How to Find a Vet

If your child is sick with fever and needs a doctor, do you rush to the yellow pages to find one? Of course not! Instead, you call your family's pediatrician. 

When you first had kids or moved into your home, you most likely spent some time talking to friends or neighbors, asking questions about doctors in the area, getting recommendation (and possibly warnings), and even visiting a doctor's office or two to see which you preferred, which was convenient, etc. 

You were looking for someone you could trust. You would never "settle" when choosing a pediatrician for your two-legged kids and the family pet deserves no less! 

 Just as with people doctors, the best way to find a vet you like and can trust is to start talking to people, preferably friends and neighbors who have pets. (If you don't know anyone in the area, you can always call the local veterinary association for a recommendation). When you ask someone about their vet, pay attention to their answer. 

"Oh my gosh! Dr. Peabody is The Best!" is the response you're looking for. Pet owners frequently feel the same way about their veterinarians as they do about their favorite sports team - and they should exhibit an eagerness to bring you on board the side of the winning team. 

Once you receive a recommendation for a particular doctor or veterinary hospital, check it out. Call the hospital, explain you're looking for a new vet, and ask for a hospital tour. When touring the hospital or veterinary office, look for the following: 

• How are you and your pet treated when walking in? Are you greeted cheerfully? Is the facility clean? Are there any foul odors?

• Does it appear the veterinarian and the hospital staff love animals (i.e., are they hugging and petting them, or calling them by name as they come in the door)?

• Don't be shy. Chat with other people in the waiting room to get the inside scoop.

• Look to your pet. Does he/she warm up to the doctor? Do you like how the doctor and staff interact with your pet?

• What amenities does the hospital provide? For example, do they offer full service care including boarding and grooming? Do they handle emergencies?

• Is there a staff member present around the clock to care for hospitalized pets at night?

If you keep reptiles, rabbits, birds, rodents, or any type of exotic pet, you'll want to check with local herpetological societies or hobbyist groups for veterinary recommendations. Most veterinarians - like me, for example - don't specialize in reptiles, but we can recommend great vets who do, so never hesitate to ask! 

Ideally, you and your pets will develop a long-term positive relationship with your veterinarian. So when the day comes and someone asks if you can recommend a local veterinarian, you'll state without hesitation, "Oh my gosh! I have the GREATEST vet for you!" 

Article by Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM