Choosing Your Pet's Veterinarian

The best way to choose your pet's veterinarian is to obtain personal referrals from friends, neighbors and other animal lovers reagarding the choices in your area. Personal experience of others is the most reliable method. Then, I would recommend the following:

• Vist the facitily. Is it clean? Is the staff courteous and friendly? Are they willing to take the time to talk to you even though you do not have an animal with you? Just get an overall sense of the place. Gut feelings are important.

• Is the facility convenient to get to an do they have hours that will accomodate your schedule?

• What is the policy for after hours emergencies?

• What is the basic fee structure? Is it in line with surrounding facilities? Do not let the fees be the overriding factor, though, because most places within a certain area will have similar fees, give or take 10-15%.

If you are new to an area and cannot rely on personal referrals, check the local listings in the Yellow Pages. Then take the time to call and visit a few of the places, keeping the above in mind. In a very short period of time you will get a sense of the places that make you feel comfortable; and those that do not.

Happy Hunting!
Dr. Larry