Thinking about choosing a veterinarian for your new dog? Where do
you start? Usually, when picking a veterinarian, we thumb through
the phone book until we find one close to home. But just like a
doctor, you might not be happy with his “bedside” manner. I’ve
heard people complain that their animal’s veterinarian doesn’t
handle their animal well or they just didn’t like his manner. Below
are some helpful hints in choosing the best veterinarian for your
animal.

If you have friends, family or neighbors with animals, ask them for
a recommendation. If they do, ask questions about their experiences
with the vet. How does the veterinarian handle their animal? Is he
gentle? Does he thoroughly explain to the pet owner the health of
the animal after being looked over? It’s good to choose a
veterinarian that is informative about the animal he is checking. A
veterinarian not only has to be good with animals, but he has to be
people friendly as well. Don’t forget your instincts. After meeting
the vet, if you don’t feel good about him, don’t go back. Even if
he has a good reputation, don’t feel pressured to go back. What is
good for one person, may not be good for you.

Look up the Veterinary Medical Board and see if he has been any
complaints again him. This way, you can eliminate without having to
go any further. You can also check with the American Animal
Hospital Association (AAHA). These are vet hospitals that have
achieved high animal care standards. These vet hospitals fill out a
detailed explanation of its equipment and services they offer.
Afterwards, a consultant inspects the facility to ensure it meets
AAHA’s standards. The following areas are checked: medical records,
dentistry, anesthesia, dentistry and surgery. Knowing this, may
give some dog owners peace of mind before taking their animal for
and of the above reasons. There are only around 17 percent of vet
hospitals around the US and Canada that are affiliated with the
AAHA. You can find them by going through the Healthypet’s Hospital
Locator.

Make an appointment to meet the veterinarian as well as the staff.
How do they interact with customers as well as each other? While
you’re there, ask for a tour of the facility. It would be a good
idea to not ask for the tour in advance. This way you can see how
the facility is kept without being warned of a visitor. Look for
cleanliness especially in the kennel area. If you see unclean
kennels or droppings on the floor, it might mean they do not have
enough staff to care for the animals. Sanitation is important due
to the spread of diseases among animals. Also, ask the vet if it
would be ok to sit in during a treatment of an animal. This way you
can see how he handles the animal as well as the pet owner. You can
also see if he has a genuine care for animals or does he just see
it as a job?

Any veterinarian practicing in the United States has to of
graduated from an accredited school. Just like any doctor, he must
have a license that should be on display. If you don’t see one
displayed, ask him about it. Check to make sure it is a current
license.

Ask about emergency care? Is it even offered? Accidents can happen
to your pet, and they don’t always happen during the 8-5 Monday
thru Friday schedule. Is there 24/7 emergency pet care? Find out if
your dog does have to stay overnight, will there be a member of
staff staying with him?

If possible, get a good veterinarian that is close to home. You
don’t want to drive an hour away if you have a restless or hurting
dog in the back seat.

If you have pet insurance, find out if they accept it? If not, what
about credit cards or payment plans? Vet bills, especially
emergency bills, can be costly.

Do your homework if you want to get a respected veterinarian that
you feel safe going to. Visit several veterinarians before making a
decision, and then compare notes. Finally, go with your instinct.