After moving to a new area, the search for a veterinarian for your pet should be initiated soon. You don't want to wait until the last moment for your pet's vaccinations or checkups, or in the worse case scenario, an accident, to find a clinic. Prospective vets welcome loving pet owners who schedule an appointment to meet them and tour the facilities with many questions to make certain they are a good match.
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Veterinary Accreditations
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Veterinarian offices and emergency centers can pursue an accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association. The certification is obtainable only if the practice meets strict standards in quality patient care, and has equipment in facilities with knowledgeable staff members.
Appointment Policies
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Ask your prospective veterinary clinic about their appointment policies. Are appointments always required, or can they work your pet in between appointments in the case of an emergency. Obtain information on emergency care and the costs of different levels of care your pet may need. If you have pet insurance, ask if the clinic takes your insurance.
Tour the Facility
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Make an appointment with your prospective veterinarian. Make sure that you communicate well with each other. Good communication is the first level of defense in securing health care for your pet. Find out how many licensed veterinarians are on the staff to ensure they can take care of the regular patient load and emergencies if they occur. Multiple vets usually cover for each other when one is out of the office. Licensed vet technicians are a plus over office staff that is not as knowledgeable.
Diagnostic Equipment
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It is important that a fully equipped veterinary office has the diagnostic tools needed to treat your pet on site without a referral. The clinic should have the basics in care including the ability to do blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds and EKG's in the office.
Veterinarian Specialties
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If your pet is diagnosed with a particular disease or has behavioral issues that require specific medications, find a clinic that treats the disease or issues as a specialty. Veterinarians, just as medical doctors, can specialize in a particular field such as skeletal or muscular defects, or even geriatric patients. You want the best approach to care for your pet with the newest technologies available for his conditions.
Clinic Location
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The clinic location can be important in the case of an emergency. Choose a clinic that is not too far from your home and is easy to access with parking near the door, if possible. When your precious pet is very sick or hurt you don't want to prolong the time until he can get help.
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