Tips to choose the ‘right’ veterinarian

Whether bringing home a new pet or moving your pet to a new area, one of your first tasks should be to find Brutus a veterinarian that will help keep him healthy. When choosing a vet, experts recommend taking into account factors such as the vet’s professional staff, range of services, fees and location.

Finding the “right” veterinarian is similar to finding your own personal physician, pediatrician, dentist or other health-care provider.

Veterinarians recommend the following in choosing a vet:

• Seek referrals. Ask friends, neighbors or breed clubs — that is, if you have a specific breed of pet such as a Husky or Dalmatian — for recommendations of veterinarians. Make sure that whoever you are getting the recommendation from shares a similar attachment to their pet as you do.

• Certification and affiliations. Determine whether any of the doctors are members of professional veterinary associations. While not crucial, you might opt for a clinic or hospital that carries the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) logo, which means the vet’s facilities and practice meet a high standard of care based on AAHA’s voluntary certification program. AAHA-accredited hospitals are located all over the United States and Canada. Visit such Web sites as the Healthypet’s Hospital Locator at www.healthypet.com for a list of hospitals – there are several right here in our immediate area!

• Range of services. What services does the veterinarian provide? How are emergency calls handled during and after regular office hours? What are his or her fees? If your breed requires regular grooming or boarding while you’re away on vacation, ask the veterinarian if they also offer these services or can recommend someone who does.

• Fees. Find out what methods of payment are accepted, such as personal checks or credit cards, and ask in advance about payment policies for both small and large bills. Check the availability of on-site X-ray equipment, surgical facilities, lab equipment and trained technical staff, since this will affect the fee structure of a full-service team hospital compared to a smaller, high-volume clinic and pharmacy with limited overhead.

• Visit the site. You might visit the site before making an appointment with your pet to “test the vet out.” Is the facility modern, orderly and clean? Does the staff make you feel comfortable and act professional?

• Hours and location. Consider whether the vet’s hours are compatible with your schedule. Also take into account how close the veterinarian is located to you and what they offer for emergency care. For example, ask the vet what happens if an emergency arises after hours, such as an unexpected injury, toxin exposure or life-threatening condition. Do they have an on-call vet that you can use or an emergency veterinary clinic near you to handle such emergencies?

• Long-term relationships. You want a team of receptionists, technicians and a doctor who will be there to care for your pet’s needs now and for years to come. A vet will maintain a file of your pet’s health and will be able to help you through your pet’s early developmental years, behavioral problems, nutritional needs as well as surgical and emergency care.

• The first visit. After you’ve chosen a vet, it’s time for your pet’s first checkup. Here, the veterinarian assesses your pet for congenital, hereditary and common problems. Minor problems may include loose kneecaps, hernias, dental abnormalities and skin or ear infections. Bigger concerns include heart murmurs, eye disorders, or retained testicles. During this visit, the veterinarian will also begin treatment and prevention for parasites such as fleas, ticks and heartworms.