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Whether your pet is of the furry, feathery, or scaly kind, it’s crucial you have a good veterinarian on standby. Veterinarian care is essential in your pet’s life. Just like us, pets can become sick or injured and need medical attention. A high-quality vet can treat our pets and provide them with all the care they need to live happy and healthy lives.
When it comes to choosing a vet for your pet, it’s important you find one that is reputable, honest, and someone you can trust. After all, you’re putting your pet’s safety and wellbeing into their hands.
Here are some of the best tips to choose a vet to help you make one of the most important decisions when it comes to your pet’s health.
Establish the type of care your pet needs
Did you know there are many types of vets? While some specialize in companion animals, others may focus on a specific area or species such as equine health.
Establish whether your pet needs just routine care or if they have a special condition that requires expert knowledge. For example, if your dog displays behavioral issues such as excessive barking, it may benefit from a veterinary behaviorist. On the other hand, if you suspect a parasite infection, you will need a veterinary parasitologist.
Check the vet’s qualifications and reputation
Veterinarians undergo extensive training in order to be qualified to work in a veterinary practice. Before you consider any vet, check that they hold relevant qualifications and that the relevant veterinary practice accreditations.
It’s also a good idea to enquire about the length of time the staff has stayed at the practice, as this may indicate the general working environment of the clinic.
Choose a nearby vet
You should find a vet in your immediate area, or at least within a reasonable distance from your home. This makes it far easier if your pet is in need of an emergency vet visit or even things like vaccinations. For cats, we also have a good resource on vaccinations. Some veterinary clinics also offer their community pet daycare services, puppy schooling, and contests that you can enjoy the benefits of if you live nearby.
Choosing a vet that’s close to you will also save you money on transport and fuel costs – after all, pets are expensive as it is! If you can, go and visit your local veterinary clinic for a tour. Take note of how long it takes you to get there and also how clean, professional, and friendly the overall clinic is.
Establish how the staff treat you and your pet
While you should make sure that your pet is getting the right level of attention from your vet, you also want to ensure that you too are receiving the same type of attention. Choose a vet who displays good communication skills and genuine care toward both you and your pet.
This is a good indicator of someone who values your time and your concerns, and who will take care and patience in explaining anything you are unsure of. Also, assess how the other veterinarians and staff within the clinic treat you and your pet.
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Get a referral from a trusted friend
A referral from a trusted friend or family member that has a pet can be extremely helpful. Phone around and ask those who own pets who they recommend. They’ll be able to give you their honest opinion and experience and refer you to the right vet for you and your pet.
In summary
Doing your research can help you to choose the best vet for your pet. While it may seem tedious to be ‘shopping around’ for the perfect vet, doing so will ensure your beloved animal is in the best hands if they ever do become sick or require general advice for your pet’s healthcare during different stages in their life. Like most things, the right vet will depend on your personal preferences and requirements.
If you judge a clinic by the level of friendliness of its staff, then even the biggest, cleanest vet practice won’t be enough if its staff are rude or unhelpful. Similarly, no matter how friendly the staff is at one clinic, if the practice is unkempt and dirty then you may need to continue your search for a vet that ticks all the boxes.
Referrals can help greatly, as most pet owners are animal lovers and only choose the best for their pets. In this case, you may just strike gold if you receive a referral for a vet by a trusted companion.