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How To Find The Right Vet
When choosing any medical professional for your family, whether
it's a MD or a DVM, it is important to remember that each and every doctor and
practice is different. How do you then find the vet that's right for your furry
little friends? By asking questions, lots and lots of questions to as many vets
as you can in your area and visiting their offices so you can get a better picture
of his or her treatment philosophy, medical training, and bedside manner. It
is also vital to note how far the office is from where you live, the cleanliness
of the exam rooms, the attitude of the front office staff, and state of the
waiting room. After you gather all of your research notes you can weigh the
pros and cons of each one and decide for yourself who you would feel most comfortable
with entrusting the care of your four-legged loved ones. Below are some questions
for you to consider when interviewing any perspective DVM.*
• Where did you go to school?
• When did you graduate?
• How long have you been practicing?
• Do you keep up on recent studies?
• Who do you work with for continued education?
• Are you open to seeking consult help if you are unsure of a diagnosis?
• What are your hours?
• Are you available after hours?
• Are you available on weekends?
If not, what is your referring emergency hospital/Doctor?
• If my pet has an emergency and is required to stay overnight:
Is there someone on duty to attend my pet 24 hours a day on weekdays and weekends?
• In case of an emergency after hours or on weekends; if I should need
to get a hold of you (The Doctor.)
Will the after hours receptionist have access to get a hold of you (i.e. Home
Phone, Pager etc.)?
Will this information be available to me if needed?
• During office hours in case of emergency: should I need to get a hold
of you (The Doctor)
Will I be able to get a hold of you? Or will I be told I have to wait for you
to call me back, and leave me waiting for hours (or until after hours) to return
my call?What technical equipment will be available for after hours emergencies?
• What is your experience with my breed [Insert
Breed Here]?
• What is your experience with my pets’ ailments [Insert Disease Here]?
• What is your vaccination protocol:How do you feel about only vaccination
3 yr Rabies?
• What is your opinion / experience with nutrition?
• How do you feel about feeding Raw / Home Cooked diet?
• Do you support both conventional and holistic practices? (i.e. homeopathic
remedies, acupuncture, etc.)
• Are you open to discussing alternative treatments?
• Do you allow pets to come home after surgery?
or do you hold them 24-48 hours?
• Will you allow me to view procedures done on my pets’?
• Will you give me a copy of all work done on my pets’ (i.e. Blood
work, x-rays, hospital records, etc.)?
• Do you have access to the latest up-to-date technical equipment? (i.e.
Ultra sound, EKG, X-ray, etc.)
• What equipment do you have access to?
• How helpful is the front desk staff: Do they know
the prices of procedures? Will they need to ask the Doctor and call me back?
*Compiled with help from
jstsayno2vaccs@yahoogroups.com.
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