Ticks, toxins, and time spent around other animals are all
inevitable when the weather warms up and humans and animals alike spend more
time outdoors. Spring is a popular time
for veterinary examinations, blood work, and any necessary vaccinations.
Although the many health concerns and corresponding treatment
options can be abundant, finding a good vet to help you make wise decisions can
also be a challenge. A little research,
however, can help you connect with just the right person – making everything
much easier.
Due to reorganization at the veterinary hospital where I
used to take my beagles, I had to find a new veterinarian to care for
them. One of my dogs is older and has
special needs, so it couldn't be any old practice – it needed to be just the
right place. The following steps can be
helpful in searching for the best veterinarian for you and your animals.
Steps to Finding the
Ideal Vet
1.
Qualifications
are Key – Many credible veterinarians belong to trade associations like the
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Obviously, a doctor that has a veterinary
degree is important. Look for those who
have graduated from programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA). Some vets are current members of the AMVA,
too. If you are interested in a vet that
caters to specific concerns, there are organizations for specializations like holistic
care (AHVMA), or acupuncture (IVAS).
Friends can also be good referral sources.
2.
Necessary
Needs – Once you find a vet who is qualified and located near you, give the
office a call to set up an appointment.
While on the phone, ask if the office can meet any special requirements,
such as titers instead of vaccines or farm calls for a single horse. Ask for an estimate if budget is a
concern. If you have an unusual or
exotic pet, ask if the veterinary staff has experience treating that type of
animal. Does the office have emergency
hours, or would you need to transport your pet to a separate facility (and a
veterinarian who would have no information about the animal's history)?
3.
Personality is a Plus – Even during the
first phone call, think about the way you are treated. Is the person on the other end of the line
patient, friendly, and knowledgeable? During
your first visit, are you greeted warmly?
Do people take the time to answer any questions you have when your pet
is first seen? Does the actual vet ever
see the animal, or is it an assistant or technician? Consider the veterinarian's philosophies and
personality. If you do not feel
comfortable with this vet's treatment plan, it may be wise to seek out another
professional.
4.
Facility
Features – Give the location a good long look. Is it clean, well-lit, and up-to-date? A facility that's well cared for translates
to animals that are also looked after. The
staff should also be pleasant toward the animals, of course. If special testing or services are important
to you, ask if they are available on site.
If not, ask if the veterinarian can recommend treatment elsewhere. Most vets have close relationships with
specialists and can refer you.
5.
Policies
& Procedures – Make sure that you understand any rules the veterinarian
has in place. Keep in mind that if the
hospital is affiliated with any corporation, the rules could be in place for
that reason, too. Specific examination
procedures, testing requirements, dispensing of medication, payment methods,
and appointment scheduling are some examples of policies you should ask about
if they concern you.
These guidelines are all helpful in choosing a
veterinarian. Depending on individual
needs, there may be more criteria to consider.
For example, when looking for a surgeon for a specialty procedure, it
may be helpful to ask how many similar procedures have been performed and what
the success rate is. Some vets may be
willing to provide references. Doing
some homework is worth it in the long run, and helps maintain healthy animals with
fewer headaches for their owners!
Resources:
http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/aboutvets/aboutvets.asp
http://www.care.com/pet-care-a04231724-veterinarians-how-to-choose-a-vet.html
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_veterinarian.html
http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2002/08/pet.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterinarian
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