Searching for the Right Vet?
Commonsense Tips to Help You Choose A Veterinarian
First, see if your breeder can recommend you to his/her vet. Also ask for recommendations from other dog owners that you can trust. You can learn a lot from their experiences.
If you do not know anyone who owns a dog, your next bet is to check the Yellow Pages or better yet, the internet.
Below are 3 considerations when choosing the right vet for your dog.
Proximity: Is the vet close to your home? Try to find an office as close to your home as possible, driving distance. It’s very important to know that help is just a few miles away. As a back-up, it’s also a good idea to identify the nearest animal medical center/hospital for emergency situations.
Small Practice? Large Practice?: Similar to human health care, veterinary care is either done in a small practice (where you are able to see the same vet on every visit throughout your dog’s life), or a large practice (where you get to see the first available vet on duty).
In a small practice, your vet will be able to get to know your pet on a more personal level. This will help him with his diagnosis and keep track of your dog’s health better in the long run.
On the other hand, it may be more practical to choose a vet that belongs to a large practice because it is quicker to get an appointment in an office where there are more doctors available. This is crucial, especially during an emergency.
Specialist: If your dog suffers from a specific type of health problem, look for a veterinarian who specializes in that field.
