Oct 14, 2019
What to look for when searching for a Vet for your pooch with Dr. Susan McMillan, owner of Vet to Pet Mobile Veterinary Service in Burlington, Vermont.
Well, you have taken home your new BFF, now what? Just like humans today's pets are living longer and having healthier lives. This is due to the availability of high quality veterinary, preventive care, and all of us pet owners' careful monitoring our animals. Today we are going to be talking to Dr. Susan McMillan about tips that can help you find a vet that will become your pet's health care provider?
Susan, Welcome to Bark & Wag’s 15 minute Vet Talk – It is a pleasure to have you on the podcast today. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your practice before we begin on the top tips when looking for a vet.
Where to look for a veterinarian
Ask a friend
Animal-owning friends
are generally good sources of information. Ask them why they chose
their veterinarian. If you believe their expectations of service
are similar to yours, you may want to schedule a visit to the
facility to evaluate it for yourself.
Breed clubs and special interest
groups
If you have a purebred dog or cat, area
breed clubs or rescues can be a good source of information. They
have often established a strong relationship with a practice that
is very familiar with the potential health-related problems for the
particular breed. If you have a non-traditional (i.e., not a cat or
a dog) pet, special interest groups in your area may be good
sources of information about veterinarians who have special
interest in and experience with your species of pet.
Directories and the Internet
The
business pages of a phone book or yellow pages can be sources for
contact information on local veterinarians, but the printed books
may have fewer resources than online formats.
Many state or local veterinary medical associations maintain lists of area practices.
A word of caution about review sites: although online review sites can be valuable for picking out a restaurant, we don’t recommend you rely on them when choosing your veterinarian because the reviews may not reflect the average client experience. Personal references, such as the others we’ve listed here, are more reliable sources for finding a veterinarian.
Your current veterinarian
If
you are relocating to another city or state, ask your current
veterinarian if he or she can recommend a practice where you will
be living. Many times they have colleagues in other towns whose
practice policies and services are similar to theirs. Your current
veterinarian should also provide copies of your pet's medical
records to the new practice to ensure your pet's medical history is
available to the new staff.
When to look for a veterinarian
It’s a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before acquiring a new pet. In fact, your veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, family needs and expectations, work schedule, and lifestyle.
If you have recently moved to a new area, locate a veterinarian before your pet actually needs one. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill or requires emergency care – and remember, the Internet can be a great source of information, but it’s not a substitute for veterinary care. It’s best to have secured a doctor's name and number and become acquainted with the practice and staff before you need to find them during an emergency. Consider scheduling an initial visit soon after arriving at your new home. Your new veterinarian can suggest ways to help your pet become accustomed to your new environment and can inform you of any health risks unique to your area.
Pay a visit
When deciding on a veterinary practice, first schedule a visit with the veterinarian to discuss your pet and ask questions about fees, services and payment policies. You may want to visit several practices before making a final selection.
Considerations when visiting a veterinary practice
Different pet owners have different needs, and their reasons for selecting a veterinarian for their pets will differ widely. The following list includes some considerations for selecting a veterinarian who is a good fit for you and your pet. Not all of these considerations may apply to your situation.
Office hours
- What are the regular office hours? Are they compatible with your schedule?
- Will they accept e-mails or appointments electronically (if that is your preferred scheduling method)?
- Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable?
- Do they have after hours emergency coverage or do they refer emergencies to a local emergency clinic?
- What is the average wait time for making a non-emergency appointment?
Professional staff
- How are telephone calls handled?
- Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
- Does the staff dress and act professionally?
- Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor and/or the veterinary technician?
- How do the staff and doctors interact with your pet? Does your pet seem comfortable with the doctor and staff?
Fees and payment
- What methods of payment are accepted?
- If you have pet insurance or are considering pet insurance, does the hospital accept your pet’s insurance plan?
- Are payment plans or financial assistance options available if you need them?
Services
- What is the range of medical services that the practice provides, and does it suit your needs and expectations?
- If you own an exotic or non-traditional pet, is the veterinarian able and willing to provide care for your pet?
- Does the hospital have educational materials for pet-owners on a variety of topics?
- Are there non-medical services such as boarding, grooming, and training classes available?
- If necessary, does the veterinarian have a network of specialists for referrals?
Emergency care
- How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours and after office hours?
- Is there an emergency facility in your area should you need it?
Facility
- Is facility clean and orderly?
- Are there any unpleasant odors?
- Can you take a tour of the non-public areas?
Professional affiliations
- Are the veterinarians members of a professional veterinary association such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and their state or local veterinary association?
- What is the hospital policy regarding continuing education for the professional staff?
Remember that veterinarians care as much about you as an owner as they do about your pets. They are available to give you the information and resources you need to take the best possible care of your animals. By taking the time to select the veterinarian that you feel confident can provide for your needs as an owner and the medical needs of your pet, you will establish a satisfying and rewarding partnership.