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Choosing A Veterinarian: Certification, Vet Facilities, Veterinary Services And Rates
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Published: January 29, 2008
Acquiring a new pet is always exciting, but it also entails a significant share of responsibilities. Whether it's a dog, cat or ferret, one must never forget that a pet animal is a living being that experiences pain and hunger. Every aspiring pet owner needs to take seriously his or her role in ensuring the animal's well-being.
Choosing a competent, reliable veterinarian is the first step in making sure a pet receives the care it needs to remain healthy.
Pet owners should decide upon a vet as soon as they acquire an animal. That way, they can be sure the pet is in trusted hands when an illness or emergency arises. To look for a veterinarian, a good way to start is by skimming phone book listings, advertisements in the local paper, or checking on the internet. Calling a kennel or humane society and asking about recommended veterinary services can also be helpful. Sometimes, though, the best way to find the ideal veterinarian is to ask the advice of trusted people: family and friends. Other pet owners whom you know well can often give the most useful advice in choosing a vet.
Before deciding on a veterinarian, every pet owner should visit a few animal clinics and compare them for quality. No recommendation, no matter how trusted the source, can substitute seeing the vet and clinic in person. That way, both pet and owner can see first hand whether the animal hospital suits their needs. The first thing to pay attention to is the attitude of the doctor and staff. Courtesy towards the pet owner and gentle, patient interaction with the pet are positive indicators that the veterinarian cares about his or her clients. It's also important to observe the atmosphere at the veterinary clinic. If the hospital staff is constantly in a rush, the place may be too busy to give each patient the time it needs.
No probationary visit is complete without a full tour of the clinic's facilities. Clean, well-organized, and odor-free areas are all positive signs that the veterinary staff practices good hygiene. Sanitary conditions at the animal hospital are a must; they prevent diseases from spreading and possibly infecting other pets. Animal hospitals that belong to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) can be trusted to meet high standards of hygiene and care.
While at the clinic, it's also essential to ask questions in order to gain a better understanding of how the hospital functions. Things such as regular working hours, waiting time for appointments, emergency care, and types of veterinary services offered should interest any pet owner. Affordability should also be a primary concern. Before leaving, ask about hospital rates, possible discounts, and acceptable forms of payment.
Finally, the importance of scrutinizing the competency of the veterinarian cannot be overemphasized. All practicing veterinarians in the U.S. need to be licensed. Usually, a vet's certification is displayed in the clinic for clients to see. Besides checking for a current certification, it's also appropriate to research the veterinarian's involvement with professional or community organizations.
Finding a veterinarian and animal hospital with affordable rates, clean facilities, and a caring attitude can be challenging. But taking the time to find suitable medical care for a pet will save plenty of stress later on. With a little extra effort and interest, any pet owner can stumble upon the right vet.
Sources:
"Choosing a Veterinarian." The Humane Society of the United States. 2008. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_veter inarian.html
Hines, Ron. "Choosing the Right Veterinarian For Your Pet." Ask the Veterinarian. 2006. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.2ndchance.info/goodvet2.htm
"How to Choose a Veterinarian." I-Love-Dogs.com. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dogsarticles/How-To-Cho ose-A-Veterinarian.html
"Animal Health." American Veterinary Medical Association. 2008. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/choos ing_vet/choosing_vet_brochure.asp
Pet owners should decide upon a vet as soon as they acquire an animal. That way, they can be sure the pet is in trusted hands when an illness or emergency arises. To look for a veterinarian, a good way to start is by skimming phone book listings, advertisements in the local paper, or checking on the internet. Calling a kennel or humane society and asking about recommended veterinary services can also be helpful. Sometimes, though, the best way to find the ideal veterinarian is to ask the advice of trusted people: family and friends. Other pet owners whom you know well can often give the most useful advice in choosing a vet.
Before deciding on a veterinarian, every pet owner should visit a few animal clinics and compare them for quality. No recommendation, no matter how trusted the source, can substitute seeing the vet and clinic in person. That way, both pet and owner can see first hand whether the animal hospital suits their needs. The first thing to pay attention to is the attitude of the doctor and staff. Courtesy towards the pet owner and gentle, patient interaction with the pet are positive indicators that the veterinarian cares about his or her clients. It's also important to observe the atmosphere at the veterinary clinic. If the hospital staff is constantly in a rush, the place may be too busy to give each patient the time it needs.
No probationary visit is complete without a full tour of the clinic's facilities. Clean, well-organized, and odor-free areas are all positive signs that the veterinary staff practices good hygiene. Sanitary conditions at the animal hospital are a must; they prevent diseases from spreading and possibly infecting other pets. Animal hospitals that belong to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) can be trusted to meet high standards of hygiene and care.
While at the clinic, it's also essential to ask questions in order to gain a better understanding of how the hospital functions. Things such as regular working hours, waiting time for appointments, emergency care, and types of veterinary services offered should interest any pet owner. Affordability should also be a primary concern. Before leaving, ask about hospital rates, possible discounts, and acceptable forms of payment.
Finally, the importance of scrutinizing the competency of the veterinarian cannot be overemphasized. All practicing veterinarians in the U.S. need to be licensed. Usually, a vet's certification is displayed in the clinic for clients to see. Besides checking for a current certification, it's also appropriate to research the veterinarian's involvement with professional or community organizations.
Finding a veterinarian and animal hospital with affordable rates, clean facilities, and a caring attitude can be challenging. But taking the time to find suitable medical care for a pet will save plenty of stress later on. With a little extra effort and interest, any pet owner can stumble upon the right vet.
Sources:
"Choosing a Veterinarian." The Humane Society of the United States. 2008. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_veter inarian.html
Hines, Ron. "Choosing the Right Veterinarian For Your Pet." Ask the Veterinarian. 2006. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.2ndchance.info/goodvet2.htm
"How to Choose a Veterinarian." I-Love-Dogs.com. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dogsarticles/How-To-Cho ose-A-Veterinarian.html
"Animal Health." American Veterinary Medical Association. 2008. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/choos ing_vet/choosing_vet_brochure.asp
