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.

Make the Call

Don’t be afraid to call each clinic and ask as many questions as you want. Remember, you might trust one of these clinics with the well being of your pet. As you call, keep the following in mind.

· Friendliness of staff – If they seem to want to get off the phone quickly, or are too busy for you, they will probably always be too busy to give your pet the care it needs.

· Prices – Do ask for prices, but don’t base your decision solely on the cheapest clinic. As in most industries, you get what you pay for. Ask for basic price quotes for vaccinations, nail trim, spay and/or neuter, basic office exam, emergency office exam, and any medications your pet may be on.

· After-hours care – Does this clinic provide emergency after-hours assistance, or is there a nearby emergency clinic you will be referred to? It would be nice to be able to keep your same veterinarian for all medical emergencies, but in some cases a nearby emergency clinic can provide better technology and care for your pet.

· Specialty – Find out what kind of experience the veterinarians and staff have with any specific medical need your pet might have (such as diabetes, chronic pain, allergies, etc.).

· Number of vets – It’s not a priority, but finding a clinic with at least two or three veterinarians allows for you to have more flexibility in scheduling appointments, as well as easy-to-access second opinions when needed.

· Boarding facilities – If you’re someone who likes to travel, be sure to ask about on-site boarding facilities. Are pets kept together or in separate kennels? Does your pet have to pass an interview before allowed to board there? Are kennels outside, inside, or both?

· Grooming – Again, it’s not a necessity to find a clinic that does have groomers on staff, but it is a nice plus, especially if you have a pet that needs groomed often. This way, a doctor is always handy in case of an emergency.

Get a Tour

Once you have your list narrowed down to a couple choices, visit the clinics you are most interested in. The staff should be willing and ready to give you a tour, showing you the exam rooms, where your pet would be kept if it were in the hospital, boarding facilities, and any other areas of interest to you. As you are touring and visiting with the staff, keep your eyes open and nose sniffing for the following.

· Smells – While most clinics are going to smell a little, well, animal-like, you should be able to take a big breath without gagging.

· Cleanliness – Take note of lobby floors and back hallways. Are they picked up and animal waste-free?

· Knowledge of staff – Even the front desk receptionists should be able to answer basic questions about pet care.

• What is the prevalence of heartworms, fleas and ticks in the area?
• What are the basic city, county, and clinic requirements for my pet as far as license and/or vaccinations?
• What do doctors recommend when my pet has diarrhea and vomiting?

· Friendliness – Again take into account the friendliness of the staff and their interest in you. Are they helpful and informative? Are they too pushy?

· Traffic levels – Is the clinic slammed with people? Maybe the lobby is full and the phones are ringing off the hook. Did you have to wait very long before getting a tour? A certain level of busyness is a good sign, but too many clients can lead to long waiting times and a low availability of appointments.

Make an Appointment

After touring the clinics you are most interested in, you will probably come to a final decision based on the criteria listed above. Once you have made your final choice, make an appointment as soon as possible. Even if your pet doesn’t need any medical care at this time, a get-to-know you appointment can help concrete your decision on whether this vet clinic is the right one for you.

An appointment will give you the opportunity to meet the actual veterinarian, if you haven’t already, and you can ask more specific questions about healthcare for your pet that the other clinic staff might not have been able to answer. Be sure to transfer any records from previous vet clinics to your new clinic.