Choosing a Vet
(Page 2 of 3)
May/June 1988
By Randy Kidd, D.V.M.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A PROSPECTIVE VET
RELATED CONTENT
1. What are your normal office hours? Is an appointment required, or can I come in anytime?
2. How do I obtain service in case of an after-hours emergency?
3. Do you feel that proper nutrition is an important part of a pet's health care program?
4. What nutritional program do you recommend for my pet?
5. Do you feel that a good exercise program is an important part of a pet's health care program?
6. What exercise program do you recommend for my pet?
7. Do you offer house calls?
8. What species or breeds of animals do you especially enjoy working with?
9. What are your areas of specialization?
10. Can I feel free to discuss fees with you at any time?
Specialties: Time was when a vet hung out a shingle and expected to treat any and all kinds of animals. Those days are gone; now there are veterinarians who treat only cats, for example, or only birds or racehorses. The profession also has many vets who are trained in a medical specialty; there are veterinary surgeons, ophthalmologists, pathologists. Someday you may need one of these highly trained specialists. Your own veterinarian should be able to refer you then.
Furthermore, there are vets who focus on a particular approach or methodology; there is an organization of vets who concentrate on holistic veterinary medicine, for example, and another that practices veterinary acupuncture.
In any case, it is good to find out if a vet has any particular labor of love in the field, whether it be a specialized type of medical care or kind of pet. For example, is your veterinarian interested in bird medicine, or possibly purebred dogs? Ideally, you'd choose a vet whose pet concerns correspond to yours.
Fees: Can you save money by shopping for the cheapest local veterinary fees? Probably. Like anything else, though, cheapest isn't always best. You can and should, however, feel free to discuss fees with any veterinarian.
Don't be afraid to ask about any and all fees before the service is rendered—especially fees that involve elective surgery or emergency care. When it comes to your pet's care, you have the absolute right to select any level of service you desire. Don't be coerced into care you don't want and can't really afford.
