Choosing the right veterinarian for your pet is as important as choosing the right doctor for yourself. But how does one choose a veterinarian?

Start by asking for referrals from friends, dog trainers, groomers, shelters and pet supply stores. Search the internet for any vet that is recommended and look at their credentials. Where did they go to college, how long have they been in practice, do they have any social media ratings?

Once you have selected a few vets, visit their clinic without your pet to look for adequate staff, cleanliness and condition of fixtures and equipment. Ask if they have up to date X-ray and other diagnostic machines, if they culture specimens on site or do they send them to a lab, and find out what surgical procedures and treatments they offer.

If your pet has special needs, ask if they offer treatment for things such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, etc. or do they make referrals to specialists? If you are interested in holistic treatments, ask if this vet offers such alternatives. Find out the vet’s perspective on spay/neuter, palliative care for older animals, and euthanasia to see if their philosophical beliefs about pets aligns with yours.

You’ll also want to know what emergency services they provide and if they allow walk-ins for urgent matters. This may also be a good time to ask for pricing on any procedures you may be needing, such as a spay/neuter or annual checkup and vaccines or heartworm treatment. Request a quote for these services and ask if discounts for veterans, seniors, etc. are available.

The final test is to bring your pet in for a visit. Carefully observe the bedside manner of the technicians and veterinarians. Do they handle your pet with care or are they rough and in a hurry? Does the vet discuss any concerns and treatment options with you, or just tell you to buy some pills and come back in a month? Do they listen to your observations before making assumptions about your pet’s care?

A good vet will discuss options with you and show empathy for your concerns. They will also be kind to your animal. If you don’t see these qualities, keep looking. Your pet is your family, and you want the best care you can get for them.