Choosing the right veterinarian for your pet’s care is like selecting a doctor for yourself or your children. Finding the right provider is essential for your pet’s wellness and your peace of mind.
Here are some considerations when searching for a veterinarian.
Ask Around
It might seem like the old-fashioned way, but word of mouth is still one of the best resources when it comes to finding the right veterinarian. Ask friends and family members, but also get opinions from pet experts in your circle — groomers, trainers, breeders, shelters — anyone with a possible connection to the veterinary world.
“Talk with friends and family about who they use as their family veterinarian,” said Cathy Kirkpatrick, executive director, Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. “Ask those important questions — how long have you been using this veterinarian, do you have a trusting relationship with this veterinarian, does your veterinarian listen to your questions and consider the specific needs of your pet?”
Find Logical Logistics
Make sure the clinic location and hours of operation fit your schedule and lifestyle. Are evening and weekend appointments available? How are emergency visits handled? If the clinic is not open or on call 24/7, how is emergency coverage managed?
Find out what services are offered. On the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) website, author Chloe DiVita wrote last month in “Prioritizing Your Pet’s Health: How To Choose a Veterinarian” about the essential services that comprise veterinary care.
They are preventive care, diagnostic services, specializations, treatment options, emergency availability, and other services on-site, such as grooming, boarding, nail trims, behavioral consultations, nutritional consultations, pharmacy, and more.
Knowing what is available will help you plan what is best for your pet.
Similarly, you’ll want to understand the fee structure and costs for services. In the American Kennel Club website article “How To Find the Best Veterinarian,” posted February 9, 2024, author Harriet Meyers recommends asking in advance about fees, costs of procedures, and what methods of payments are available. Meyers suggests that you ask for written estimates for services, payment plans or financial assistance options, what pet insurance plans are accepted, and whether you will be provided with a detailed explanation of services for every visit.
Check Out Before the Checkup
You should conduct background research on a provider’s experience and professional accreditations. The Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners website, https://www.okvetboard.com, offers a “license search” feature so pet owners can find information.
“Oklahoma, as every state that regulates veterinary medicine, has a Veterinary Practice Act that contains statutes and rules. The board regulates the veterinary profession, which provides health care to the state’s animal population, including livestock, poultry, and pets,” Kirkpatrick said. “As the state regulatory agency overseeing the practice of veterinary medicine, the board was established to protect the public and the animals. The board’s duty is to investigate complaints in an efficient and timely manner. We strive to serve the public with an ethical and compassionate nature and ensure there is no violation of the statutes or rules.”
In addition, visit the veterinarian’s office. Ideally, this can happen with or without your pet. Check out the waiting room — a busy waiting room is not a bad sign! Rather, it’s an indication that the practice is trusted by a large patient base.
Is the clinic clean? Does it seem organized? Think about how you will navigate the setting with your pet.
Ask the staff plenty of questions. Are you being treated with patience and respect or are you being hurried along? Open, clear communication is critical for you and your pet’s well-being.
Do the practice’s treatment and care philosophies align with yours? Meyers recommends asking the veterinarians for their beliefs about treating cancer, spaying and neutering, supporting senior dogs, and euthanasia. In addition, do they prescribe holistic or alternative treatments when appropriate, and do they emphasize preventive care?
Finally, be sure to understand office rules and procedures. Are there limits on how many owners can accompany a pet to an office visit? Are children allowed?
Establishing your care plan well in advance, based on informed decision making, will set you and your pet up for a successful veterinary experience.
