Choosing the right veterinarian should be one of the top priorities for any pet parent. Veterinary clinics can vary widely in practice philosophies, staff experience and availability, hospital facilities and equipment, and hours of operation.
Start with recommendations from friends, family, colleagues and local animal shelters or rescues. Consider a vet that accepts credit cards like CareCredit.
Experience
Veterinary hospitals vary in the level of care they offer. Some are rural mixed animal practices, while others are state-of-the-art referral centers and veterinary teaching hospitals. Even if you have had a good experience with your current vet, exploring other options in your area is worth exploring. Practice philosophies, staff experience and protocols can all differ from one facility to the next.
When visiting a veterinary hospital in Cold Spring Kentucky, look for empathy and effective communication between veterinarians and pet owners. It would be best to feel comfortable around your veterinarian, as they will play a significant role in your pet’s health. This includes ensuring that you understand their professional advice and recommendations. In addition, the hospital should provide you with a clear understanding of the costs associated with your pet’s care.
Staff
A quality veterinarian and a great hospital go hand in hand. A good vet will also maintain a thorough record of your pet’s health, from routine vaccinations and heartworm tests to emergency treatments and surgical procedures.
The staff at a hospital can also make or break the experience. Look for friendly and helpful people who love pets and want the best for them. You should also be able to communicate easily with the staff, especially when you have an urgent need or a serious diagnosis.
If possible, ask to see the staff “behind the scenes.” You’ll get a better feel for how much your pet and your health matter to the hospital. You should never be pressured into a decision or feel you must be taken seriously.
Reputation
While a vet’s experience is important, so are the facilities and equipment. You’ll want to look for a clinic with in-house X-ray, ultrasound, dentistry and laboratory testing capabilities. These services allow a veterinarian to treat your pet more quickly and efficiently without transporting them.
In addition to basic veterinary tools, like stethoscopes (traditional mercury ones and digital models) and thermometers, ensure the clinic has a warming unit for animals during and after surgery or as needed. Warming units help keep your pets comfortable and may aid in recovery.
Ask friends, family members and neighbors which vet or hospital they take their pets to. You can also check online reviews to see what other pet owners say about the clinic and its staff.
Equipment
Whether you have a dog, cat or exotic pet, your veterinarian’s location can significantly impact your pet’s health care. It’s important to know your area’s veterinary hospitals and their services.
Some facilities do laboratory testing, dentistry, surgery and X-rays in-house, while others have to send these tests away for processing. This can delay treatment time significantly and may even cost extra.
Ask your prospective vet about their equipment, including how they sterilize their instruments and kennels. Also, find out what payment types they accept and if they have any financial assistance options for needy pet owners.
Location
Having a vet close to home can make a difference regarding regular visits. It also can save you time in an emergency when seconds and minutes can mean a lot.
Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, or check online for client experiences. You can also look for accreditation, such as AAHA or Fear Free.
After narrowing your list, schedule a meet-and-greet to get better to know the veterinarian and staff. During this visit, observe cleanliness and ask questions about clinic policies. You can even tour the facilities to see if you like them. You and your pet must feel comfortable with the vet and hospital. Then, you can focus on ensuring your pet is happy and healthy.