How to Find a Quality Veterinarian

Finding a vet who can check anal glands and give vaccinations is one thing, but finding a GOOD vet you can depend on to save your dog's life is quite another. Your success finding a quality vet relies on the effort you put into the process.

First, consider your resources. The telephone book and internet list basic information about vets. But they reveal little about the veterinarian's personality, education, standards of service or quality of care.

A little investigation is necessary. Make an appointment for an introductory consultation with your vet of choice. Prepare direct questions for the interview. Examples:

1. How many years have you practiced?
2. What veterinary school did you attend? Year of graduation?
3. What was your rank in your graduating class? (Hey, they can't all be #1!)
4. What veterinary publications do you read regularly?
5. How do you otherwise stay up-to-date with modern theory and practice?
6. Do you have a specialty?
7. Where did you receive your specialty training?
8. How many [your breed, i.e. Miniature Schnauzers] are regular clients?
9. What are the particular tendencies of [your breed, i.e. Boxers] to various illnesses?*
10. What is your recommended vaccination protocol?**
11. Do you do your own lab testing here or is everything sent out?
12. What kind of training is required of your technicians?
13. Does a vet or a vet tech stay overnight with sick patients?
14. Will I be able to reach you by telephone at night or on weekends?
15. What is your procedure for handling emergencies off-hours?

*Be informed of these illnesses before you ask the vet!

**Current protocol for core vaccinations is every three years - and rabies as prescribed by your state's law.

Make some mental notes as you tour the facility:

• Is the clinic clean - including reception area floors and exam tables?
• Do you notice any unusual or unpleasant odor?
• Does the waiting area allow enough space for nervous pets to be separated during busy periods?
• Does the staff try to separate contagious pets into an isolation area?
• Is the confinement area (for sick or surgical patients) clean, well-lit, and easily observed by staff?
• Are there exercise runs outside for the boarded patients? Are they clean?
• Do the vet technicians have their own area for quiet, undisturbed testing?
• What is the cost of an office visit? How does it compare to vets in the region?
• Is the vet courteous and forthcoming with his answers or does he seem annoyed or hurried to finish the interview?

Your work is still not complete. You may wish to verify the vet's license in your state and check on any complaints that may have been filed against him. Not all states provide online verifications, but an up-to-date list of those that do can be found here. Otherwise, you may be able to call your state's licensing board.

The website VetRatingz is a collection of reviews by both happy - and unhappy - clients. With 9,400 ratings so far, it may be helpful if a particular vet has several ratings. The AVMA lists all specialties on its website, and a vet specialist should have graduate work in his specialty and be certified by a veterinary board.

The American Animal Hospital Association inspects and accredits U.S. vet clinics, but only one in seven has been accredited. Some individual states perform inspections. Check with these agencies.

Great dogs deserve quality vets!

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