As a pet owner, one of the most important decisions you will make is finding the right health care provider. You want to find a high-quality veterinarian with high standards of care. If you are looking for the right vet, here are a few things to consider when searching for the right provider.
How to Look for a Veterinarian
The first and simplest way to find a veterinarian is by asking your immediate network of friends. Most friends and family have reliable recommendations, and they can give you firsthand knowledge of their experiences with practices. Another great way to look is by searching for breed specific organizations that may have suggested veterinarians for the breed that you own. Lastly, looking at directories online can be another way to locate a vet. If you search the American Animal Hospital Association site, they evaluate veterinary practices on the quality of their staff, facilities, equipment, and patient care. You can look on their website for a list of accredited vets in your area.
Considerations
Once you have identified a possible veterinary service, there are several things you might want to consider about the practice.
The Staff: If you are selecting a veterinary service, you want the staff to be reliable. Check on the facility to see how many licensed staff members they have. Additionally, see what the attitudes of the staff members are like. You want to be received warmly, and have the appointment making process be as simple as possible.
Credibility: Not only is the staff education important, but also the credibility of the practice. You can look at online ratings to get a general feel of the practice from the eyes of the public. Additionally, investigate the practice’s accreditation. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) holds animal hospitals to a high standard of care, requiring them to pass an inspection. Surprisingly, only about 12% of veterinary practices are accredited by AAHA.
Convenience: Lastly, look into the practice to make sure that it is a practical and convenient choice. You will want to consider factors such as the cost and location. If it is easy to get to and affordable, that is important. Also consider your pet’s comfort at the facility. If they are comfortable around the staff and with the ride to the location, that will make your trip to the vet much more convenient.
We hope these tips will help with choosing your veterinary provider.