How do you pick a vet?
By Riptide
@Riptide (2758)
United States
March 22, 2007 5:40am CST
I think picking the right vet is every bit as important as picking the right family doctor. After all, your pets are part of the family too, they just need a different kind of doctor.
I recently switched vets, because I didn't feel my cureent vet had the compassion for animals a good vet needs. The vet I am with is great. It is a joined practice with 3 vets and they are all awesome.Just the environment when you first walk in, is much friendlier and warmer. They make things as comfortable as possible for your pet. The vet explains things to you and you can tell they really love animals and have a lot of compassion for them.
Sure this one is a little more expensive then my previous one. but I think it's well worth it.
So how do you pick your vet and what do you look for in a vet?
4 responses
@HighReed1 (1126)
• United States
24 May 07
Talk to your friends and neighbors with pets about who is their vet. If a person who you trust is happy with a vet, that is a vet to consider.
Also ask questions when you go in for routine stuff, like shots or nail clipping. See how they talk to you. If they listen and bother to answer you intelligently they're probably a good choice.
It is a little harder if you have exotics, but the same thing can apply. Check with people or pet stores that have the same kind of pet you have.
I try to find a good vet before we have an emergency. Then I know exactly where to go.
I try to find a vet with extended hours. They must be knowledgeable but able to explain in layman's terms. I had a vet once that would let us do payments on treatments that cost alot. That helps as well.
@Riptide (2758)
• United States
25 May 07
The one I'm with now has extended hours as well and they have something called a wellness program where they give your pet a free wellness exam every 6 month and they send you a card to remind you when the pet is due for their exam.
This is the first vet I ever seen do this.
@HighReed1 (1126)
• United States
25 May 07
That's unheard of in this day and age! I would definitely stay with this vet!
@Riptide (2758)
• United States
25 May 07
I will definetely stay with this one. It's a joint practice of 3 vets and they are all very nice. Just being in the waiting room you can tell how much they care about animals. They pictures of their patients all over the place and it's a calm and soothing atmosphere.
When our little furry baby had to be put down, one of the vets send us a condolence card. Not a run of the mill, send out en masse by a secretary, but hand written and signed and with comforting words.
I can feel the love they have for animals when I am there and even though we live further away now, we will definetely stay with them.
My red tiger might not appreciate the long ride though lol.
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
22 Mar 07
There are two vets in my suburb where I live. I walked into one and asked a question and the response was "that'll be $50" , I turned around and walked out in shock. I went to the other vet , asked the same question, and they could not help me enough, they were excellent to say the least, so I found my vet.
@snuglesteen (188)
• Philippines
22 Mar 07
Choosing a reputable veterinarian is not an easy thing to do. You have to research well on qualitifications such as practice history, competence, educational background. These all help in determining the right vet that you seek. Upon talking to a vet...you can somehow tell if he/she is good....try to ask things about your pet and if he gives you a satisfactory answer then you can go with him. Also do not disregard recommendations from other people who have been clients of that vet since they can tell you their personal experiences.
@Yanagi06 (23)
• United States
22 Mar 07
In my opinion, as well as a lot of my friends and familys opinion, picking a vet is like picking a doctor for your child. When you meet with a doctor you can tell by how they talk to you and the attention they give the child/pet. That is how I pick my vet.
