We love our pets and want them to live long, healthy lives. One critical factor in their care is our relationship with a veterinarian that we trust. Just as you would in choosing a physician or dentist, you should do a bit of research to ensure that the vet you choose will be right for you and your dog. It is important to look for your vet before you bring home your dog or immediately thereafter. If you’ve moved to a new location, start looking for a new vet as soon as the boxes are unpacked. Develop your relationship before a problem arises. Your vet can be your best ally in your quest for a healthy life for your pet. Hopefully, this will be a long-term relationship and you should take care to ensure that you’ve chosen wisely.

Where to Start

Word of mouth is the best place to begin your search for the right vet. Ask people that you trust to recommend a good vet and to tell you why they chose him. Remember that their choice might not be yours, however. Some vets are better with one type of pet over another or some personalities over others. You want a vet whose personality works well with you and your dog. Some sources of recommendations might include the breeder of your dog or the local animal shelter, friends who have pets, or the trainer of your obedience class. Ask those that you know take good care of their pets and you will likely get the best recommendations. Your local phone book will have listings of area vets, but don’t make your choice based on convenience alone.

Narrowing Down the Choice

There are many facets to consider when choosing the right vet. Some obvious ones are location and office hours. You should not make your choice on location alone, but it is a consideration. You may love the great vet an hour away, but can you get to him soon enough in an emergency? Does the vet have office hours that work with your schedule? He may be wonderful, but it won’t be very convenient if you have to take time out of work to get to an appointment.

The First Visit

Once you have narrowed your choice to one or two, schedule an appointment with your top pick. When you arrive, take note of the condition of the office. It should look and smell reasonably clean. The size of the waiting room might be a consideration to you, as well. Are you and your dog comfortable waiting in a tight spot?

What to Ask

One of the first questions you should ask is whether this vet is available in emergencies, and if so, how can you contact him. If he is not available, does he have a suggestion for emergency care? It may be that your area has an emergency hospital nearby. It is critically important to have this information on hand in an emergency when minutes may count.

If you have an unusual breed or a dog that has an unusual condition, you should ask the vet if he is familiar with it. Ask him questions and be sure that you are comfortable with his response. Does he explain well or does he dismiss your questions?

Is there more than one vet working in the office? If there is more than one vet, do they have specialties? If so, can you request a certain vet? You may want to take the time to meet all the vets working in an office before you decide to see only one of them.

Does the vet provide any other services such as boarding or grooming? If these are services that you require, they may be important factors in your decision.

No one likes to discuss money up-front, but it may be an important consideration as well. Ask his fees for routine services like check-ups or vaccinations. Does he accept major credit cards? Will he allow you to make payments if your dog requires an expensive surgery or treatment?

What Else to Look For

The examination room should be clean and orderly. Has the table been wiped after the last patient left? The vet should perform a check up on your dog during the first visit. This should include feeling the dog over for suspicious lumps or bumps, looking in the eyes and ears, checking the teeth and checking the heart. He should also ask you questions about the dog’s general health. If he has never seen the dog before, he should ask for some of the dog’s medical history. Does the vet rush the check up (or not do it all)? Does he listen to you? Is he comfortable with your dog and does he seem to have a good rapport with the dog? Does your dog seem to like him or at least seem comfortable? Of course, some dogs are difficult at every vet visit. If your dog is one of these, is the vet able to handle him? An experienced vet can handle the most difficult dog with a minimum of stress for the dog.

Once you have chosen your vet, ensure that you and your dog visit him regularly. Keep him informed of any changes in your dog that concern you. Don’t be afraid to ask question and even get second opinions if the need arises. Take an active part in your dog’s health care and you will keep your friend with you for many years to come!

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