By Eric Hurwit, D.V.M.
This is the second of a multi-part series on finding the perfect veterinarian. In this article, we’ll focus on basic questions and concerns to address when searching for a primary veterinarian. You can read Part One here.
O.K., so you’ve read “Searching for the Perfect Veterinarian - Part One” and you’ve lined up an emergency vet and have some idea of how to finance an emergency visit. So now let’s focus on finding your primary veterinarian or clinic.
Having the right veterinarian is critically important for maintaining the health of your four-legged, feathered, or scaly family member. Your veterinarian will be a source of comprehensive veterinary medical information and guidance, which will be valuable to you and your family.
As a result of your initial search for an emergency veterinary practice, you probably developed a list of facilities available in your area. If not, use our website, the phone book, or talk with family and friends, and ask them whom they would recommend. Often they have valuable information about their past experiences with local veterinarians.
Once you have a list of potential veterinary facilities, call them and collect some information over the phone. This initial phone contact is an opportunity to gather important information about the practice and to get a sense of how receptive they are to your inquiries. How they treat you on the phone is an indication of how they treat their patients. Note the following:
As you collect this information you will quickly assess what each veterinary practice has to offer. Hopefully at the end of this process you will make an educated decision about which practices meet your criteria. You’ll be ready to take the next step and visit the facility for a closer look and to meet the staff. Stay focused on the most important factor, which is to find a competent, caring, and honest veterinarian who communicates effectively with you — and a doctor who also knows when they need to refer a patient for more advanced care.
This is the second of a multi-part series on finding the perfect veterinarian. In this article, we’ll focus on basic questions and concerns to address when searching for a primary veterinarian. You can read Part One here.
O.K., so you’ve read “Searching for the Perfect Veterinarian - Part One” and you’ve lined up an emergency vet and have some idea of how to finance an emergency visit. So now let’s focus on finding your primary veterinarian or clinic.
Having the right veterinarian is critically important for maintaining the health of your four-legged, feathered, or scaly family member. Your veterinarian will be a source of comprehensive veterinary medical information and guidance, which will be valuable to you and your family.
As a result of your initial search for an emergency veterinary practice, you probably developed a list of facilities available in your area. If not, use our website, the phone book, or talk with family and friends, and ask them whom they would recommend. Often they have valuable information about their past experiences with local veterinarians.
Once you have a list of potential veterinary facilities, call them and collect some information over the phone. This initial phone contact is an opportunity to gather important information about the practice and to get a sense of how receptive they are to your inquiries. How they treat you on the phone is an indication of how they treat their patients. Note the following:
- Pleasantness of receptionist - are you greeted pleasantly, given thorough answers, or are you rushed through your questions?
- Hold time - if this is going to be your primary veterinary practice, you want prompt service. An unreasonably long hold time on the phone is unacceptable, especially in the event of an emergency. Be certain the practice has an emergency number or automatic extension to handle your call quickly.
- Practice knowledge - the receptionist should be able to answer basic questions about the practice. Here are some questions you should ask, and that the receptionist should easily answer:
- What are their hours of operation (days & hours)?
- What are their emergency hours (if applicable)?
- If they do not have after-hours emergency services, whom do they refer patients to?
- How many doctors are there on staff and what are their hours?
- Are there board certified specialists on staff? If yes, what specialties do they offer? Some specialties to inquire about include:
- Anesthesiology
- Behavior
- Emergency medicine/Critical care
- Exotics
- Internal Medicine
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Surgery
- Are the specialists full time or part time?
- Are patients kept overnight? If so, who monitors them in the hospital overnight?
- Doctor
- Technician
- Other
- No patient monitoring over night.
- Does Hospital/Clinic have an:
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with Oxygen
- Isolation ward (separate ward for contagious patients)
- What are exam costs for:
- Emergency
- Acute
- Basic Health
- Brief Recheck/suture removal
- How much time does the doctor allow for a basic annual exam (10, 20 minutes, or more)? Note: speed does not equal competence!
- What are basic vaccine costs (for comparison purposes only)?
- Rabies
- Distemper
- What other services does the practice offer?
- Boarding
- Grooming
- Day care
- Physical therapy
- Alternative medicine
- Training
- Other
- Does the practice accept Care Credit?
- Which pet insurance does the practice accept?
- What are the payment options?
- Visa/MasterCard
- Discover
- American Express
- Personal check
- Debit card
- Does the practice require payment before services are rendered? (Caution: some practices require you to pay or make a deposit for services, including emergencies, before your companion will be treated!)
- Does the practice have a web site?
- Can you refill medications through their web site?
As you collect this information you will quickly assess what each veterinary practice has to offer. Hopefully at the end of this process you will make an educated decision about which practices meet your criteria. You’ll be ready to take the next step and visit the facility for a closer look and to meet the staff. Stay focused on the most important factor, which is to find a competent, caring, and honest veterinarian who communicates effectively with you — and a doctor who also knows when they need to refer a patient for more advanced care.