Knowing how to choose a veterinarian for your pet is very important. It's not just about them being able to diagnose and treat your pet's problems, but also about them being kind, professional, and personable, as well as having knowledge and experience in specific needs of your pet. Do you want to know how to find the most suitable veterinarian for your furry friend? We'll tell you how in this post.
How to choose a veterinarian
Your care is essential for your pet to live a healthy and happy life, but the veterinarian also plays an extremely important role in their life. They will be the person you have to turn to every time your dog is sick or needs a vaccine, or when you need advice to take care of them as best as possible. That's why you need someone you can trust, who is professional and knowledgeable about everything your pet needs.
You are going to entrust your pet's life in their hands, so don't choose lightly! Do you want to know how to choose a veterinarian easily and successfully? Follow these tips:
Don't wait until you need it
If you're thinking of waiting for the critical moment when your pet needs medical attention to find the ideal veterinarian, you're mistaken. Don't wait! Finding the perfect veterinarian requires time, effort, and a process, so it's important to start looking before your pet needs it.
In fact, if you're thinking of adopting a pet but don't have one yet, we would recommend that you start considering veterinarians now. That way, when you have your furry little friend, you'll already have their chosen doctor.
Look for recommendations
Did you know that 60% of pet owners go to the veterinarian recommended by friends? That is to say, in the world of veterinary medicine, recommendations play a quite important role. Satisfied customers are a good guarantee of quality and good service that you should take into account. If you have friends, family, or acquaintances who already have pets, don't hesitate to ask which veterinarian they go to and what their impressions are!
If you have acquired (or are going to) a pet from a shelter or animal rescue center, they will most likely recommend a veterinarian they are associated with. That is a good help, but make sure you inform yourself well about that professional and draw your own conclusions before accepting their services.
If you are looking for a new veterinarian because you are moving, ask for advice from your current veterinarian! They likely have contacts and can recommend one.
It is highly recommended that your veterinary clinic is close to your home. That way the journey will be shorter, which is important especially in case of an emergency.
Conduct an interview
Once you have chosen a list of suitable veterinarians, do not hesitate to conduct phone interviews and ask them any questions you may have or aspects that you consider important, such as:
- Schedule of operation.
- Is there an emergency service? Do they provide home visits?
- Do they have a lot of clients? Is there usually a queue at the clinic?
- Do they offer additional services (grooming, surgery, store, etc.)?
- Average cost of visits, check-ups, medications, vaccines...
- If you have pet insurance, do they have an agreement with the company?
- Is there only one veterinarian in the clinic or several?
- If you have an exotic pet or a rare breed, do they have knowledge and experience with it?
In addition, add any questions that you consider important or interesting for your particular case. Don't be shy! We are sure they will answer everything without a problem, veterinarians want the best for animals! It is very important to get well informed.
Visit the clinic in person
Visiting the clinic in person, seeing their facilities, available resources, and products can also help you choose the ideal veterinarian. Additionally, of course, you can meet the professionals in person and evaluate their customer service.
Bring your pet with you! This way, you can see how they react to the environment and if there is good treatment with the veterinarians.
Plan calmly
The most important thing when it comes to knowing how to choose a veterinarian is to take the selection process seriously and calmly. Plan everything well, ask questions, visit, investigate everything you need, and make sure you always draw your own conclusions.
As we said, it is important and helpful to receive recommendations, but remember: you make the final decision! Don't be overly swayed by emotional ties, even veterinarians recommended by friends, evaluate them well personally. What is good for one pet may not be ideal for another.
Can you switch to a different vet?
You already know how to choose a veterinarian, but if even after carefully selecting one, you are not satisfied with their treatment and services, don't despair! Of course, you can make a change.
However, if you decide to look for a new clinic, be sure to ask your old veterinarian for your pet's entire medical history before leaving. It will be very helpful for your new veterinarian to understand your pet's medical background.