Choosing a veterinarian has to do with two basic elements – you and your pet. Of course you want to find a veterinarian that is skilled and knowledgeable, but it is also important to locate a clinic that meets certain requirements based on your needs as well as your pet’s needs. There are many clinics out there, and each of them has something a little different to offer, so before deciding it’s important to ascertain what it is you are looking for in a veterinarian.

Ask friends and family

Instead of relying solely on the yellow pages for names of clinics to research, ask your co-workers and nearby friends and family where they take their pets, and don’t forget to ask why. The following “why’s” can tell you all you need to know about a certain clinic.

· Cost – Cheaper is not always better. In the cases of basic services, like vaccines, nail trims, etc., cheap can be the best way to go. But for surgeries, extensive illness exams, and the like, you want to find a veterinarian that is qualified, not just inexpensive.

· Location – You want to find a clinic that is fairly close to where you live, in case of unforeseen emergencies or catastrophes.

· Specialty – Some clinics may specialize in an area that you don’t necessarily need for your pet. Veterinarians or clinics that do specialize in one particular area are often more costly, but this extra cost may not be necessary.

· Familiarity – Pet owners often take their pets to a certain clinic just because they always have and always will. Or the veterinarian might be a long-time family friend. This doesn’t make it the best choice for you.

From the information you have gathered, you can begin to compile a list of veterinarians that sound like a good fit for you.