MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER OF PET PARENTS PLACE

We at Pet Parents Place know that when you have a pet finding a veterinarian you trust is absolutely critical.  So here is an article that will give you great tips on how to find the best veterinarian for your beloved pet.

HOW TO CHOOSE A VETERINARIAN FOR YOUR PET

Choosing the right veterinarian for your pet is as crucial as taking care of your animal on a daily basis. Unlike a human doctor that can verbally communicate with a patient to further understand and diagnose a problem, a veterinarian must be able to connect with your pet.

Do Your Research

When looking for a veterinarian, there are many crucial factors.  There are ones that must be considered beyond the obvious proximity to your home and prices for various services. Doing a quick web search for reviews of local vets can provide valuable insight into other pet owner’s opinions. If you have specific questions or concerns, post on these sites.  These can provide you insight by connecting with past or current pet parents that have been to a particular veterinarian. Don’t be afraid to stop into some potential veterinarian offices. Explain to the office staff that you’re looking for a new vet. Ask for a brief tour. Does the office look busy? Is the facility clean? Is the office staff friendly? These factors are just as important as meeting the actual doctor.

Interview Potential Candidates

Once you’ve narrowed your potential veterinarian candidates down to a few take the next step. Ask to meet the doctors. Many offices will encourage this interaction. This will provide that both the veterinarian and pet and owner are comfortable with one another. Come prepared with a list of questions pertaining to the doctor’s educational background and professional associations. Also ask about the ways he or she stays up-to-date on the latest findings in the industry. In addition, be sure to ask questions related to their emergency protocols.  Then ask about prescriptions and x-rays, and general plans for well and sick visits. This is the time to ask any specific questions that may be relevant to your particular situation.  Perhaps such as the vet’s expertise with a particular diagnosis your pet has been given

Ask Your Network for Referrals

No one knows veterinarians in the area better than other pet owners. Ask your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors what veterinarian they use for their own pets. Listen carefully as they describe the good and the bad qualities.  Then use these comments as part of an informed decision. Make sure you take into account that no two animals or their needs are equal. But if multiple people within your circle warn you of one vet and sang the praises of another, there’s likely some truth to the stories.

Listen to Your Animal

Regardless of whether you’ve done your research, interviewed the doctor, and asked your friends for advice, your pet still has the final say in the situation. If your pet is normally a well-behaved people pet, and they suddenly becomes overly-aggressive in the presence of the veterinarian, there is a problem. Your pet cannot tell you that he or she is uncomfortable, but pay attention to its body language. Your pet will let you know if they are not happy. As their owner, do your best to listen and make a change in their veterinarian!

Photo by Delfina lacub on Unsplash