How to Find the Perfect Vet
Finding the perfect vet should be top priority when it comes to taking care of your four-legged friend! Among the relationships your pet has outside immediate family and friends, the one with the vet matters the most. You and your dog need to be able to trust your vet. Ultimately, your relationship with your vet is important because you will need to deal with things outside of checkups and vaccines. Think about diseases or injuries and sadly enough, end-of-life care.
So, what should you look for in a new veterinarian? Check out our list of suggestions below.
- AAHA accreditation. AAHA-accredited practices are the heart of better care for pets and their people. They hold themselves to a higher standard and strive to deliver excellent care for pets.
- Environment. This may sound silly but it’s something to consider! Think about the environment of the vet’s office. For example, you may have to wait in a lobby. Is there enough room? Does it present a calm atmosphere? Do you think that your dog will do well in this environment?
- Hours. Perhaps you only have availability on the weekends? Choose a veterinarian that aligns well with your schedule. Also, if they are not open 24 hours, do they have a relationship with an emergency hospital?
- Payment methods and flexibility. Does the vet’s office accept payment plans or specific credit cards to ensure that you have the necessary funds to take care of your dog?
- Proximity. How quickly can you get to the vet in the event of an emergency? You never want to choose a vet that is too far away.
A lot of people do not think to do this, but you can schedule an “interview” with a potential veterinarian. Much like a primary care physician, you want to ensure that you can trust your vet. Not only that, but it is important to feel positive vibes when you are around them. In a perfect world, you and your pet would have the same vet for your dog’s entire lifetime. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Therefore, finding the best vet should be a priority!
