Choosing a Veterinarian
By Roxanne Willems Snopek
Your veterinarian will be involved in decisions vital to your family - the health and happiness of your pet is linked closely to the veterinary care received. One day, your veterinarian will be involved in difficult decisions about serious illness and even death.
Consider:
- Location - the primary reason most people use the veterinary hospital they do. Your animal doctor should be readily accessible, but there are other things at least as important.
- Specialties - General practitioners abound but some of these take additional training to become certified by The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Others go back to school to do internships and residencies in such areas as internal medicine, radiology, surgery, dentistry and others. These doctors often go on to set up specialty referral practices.
- Special interests - most general practitioners have their "favorite" areas of practice. So you want someone with a love for exotic animals or birds? Are you a breeder who wants someone familiar with your specific needs? Ask around to find out what other pet owners with similar needs recommend. What about membership in organizations such as the American Association of Feline Practitioners or The American Animal Hospital Association?
- Personal style - probably the single biggest factor in being comfortable with any professional; this is an individual thing. It's very important that you are comfortable talking about your concerns with your pet's doctor and that you feel your concerns are heard. Your pet's care is a partnership, and if your veterinarian doesn't recognize the knowledge you have, or the role you play, you might want to look elsewhere.
- Hours - find out when your doctor is available, how far in advance appointments must be made, and whether or not there are associate veterinarians in the practice. Sometimes clients book an appointment, only to discover a different veterinarian in the exam room. Ask about weekend and evening hours as well.
- Support staff - veterinary hospitals usually employ various other team members besides the veterinarian. Receptionists, kennel assistants, certified veterinary assistants, and registered animal health technicians all contribute to the care your pet receives. Ask about the training and qualifications of the people who will be caring for your pet. Don't be afraid to ask about what kinds of pets the hospital staff own, too.
- Emergency service - in an emergency it's best to be prepared. Find out what service your hospital provides. All veterinarians are required to either be available for their clients, or to refer them to another hospital within a reasonable distance. Find out what arrangements your hospital makes for after hours, weekend, and holiday care.
If you appreciate the care your veterinary hospital provides, tell them! If there is an aspect that you find inconvenient, tell them that, too! Animal health professionals work hard to provide the best care they can for the pet owners who come to them, because they're pet lovers, too!
