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Choosing A Veterinarian

How to choose a vet for your cat(s) and other pets? I think all of us are faced with this dilemma at one time or another. When you relocate or when you are just dissatisfied with your current vet, a choice must be made to find a replacement and as soon as possible. This is one of the most important decisions you can make. You must find a vet who you can trust and be comfortable with. You should be able to ask questions and get courteous, responsive answers.

The following is a list of things you should look for when choosing a veterinarian:

• Ask to be shown around the clinic/hospital. The animals, both patients and borders, must be well cared for with clean cages, food and water, etc. Bear in mind that your pet does not appreciate or care about luxurious accommodations but cleanliness is a must.
• Make certain that the animals being boarded are kept a safe distance from those hospitalized. This is important so as not to expose your boarded pet to any communicable diseases. You also want to make sure that dogs (who can be very noisy and upsetting to your cats) should be distanced, within reason.
• What is your impression of the clinic/hospital staff? If the receptionist, assistants and technicians have a bad attitude, are not friendly and helpful, this could be a warning sign to find another vet. From experience, we all know of the times we called our vet for emergency advice and it was the receptionist or, if we were lucky, the technician that we dealt with. Chances are, you will be dealing with this receptionist and she will decide whether or not you get adequate assistance or not!
• Find out about the practice of the vet you are considering for your pet. Not all veterinarians with small pets practices, handle more exotic animals like birds, ferrets or reptiles. If you have pets other than cats and dogs, be sure that this vet has handled and treated these species.
• Find out the hours of the clinic/hospital. From my own experience, my dog never got sick by appointment. I always chose a vet who was open seven days a week and where appointments were not necessary. There were many times I'd come home from work to see that my dog wasn't herself and off to the vet we'd go. Someone was always there until 8:00 p.m. or later. This is very important.
• Find out what the clinic's policy is concerning after hour emergencies. Do they have a vet on call in case your pet gets sick in the middle of the night? Most vets will refer you to an emergency clinic that is only open evenings and weekends.

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