The following tips may help with the process of choosing a vet.
1. Check accreditations.
Check the accreditations of veterinarians on your list of considerations, particularly if they are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The AAHA recommends professional guidelines and conducts frequent office examinations to check standards of care, emergency services, pathology services, diagnostics, and other areas.
2. Tour the practice.
Request a tour of the facilities, including the patient rooms and back treatment areas. Take mental note of favorable aspects, such as cleanliness, up-to-date equipment, organization, and apparent comfort of the animal patients. A tour will also give you the opportunity to evaluate the professionalism of the staff.
3. Meet with veterinarians.
If possible, schedule a meeting with each veterinarian who would potentially treat your pet. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and become better acquainted with each doctor. You also can bring your pet to the meeting, which offers the animal a neutral introduction to the doctor.
4. Compile a list of questions.
Ask the veterinarian and the staff questions about details such as payment options, policies regarding emergency visits, and options to request specific veterinarians. You can also inquire about the average costs for different treatments and services and whether the office has a network of specialists.
5. Ask for recommendations.
Talk to friends, family, and coworkers about their experiences at different veterinarian offices and which ones they recommend.