For new pet owners, bringing your new companion home for the first time is one of the happiest moments of your life. However, one of the early tough parts of owning a pet is planning out what to do if the animal gets sick. There are plenty of places that have veterinarians waiting to take care of it, but how do you know which vet to choose from? Here are a few important qualities to look for when making that choice.
Experience
While there is an abundance of veterinarians out there, there are some that stand out more than others because of the amount of experience they have. This could be because they’ve spent more than 20-30 years as a vet compared to just 5-10 years. They also may have plenty of experience in education or internships, where they’ve been groomed to become one of the best options out there. Do research on a vet’s background and see how they compare to others in the area.
Accessibility
Serious illness or injuries can strike at anytime for pets. One of the most important things to learn about your vet is when they will be available in case of emergency. They may have set hours that they follow, but see if they offer emergency hours if something were to happen when they aren’t there. It’s important to see if vets would be willing to give a phone number that you can call or text anytime of day as well.
Another thing to consider is how close the vet is. You can’t travel an hour or two out to your vet, especially if there is an emergency. Try finding someone that is right around the corner and could help you out as soon as possible.
Reputation
Online reviews and talking to friends come in handy when selecting a vet. Hearing public opinion about them gives you a glimpse into what it may be like in the check-up room talking to the vet. You want to hear that they are kind to you and your pet, patiently listening to you and your concerns about what is happening.
You also want to hear how they handle a pet, such as if they are very careful with their examination or a little more forceful.
Finally, you want to hear success stories. Did a pet get better because an owner went to this vet?
