Apr 01, 2022 | By, For Pet's Sake

7 questions to ask before trusting a veterinarian with your pet

Finding the perfect pet for your family is one of the happiest times imaginable. With the little bundle of cuteness in your arms, you come home and let the little furry animal loose to play with the toys you’ve bought and cozy up on the new bed you’ve arranged.

Pet ownership comes with far more responsibilities than feeding and playing though. Now that you’ve found your pet, you need to find the right veterinarian to care for that pet. In case you haven’t found the right vet yet, here are some questions you can ask to accelerate the process.

  1. Is the vet nearby? Convenience is a huge factor. Nobody wants to drive 30 minutes to an hour if they can find an alternative a few blocks from their home. Some pets don’t even enjoy car rides, so a walk to the local vet could make your life a lot easier.
  1. Do they offer all the basic services you need? Many veterinarians offer comprehensive care for a variety of breeds, but you should still verify that you can get your check-ups, vaccinations, teeth cleanings, bloodwork, and other procedures done in one place if possible. If the office uses a referral system for some of their services, figure out where those other offices are located and if it is feasible for you to get there.
  1. Do they offer urgent care? Pet emergencies are the worst and can often be mysterious. After-hours care is a must for new and experienced pet owners, so it’s always good to check whether your primary veterinarian offers urgent care services. If not, research the closest pet hospitals so you have a lifeline when you need it.
  1. Do they offer appointments, walk-ins, or both? Some people like to have an appointment on the books. Others like the flexibility of showing up whenever they want and having the chance to be seen. Inquire about each office’s policies and choose what works for you.
  1. Do they have enough staffing? Don’t get stuck in the waiting room for hours. It’s a perfectly valid question to ask how many doctors and technicians an office has on any given day. If you feel like the number is too low, it might be best to try somewhere else.
  1. Are they reputable? If your vet is local, chances are you know some friends who have pets and can give you a recommendation about the place. Check online for reviews too. Word of mouth is powerful, and you want to make sure the best minds and hands are taking care of your pet.
  1. Are they in your budget? Prices vary widely across veterinary practices. Ask about check-ups, vaccinations, fecal analysis, and any other procedures you think your pet might need during their lives. If you’re concerned about the numbers you’re hearing, you might want to consider pet insurance, although that will require even more research because policies don’t always cover every expense.

A trustworthy veterinarian is extremely valuable. Doing the research now will help you feel as comfortable as possible when you take your pet in for treatment, especially when it’s related to serious health problems.

Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to giving your furry friend the best possible care with For Pet’s Sake! Learn more at drdevonsmith.com.