How Do You Find the Right Vet for Your Pet?
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No matter how careful and meticulous you are with your pet’s needs, it’s inevitable to run into some health scares and problems every now and then. When that happens, it puts your mind at ease to consult a health care provider who genuinely cares about your pet’s needs. But how do you find one?
Selecting the right veterinarian for your dog is perhaps one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. And like most important decisions, it requires a careful and planned approach.
Know Your Pet’s Needs
A lot of factors are taken into consideration when it comes to pet care. Your dog’s breed, for instance, is a major determiner of their health. It is a fact that Siberian Huskies are prone to autoimmune disorders or that bulldogs often suffer from respiratory problems. Similarly, labradors have the tendency to put on more weight than other breeds, and dachshunds are at a higher risk of back injuries.
Age is another important thing to have in mind. The older the dog gets, the more they may need to visit the vet. It’s best to take note of any recurring health issues. Knowing your dog’s susceptibilities beforehand will help the vet curate the kind of care that’s right for your pet.
Determine the Kind of Care You Want
What’s the first thing you’d consider when looking for a vet? Is it the location? The possibility of home visits? The kind of care you want would depend on so many factors but before anything else, they have to meet what your pet’s needs demand.
Flexible Working Hours
Preventive care dictates scheduled vet visits but what about emergencies? A clinic you can depend on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week would be most ideal. If not, at least find one or an alternative who will be available for house calls.
Updated Facilities
Technology has done incredible wonders in the healthcare industry that it’s impossible to get top-of-the-line care today without the aid of one. Not only does technology ensure optimum health availment for your pet. In most instances, they help make care cheaper and faster. Ask what tools and equipment are available for pet care from diagnostics for full intervention.
Caring Staff
Health without care is a hollow shell. No matter how technologically-advanced or knowledgeable a team is, without care in the execution, trust can never be fostered. And when it comes to the life of someone you love, it’s trust that you need first and foremost. Make it a priority.
Knowledgeable Care Professionals
Experience plays an important role in expertise, especially in the field of pet care. See to it that the people you rely on for your dog’s health knows what they’re doing and why they’re doing so by a margin of more than just a university degree. Ask for accreditations and certifications.
Referrals and Connections
Organizational memberships and referrals vouch for a health business’s professional integrity. If they are well-established, they must have a roster of satisfied clients or partner organizations to show for it.
Start Searching
Once you’ve determined what you’re looking for, you can now narrow down your options when you begin your search. Start local and ask around – from your neighbors to your local shelters. You can even strike friendships in the local park and get recommendations from other pet owners.
Otherwise, you can start looking for candidates online. A quick Google search should get you results that are local. You can also ask advice from online forums or Facebook groups. When doing so, always look out for reviews as they will give you a good idea of what a candidate is about without having to experience them first hand.
Schedule a Tour
Once you’ve found your top three (or five) vets, schedule a visit to the hospital or clinic to check out the facilities, see the staff in action, and get a feel of the place.
Talk to the staff and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Observe the way they handle the animals The kind of accommodation, the atmosphere, and even the clients visiting should be able to help you pick the perfect vet from your list.
Author Bio:
Emma Nolan is a blogger, writer, and dog parent to three adorable black labradoodles. She likes strolling outdoors with her lovable fur babies when not writing about them. She writes about everything pooch at Pawstruck.