Finding The Right Vet

The best way that we can be sure that our pets are healthy and stay that way is by regular screenings by your veterinarian, but choosing a vet that’s right for you and your pet can be a bit tricky.

There are many different ways to choose a veterinarian but if possible I always like to rely on the word of others. Ask around, friends, family, neighbors. This is a good way to have some prior knowledge about a specific veterinary clinic before even going in. If you aren’t able to talk to someone first hand you can use the internet to try and find a vet close to you that has good reviews or a very informative friendly website.

The best resource out there is probably the American Animal Hospital Association. If a vet is a member of the AAHA it means they have meet the highest quality stands in the areas of faculty knowledge and application, equipment upkeep, and the quality care of the animals. Just look for this logo on all AAHA approved vets and materials:



AAHA also has a website dedicated specifically to pet owners where you can find veterinary referrals in addition to information on your pet’s health. Visit AAHA pet owners website here, or get in touch with them through their directory assistant toll free phone number at 1-800-555-1212.

You can also use Pets911 where you can find vets in your area and yahoo local which will give you a list of local vets as well as customer reviews.

Some key things to ask yourself are:

How clean is the waiting room, examination room, and the equipment?

How many veterinarians are there at the practice and will you always see one or will you see who ever is available that day?

Are there any other professional staff members other than the vets themselves?

Are dogs and cats boarded in separate areas?

Is the staff professional and courteous towards both yourself and your pet?

Do the veterinarians have and specialized qualifications?

Does the pricing fit into your budget and are there any discounts available?

Are all specialty services (x-rays, blood screening, etc) done in-house or sent somewhere else and how long will you have to wait for results?

What emergency services are available?

It’s always important that in addition to having your vet’s number on hand, but that you also have a 24 hour emergency care animal hospitals information available in case of an emergency. Often times your veterinarian can refer you to a good 24 hour emergency clinic that has some ties to their own local practice.

It’s always important to remember that just because you visit a vet once doesn’t mean that it’s your vet for life. If you feel uncomfortable with your vet or it seems that he or she doesn’t interact well with your pet or yourself, it might be time for a change. Keep looking until you find somewhere that you and your pet feel comfortable and enjoy going. Also keep in mind that every animal is different and the perfect vet for you dog might not be so great at treating your new parrot. Do some research and make the best educated choice you can for you pets well being.