Choosing a Veterinarian

Just like choosing a physician for your child, selecting a veterinarian requires a bit of research. Different vets have different policies, theories, approaches, and treatment styles. Some are holistic, while others rely more on pharmaceuticals. These factors play a role in how well you and your veterinarian will agree on the best course of treatment for your pet.

Before you choose a veterinarian, decide what type of care you’re seeking. This will help you formulate the right questions and identify the treatment options you prefer. Many clinics now offer 24-hour services, dog rehabilitation clinics, nurse-staffed hospitals, and even CareCredit, a third-party credit provider that helps finance expensive medical care. Other clinics may operate only during regular business hours, offering standard care without these added conveniences. There is usually a price difference between the two, especially for regular procedures such as vaccinations, deworming, and spaying/neutering. However, don’t dismiss the larger, more modern clinics just because they seem fancy. Not all large, state-of-the-art facilities are overpriced—in fact, some may have lower prices due to their larger clientele.

Finding a Veterinarian

Once you’ve established your basic criteria for choosing a veterinarian, it’s time to start making calls. Ideally, you’ll find your perfect vet before you bring home your new best friend or, at the very least, before an emergency arises. This gives you plenty of time to reconsider your choice if necessary. Calling the receptionist allows you to ask a few essential questions, such as the cost of an office visit, their general treatment approach, and, most importantly, their methods for using sedation and anesthesia.

Without getting too technical, there are two types of anesthesia commonly used. While there are various names, gases, and injections involved, asking the vet whether they use deep sleep or lighter sleep anesthesia will give you a basic understanding. Deep sleep anesthesia is similar to human anesthesia, requires an I.V., and can be harder on the animal. Lighter sleep anesthesia, which doesn’t require an I.V., does the job just as well but is less taxing on animals, especially those who are ill or elderly.

When choosing a veterinarian, you should feel comfortable with the answers to any questions you have before scheduling an appointment. If you’ve inquired about their payment policies, holistic practices, emergency care, and other concerns—and feel that you’re on the same page—then it’s time to make an appointment for your pet’s check-up.

Just because you take your pet to the doctor doesn’t mean you have to keep them with the same vet. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right to you, it probably isn’t. For example, is the clinic clean? Cleanliness at the vet is just as important as cleanliness at a physician’s office. Additionally, how does the staff interact with your pet? With the exception of a surgical procedure, there should never be a reason for your vet to ask you to leave the room for simple procedures such as vaccinations, suture removals, or basic treatments. A competent vet should be able to handle your pet without needing privacy for routine procedures. Of course, if you bring in a particularly difficult pet, the vet may need to ensure their own safety.

If you develop a long-term relationship with your vet, you should be able to come to mutual agreements about treatment options. However, if your first visit doesn’t go well, you can request a different vet within the same practice if you’re happy with the facility and support staff. Alternatively, you can start the process over and find a different practice entirely. Ultimately, choosing a veterinarian is about finding someone you’re comfortable with. Veterinary practices are plentiful, so your pet should never need to be traumatized during a visit. There are enough options out there that you should be able to find the right vet for you.