Choosing the Right Veterinary Care Centre for Your Pet

Your pet is an important family member, and deserves the best veterinary care centre possible. It’s not an easy decision, but below are a few things to think about when making your final choice in vet medical care.

Do They Have 24 Hour Vet Care?

A vet clinic with long hours is certainly beneficial, but may not be the most important item on your list. If long hours aren’t available at your favourite clinic, make sure they have connections or a strong recommendation for a local 24 hour number and care centre in case your pet has a medical emergency during off hours.

Talk to More than One

Not all vet care centres are created equal. There are plenty of options for care, and each vet has their own philosophy and personality. You want one that matches how you treat your own pet. Call around to a few vets and even visit the top centres on your list to get the full picture. Look for:

• Are they licensed?
• Clean facilities
• Up-to-date equipment
• Content, knowledgeable & friendly employees
• How your pet reacts to the vet
• Are they busy? Are the animals more anxious than usual?
• Is the vet patient when you ask questions?

The cost of veterinary care may come into play during this stage. This is something to think seriously about, especially since emergencies may pop up every once in a while. Pet care isn’t cheap, and cost vs. quality isn’t an easy decision to make.

Get References

Before making the final decision, ask the vet if they have any patient references you can talk to about their specific experience. You can also get recommendations and opinions from a trusted pet store, local human society or where you purchased the animal. Everyone has a different opinion of what makes a good vet, though, so it’s still very important to do your own research.

Exotic Pets

If you’re a proud snake pet owner or love parrots, your vet needs may differ from those of a dog or cat. Make sure the vet you choose specializes in exotic pets, and treats a few already in their practice. For birds, you can begin your search at the Association of Avian Veterinarians website.

Staff

Having more than one vet on staff is definitely an added bonus. Even vets need holidays sometimes, and more than one vet on staff means these absences will be covered. It’s also a good sign when there are specialists in the building. It’s less traumatizing for your pet and you if you can get them seen by a specialist in a practice you know and are comfortable with.

Making the final decision on a veterinary care centre for your pet can be frustrating and confusing. However, with the proper research and by going with that gut feeling, you’re sure to make the best decision in the end.

Looking for more great information on vet care, pet services and the newest products? Make a trip to the Canadian Pet Expo – Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership.