By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com
Choosing the right veterinarian for your pet is an important decision. These days there are many more veterinarians to choose from than say 20-years ago. There are specialists vs. general practioners – just like in human medicine. For routine visits, you want to choose a general practioner veterinarian.
Word of mouth is a good referral, but not the only thing you should depend on. If you hear of a vet that a friend of family member likes, do your research. Google the doctor’s name, see what comes up. If you like what you see, make an appointment without your pet to interview the doctor. This is after all the person who will entrust your pet’s health to. If this doctor refuses the interview/appointment, move on. If he or she does agree to it, you should also ask for a tour of the animal hospital while there, (if it’s not offered to you), the doctor should be proud to show you the facility. You would want to see a very clean, neat, well cared for front office and back area, and behind the exam rooms.
Find out if the doctor regularly attends veterinary seminars to keep up with current veterinary practices and standards. If they do not, this is a red flag! Many vets continue old school practices of veterinary medicine which may no longer be up to par with what is available today. Ask the doctor how long your appointment will be with your pet, a good vet will book 1/2 hour appointments, so your pet is thoroughly examined, and you are not rushed out the door. You should walk away feeling educated and informed about your dogs’ health, not with unanswered questions or an uneasy feeling. Ultimately you want to have a comfortable relationship with your veterinarian and know your pet is in good hands. Do your homework, research and keep yourself informed!
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