at the front desk? How do you feel about the waiting area being messy or unorganized? Would you feel comfortable bringing a frightened or sick pet to this location?
How to Evaluate Your First Appointment
Here are the things to take note of on that first visit:
1. Is the vet friendly towards your pet and allow them to acclimate?
2. Do they make inquiries into your pet's history, diet, and behavior prior to making recommendations?
3. Do they make clear the findings and use understandable terms?
4. Do they engage when you ask questions or express concerns?
5. Do they consider your budget and present alternatives when suitable?
6. Do they appear to be in a hurry or do they seem to be focusing on you?
You don't need all of these to be absolutely perfect, but the most important thing is that the overall feeling is one of respect and caring.
Questions to Ask Out Loud
Please, ask anything you think is important. It is completely reasonable to ask how they manage emergencies after business hours, if they partner with any specialists in the area, or how they handle pain management and preventative care.
It is understandable to ask how long appointments tend to be, or whether you will see the same veterinarian each time or if they will be rotating. Those details matter, especially when you are establishing a relationship over a long period of time.
Trust Your Gut About Communication
The ideal scenario when dealing with a veterinarian is that they are both knowledgeable about your pet's issues and able to explain things to you. Having a vet completely ignore your concerns isn't going to help your pet out at all.
I have personal experience in dealing with this kind of situation. When I had to take my dog Copper in to get a dental procedure, our vet explained to me all the different things that could happen in terms of the cost, the risk, the consequences of us waiting to do the procedure, and so on. She made sure I understood all of my options before making a decision. This great example of communication is what allowed us to have confidence in the procedure.
When It Might Be Time to Switch
A vet that worked well for your puppy or kitten may not be the right fit for your pet as they get older or develop a chronic condition. That's perfectly fine. It’s also fine to change them if you move, if your budget changes, or if you just feel like you aren’t being listened to.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation, and most clinics will transfer files quickly and professionally when you request it.
Selecting a veterinarian is similar to selecting a physician for yourself. You want someone knowledgeable and also someone who includes you as an active participant in the decisions regarding your pet's health. You should spend time finding the right fit, asking questions, and listening to your instincts.