The same way you would want a great pediatrician for your child, you should want a great vet for your dog. Not every vet is good for your dog’s needs, so it’s important to research to find one that can listen to you. To learn how to find an amazing vet, keep reading.
1. Consider What Your Dog Needs
There are several questions that you must ask yourself. Does my dog have any underlying conditions? Do I need a specialist? How old is my dog? Learning what your dog needs is important so you can find a vet that can adequately help your dog. Having to switch vets because they don’t have the tools to help your dog isn’t fun.
Additional questions for a prospective vet:
- Are surgeries, like spaying and neutering, done on-site or at a different location?
- What vaccines does this vet provide?
- What vaccines does my dog need?
- Would I be able to have preventative care from this vet?
- How long can my dog handle riding in a car? (This applies to how far of a distance you can go for the vet you want)
There are many more questions that you should keep in mind.
2. Read Reviews, Both Good and Bad
You read the reviews before buying something online because you want to make sure you are getting what is advertised. The same goes when looking at a vet. A good vet website should have reviews listed on its page. They will either be on the main page, or they can be under the “About” page. You should spend plenty of time on a vet’s website to learn everything that you have to offer.
You should search for reviews of the veterinarian’s office on other websites as well. These third-party sites might show you some negative reviews, not only the positive ones. Know what the pet owners are complaining about as they can apply to you and your dog.
Along with looking at reviews, see what places your fellow dog owners have to recommend. If that place works for them, then it might work for you. Your friends might also warn you away from certain vets.
3. Tour a Prospective Veterinary Office
Hold a vet’s office to the same standards as a doctor’s office. A vet is a doctor, just for animals instead of humans.
If there is a vet office you are considering, take a trip and look around. A quality vet office should be clean and well-maintained. Giant red flags for these offices are dirty waiting rooms, broken facilities, and poorly trained staff. If you wouldn’t trust the office with your health, get out of there and find a better place. Your dog deserves the same quality of healthcare as you.
4. Consider Your Price Range
Everyone has a different budget, and vets have different rates. It’s easy to get swept away by amazing reviews, beautiful facilities, and a well-designed website, but don’t forget to look at the rates of a visit. Sometimes, a vet office will have their rates listed on the website, but for some offices, you’ll have to call to see how much you’ll need to pay.
Things to keep in mind when considering vet costs:
- The cost of a check-up
- What pet insurance the vet takes
- How much are emergency visits and surgeries
- Is there any co-pay?
- Always ask about any fees and make sure you aren’t about to stumble across hidden fees.
Did you know that the average dog owner can spend anywhere from $500 to $1,500 on vet bills per year. This number considers routine visits, vaccinations, lab tests, and any medication your vet might prescribe. If you have a puppy or a high-needs dog, you should consider getting pet insurance. These policies can help offset the cost of emergency vet bills and other unexpected costs.
5. Consider Your Dog’s Comfort at the Vet
Finally, you can get the opinion of your dog! Of course, a dog never wants to go to the vet but finding a location that they are comfortable in can make all the difference.
During your first vet appointment, if your dog seems somewhat at ease, then the location is dog-approved. A comfortable dog is easier to work with, and no owner wants to cause too much stress to their loving companion.
After all this research, you are sure to find a vet office that will put your dog in the best hands.
