It's important to choose a veterinary hospital before you need one. Ask family, friends and neighbors for recommendations. Once you find a hospital, take some time to check it out. Ask for a tour of the facility, and use your eyes and nose to detect cleanliness. Also check if the facility is well lit. Does it have laboratory equipment? If it doesn't meet your expectations, turn around and leave.
What to Look For?
• Is the facility clean, comfortable, and well-organized?
• Are appointments required?
• How many veterinarians are in the practice?
• Are there technicians or other professional staff members?
• Are dog and cat cages in separate areas?
• Is the staff caring, calm, competent, and courteous, and do they communicate effectively?
• Do fees fit your budget, and are discounts for senior citizens or multi-pet households available?
• Are x-rays, ultrasound, blood work, EKG, endoscopy, and other diagnostics done in-house or referred to a specialist?
• Which emergency services are available?
• Is location and parking convenient?
In addition to the facility, you'll also want to make sure the veterinarian meets your expectations. It's important that you and your pet are comfortable with the doctor. The veterinarian should be able to communicate with you and make you feel comfortable asking questions.
Finally, when choosing a veterinary hospital, make sure the office hours and payment policy are convenient for you. Ask for a hospital brochure that explains the hospital policies and procedures
How to Be a Good Pet Owner?
Learn what is normal for your pet so you recognize the first signs of illness, and see your vet regularly for preventive visits, not only when your pet becomes ill. If a pet is not well, don't wait until she is really sick before calling your vet. It is frustrating for a vet, and heartbreaking to owners, to see an animal die of an illness that could have been treated successfully if professional care had begun sooner.
Schedule appointments, be on time, and—for your pet's safety as well as that of other pets—bring your pet to the office on a leash or in a carrier. An emergency may occur when your vet is not available, so ask for a referral to an emergency veterinary facility.
Before it becomes necessary, take a practice drive to the veterinary office, since trying to find it when you really need it can cost precious minutes. Post the office's number near your telephone for quick access. Do not disturb your veterinarian during non-working hours for matters that can wait, and do not expect your veterinarian to diagnose a pet's problem over the telephone.
Prevent pet overpopulation and gain a happier, healthier pet by having your animal spayed or neutered. Keep your pet safe indoors, adopt a pet for life, and choose a caring and competent veterinarian who will provide years of quality medical care for your pet.
