Time To Choose a Veterinarian - Just
How To Go About It
Article by Shannon Kimberly
Ah then, where do we start? Probably by
going directly to the Yellow pages. Hm... see one that's closet to you...
time to pick up our pooch and go.
NO!
Not all Vets are a like. And just like a doctor, you might not be happy
with the new Vets “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.
Get References:
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.
Speaking of vet bills. Consider having
a savings account set aside specifically for your pooches or any pets
needs. This way you will not be stressed when there's an emergency. You'll
know exactly how you can pay for it, because you've planned ahead!
So, the bottom line here is that you
have to do some homework. You've got to ask questions, you've got to
understand that not all Vets are alike and recommendations are a wonderful
thing.
Feel better? Good. Yipee, yeah and it's time to check out a few of the
Vets.
Article by Shannon
Kimberly
Lover of all animals, pet sitter and often times pet rescue. Favorite Pet
Today, Cairn
Terrier visit:
http://cairn-terrier.gahzoo.com
Article may be reprinted as long
as you keep the two links live as is. :)
