With a new dog comes new responsibilities, including finding the right veterinarian. When starting out on this quest, there are many things an owner can do before scheduling an informational appointment. Check out the practice’s website, facebook page, twitter page (if one is available.), look at the online yellow pages, read the reviews by current and former clients. Jot down questions as they arise during research; if the practice looks promising schedule an introductory appointment and if possible, a tour. Look for possible red flags within the investigation.
How many vets are in the practice?
The answer will reveal how many people the owner will actually dealing with. How important is it to see the same veterinarian every single visit? Or does a rotating staff sound more appealing. Occasionally personalities click and an owner may decide they like one vet over another. In a rotating office, is it possible to request the same vet every visit?
What are the qualifications of the staff?
Some vets employ only veterinary technicians; people who are trained and certified to perform minor medical procedures like drawing blood and expressing anal glands. Other practices have veterinary aides, people who are trained on site to give shots and vaccines but only assist while the vet does the minor things. This is a good time to question the vet on their education and experience. Ask them about how they treat certain ailments the dog has already encountered.
Does the practice offer emergency or after-hours care?
A dog collapses on a Sunday afternoon during a walk, will the vet be available? If there is no after hours care within in the practice where do they refer their clients? Now there is a new facility to investigate, the afterhours practice.
