Choosing a Veterinarian

By Kate Gartley of Dog - Ma Pet Rescue

It is advantageous to establish a long-lasting, reliable and trusting relationship with a veterinarian. As with human doctors, there is a wide variety of personalities, education, treatment philosophy, equipment, services available, support staff, fees and specialties with veterinarians. How does a person go about selecting a vet and clinic?

Start by making a list of the things that are important to you. Your list might include the following:


The Office

Is it important that the office be close to you and easily accessible? This DOES NOT necessarily mean you should choose the closest one.

Is the exterior of the office well kept?

Is the inside clean and organized?


The Service

Do the office hours suit your schedule? Does the clinic have evening and weekend hours if this is more convenient for you?

Is there a backup emergency service for after hours and holidays? Some clinics have a service on-site while others refer.

Is a drop-off service available? Do you require such a service?

How many veterinarians are on staff? Could you request a certain doctor? Seeing the same doctor allows you and your pet to build a relationship with the doctor.

Is the staff friendly, caring and professional?

Is the clinic primarily for routine care and minor surgeries? If so, they will likely have to refer you for more serious illness or surgeries.

Can animals be hospitalized on the premises? Are they kept warm, dry and clean? Are they given adequate attention throughout the day and night?

What diagnostic services can be done on site (ie. lab work, x-rays, etc.)?

What anesthetics are used?

Can the clinic handle daytime emergencies or do you have to travel to a different clinic?

What are the fees like? Does the clinic give accurate, complete estimates of any work to be done?

Does the clinic encourage preventative maintenance and care?

Do they handle pets with genuine care and concern?

Does the clinic offer pet health insurance? Is this something you’re interested in?


The Doctor

Do both you and your pet get along with the veterinarian? This will be difficult to tell without meeting the veterinarian. A referral from a friend or relative may give you a preliminary indication.

Does your pet do better with a man or woman?

Do you prefer an experienced veterinarian or a recent graduate who may be familiar with the newest techniques? Does the veterinarian keep up to date on new techniques?

After you meet the doctor, how does he or she handle your pet?

How does your pet react to him or her?

Does the veterinarian take time to answer your questions adequately? Do they take the time to listen?

How does the veterinarian feel about alternative pet therapies such as acupuncture or massage? How do you feel about them?

What are the veterinarian’s views on issues such as euthanasia?

What are the veterinarian’s special interests?

How does the veterinarian view referring cases to a specialist should the need arise?


The Search

Begin your search by word of mouth and through local veterinary associations. Reputable veterinarians must be licensed and should be members of the local and regional veterinary associations. Talk to pet owners you know.

Once you have selected a clinic on paper, schedule an appointment. Ask for enough time to talk and tour the facilities.

If everything checks out, you will have made the best choice possible for you and your pet.