How to select a Veterinarian

Ingrid · Post by **Ingrid** » Mon Aug 30, 1999 2:55 pm

"How to select a Veterinarian" By the AVMA All veterinarians are special. The veterinarian's oath obligates them to use scientific knowledge and skills "for the benefit of society, through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge." Take the time to choose the right veterinarian for your special pet. Choosing A Veterinarian Selecting a veterinarian for your pet is a personal choice, as is selecting your family physician or dentist. And, the criteria you use in choosing a physician or dentist is similar. What is important to you? Location? Convenient hours of service? Friendliness and service commitment of doctors and staff? Fees? In selecting a veterinarian, your goals should be to find the doctor that best meets your needs and to establish a long-term relationship. The veterinarian will maintain a history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, behavior traits, etc. So, it's important to see your veterinarian for all your pet's health care needs. Your veterinarian will know the best preventive and critical care to provide with your pet's individual health care needs in mind. Where to look for a veterinarian.... Ask a Friend Animal-owning friends are a good source of information. Ask them what they like about their veterinarian. But remember, their ideal choice may not be yours. Breed Clubs If you have a specific
eed of dog, cat or bird,
eed clubs can be a good source of information. Local Directories The business pages of a phone book or yellow pages normally provide information on local veterinarians. When to look for a veterinarian.... It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before a new pet becomes a member of your family. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule and home life. If you've just moved, you will want to lhe best preventive and critical care to provide with your pet's individual health care needs in mind. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when visiting a veterinary hospital: OFFICE HOURS What are regular office hours? Are they compatible with your schedule? Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable? PROFESSIONAL STAFF How are routine telephone calls handled? Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian? Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor? FEES AND PAYMENT What methods of payment are accepted? Is immediate payment expected on the day of visit or are credit cards accepted? SERVICES What is the range of services that the veterinary hospital provides? EMERGENCY CARE How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours and after regular office hours? FACILITY Is the practice clean and orderly? Are there any unpleasant odors? PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Are the doctors members of any professional veterinary associations? POLICIES Understand the hospital's policies and procedures. As the pet owner.... You must communicate your pet's health care needs to the veterinarian. Many signs of illness are subtle. Your veterinarian will rely on your awareness of small changes in your pet's behavior or habits. All veterinarians are special. All pets are special. Take the time to choose the right veterinarian for your special pet. Ingrid

Mick159 · Post by **Mick159** » Mon Aug 30, 1999 4:21 pm

Very informative, Ingrid...I would like to add that preventive medicine,ie. vaccinations,worming and what ever the vet recommeds are a MUST. The veterinarian knows what your pet needs to survive well in your environment. It may seem to cost "too much" but it can be much more expensive to NOT do preventive medicine. There are some veterinarians, like in any other professions, that are "in it for the money" but if Ingrid's advice is taken, the choice of a "bad" one is very unlikely.

Ingrid · Post by **Ingrid** » Mon Aug 30, 1999 7:16 pm

Hi Mick! To me is always money well spent when it comes to my pet's health. I don't really care how much I pay as long as I can protect him as much as I possibly can. I totally agree with you! Ingrid

BBRoundtable

How to select a Veterinarian

How to select a Veterinarian

Re: How to select a Veterinarian

Re: How to select a Veterinarian