Here are some things to consider when you’re choosing a vet:
- Check the office’s hours of operation. Will they be compatible with your schedule? Are they open on weekends or after hours?
- Consider how far away from home the office is. If your pet doesn’t like long car rides, you may want to find an office that’s close by. But you may opt for a veterinarian who’s farther away if they’re a better fit for you and your pet.
- Ask about the services they offer. If your pet needs an X-ray or other test, can they do it at the office, or will you have to go somewhere else?
- Ask about payment options, including sliding scales and payment plans. Are all fees due in full at the time of service?
- Arrange a visit to the veterinarian either with or without your pet. If you go without your pet, you can tour the office without the distraction of managing your pet, and it may be easier to observe whether the office is clean and well-organized.
- If you take your pet with you, you can see if they’re comfortable with the vet and how the vet treats your pet. For some pets with fear or anxiety issues, veterinarians who use “fear free” and “stress free” practices may be important.
- Talk to the staff and see if they seem friendly and helpful.
- Observe the waiting room. Is it hectic and full of people and their pets? Do people seem frustrated with the wait? How often are people being called back to exam rooms?
- Find out whether their values and attitude match yours. Some of the things you’d consider when choosing a doctor for yourself, like the veterinarian’s overall approach and bedside manner, may be important in choosing a vet. After all, you will be communicating with them on your pet’s behalf about their care.
- Research veterinarians. Verify their license through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, which provides links to state veterinary boards where you can search for licenses. You can also see if the vet’s office is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, which means it meets certain standards. But the AAHA accreditation is voluntary, and many veterinary clinics are not accredited.
- If you plan to travel internationally with your pet, you’ll need a veterinarian who is accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide the health certificate you’ll need for travel. You can search for accredited veterinarians on the USDA website.
Questions to Ask a Veterinarian
Some of the questions you should ask will depend on your pet’s breed and age, as well as anything you know about their medical needs and history. Start with a few basics when you’re considering a new vet.
- How many veterinarians are in your practice? Can I request a specific vet?
- How do you handle emergencies? Do you provide emergency care after hours? If not, what after-hours clinic or facility do you recommend?
- Do you offer hospitalization? If so, how do you monitor pets staying overnight?
- What services do you provide?
- Can you do tests and procedures on-site?
- Do you provide specialist referrals when needed?
- Do you have a pharmacy?
- Do you accept pet insurance?
- Do you offer dental care?
- How much do you charge for an office visit? How much do routine vaccinations cost?
- What are your payment policies?
- Do you accept walk-ins?
- How far in advance do I need to schedule a wellness visit? If my pet has an issue that’s not an emergency, how quickly would you typically be able to see them?
To confirm whether the veterinarian’s values match yours, you may want to ask their approach to issues such as spaying and neutering, declawing, holistic or alternative care, euthanasia, and cancer care. If you and the veterinarian have conflicting views on these issues, it’s helpful to know this up front, and the vet may not be a good fit.