Choosing a Veterinarian

From LoveToKnow Cats

Our resident cat expert, Wendy Nan Rees, offers advice on choosing the best vet.

Choosing a Veterinarian

What do you do if you are thinking about getting a cat or kitten? What do you do if you own a cat or new kitten, and you are not happy with your vet? People always ask me: "How do I go about finding a veterinarian? How do I know they are good?"

Select A Veterinarian Whose Personality You Like

The best way to choose a veterinarian, is the same way you pick your child's pediatrician. Pay the veterinarian's office a visit. Call ahead, don’t bring your pet, and tell the staff you would like to drop by and introduce yourself. For a start, ask some of your pet loving friends which veterinarians they recommend. If you don’t have enough pet-owning friends or are new to the area, call your local humane society or a few local kennels and catteries.

Location Is Important

As a rule, most veterinarians pull their clients from within a five-mile radius. If price is a concern to you, select veterinarians practicing in a blue-collar area. Call up the veterinarian’s office midweek and ask to introduce yourself on the telephone or in person. If you are told, “Dr. Bones is in surgery”, ask for him/her to call you back when it's convenient.

Cleanliness of Office

The condition of the office is also a good clue to your veterinarian’s priorities. Are the rooms clean and free from odor? Are instruments and equipment arranged methodically or strewn about? While you are waiting in the reception room, make sure to notice the items on display. Is your vet active in social and community organizations? If the only plaques you see are from the Better Business Bureau, the local veterinary association, and a notice that payment is due upon exam, these are not entirely encouraging signs.

Friendly and Helpful Staff

If you do not like the receptionist’s attitude, you have a good warning sign since who greets you at the door is very important. How she can help you? While you wait, notice her telephone skills and demeanor. Too many auxiliary staff often means that the veterinarian is trying to maximize the number of clients seen in a day. In that case you may find yourself spending very little time in actual conversation with the veterinarian.

Cost of Services

Discuss cost, because cost often comes into play. There are usually flat rate costs for a wellness visit, yearly shots and worming. These days, some vets take pet insurance. You want to know all of this before you go in. It is never rude to ask in advance the cost of something and whether a payment plan is available. Once you’ve established a relationship with your vet, he or she is often more willing to work with you. Again, I can’t stress enough, this is why you go for your yearly wellness check up for shots and get to know your vet.