Choosing the Right Vet For Your Dog

Choosing a vet is a very important aspect of your dog’s health and happiness. Whether you’re moving or you aren’t happy with your current vet, it is important to take time to make this decision. It can feel overwhelming, since there are so many options and different things to consider when making the choice. You want to make sure your vet understands your needs and priorities, but also gets along well with your dog. It may take time, but we are here to help you find the perfect fit. Here are some things to keep in mind when on the hunt!

Ask Your Friends

While it can be easy to read reviews or look at Yelp, it is important to turn to the people you trust. Word of mouth is the best way to find out what vets are really like and who is the best fit. Instead of reading reviews, you can ask friends, neighbors, and others in your area the questions you want to know. You can focus in on what aspects are truly important to you, and you’ll get answers from people who know you well.

Observe the Staff

One way to see what the vet office environment is like is to observe the staff. While you want to make sure you like the vet, see how the other people in the office, such as office employees or vet techs, act. Are they happy and friendly? If they seem to be happy and excited to be at their job, the office probably has a positive environment that treats people (and pups) well. You also want to observe the vet’s personality. See if they are calm, talk to you and your dog appropriately, and see how they react to your questions. Of course, your dog should like them as well.

Ask The Important Questions

You want to make sure you are asking about things that matter to you. There are specific topics, such as disease planning, euthanasia, etc. that people have different views on. If keeping your dog’s diet and care as natural as possible is important to you, let your vet know that. You want to know what their views and philosophies are on these topics up front. You don’t want to be in a situation where you disagree down the road.

Get a Tour

You should ask the staff or vet to give you a tour of the facilitates. If they are proud of their establishment, they will be happy to show you around and show their space off. Check out what type of equipment they have and ask questions it. Do your research and pay attention to what they may not have.

Think about Logistics

While you may be focused on the vet themselves, you also want to think about the logistics that go into the vet office as well. Ask about costs, payment plans, splitting up payments, etc. Money is important and since pet care can get expensive, you want to know your options. You also want to ask about hours. If you work full-time or can only go on the weekends, you want to know if they have hours to accommodate you. Lastly, don’t forget about location. It is key to factor in how far away the office is. How far are you willing to drive to get your pup treated? If you love a vet, is it worth a longer drive?

In general, picking a vet can be stressful and time consuming. But take your time to find someone who is the perfect fit!