Veterinarian Selection - Make Sure It's The Right Vet For You
Veterinarian Selection is so important. How do you feel about your veterinarian? You will need veterinary care for the life of your pet. So make sure your pet's doc is kind, competent and compassionate with you.
We expect a lot from our Vets. Most of us expect the same level of care from our Vets that we expect from our own human physicians.
Select The Right Vet - Here Are A Few Of The Most Important Things To Look For- How about the front office? Does the staff greet you with you with warmth and friendliness?Watch out ---if they sit behind a high counter, telling you that they're very busy, asking you to take a seat, and telling you that your name will be called when it's your turn. (For years I went to a Vet whose workers "hid" behind the big desk. It made me feel uncomfortable, and made me feel that the whole practice was about "the money" --- not the people and pets). Turns out mine was a 24 hour emergency facility --- and they were a little bit aloof to "routine" cases. So, for me, it was a poor Veterninarian Selection. - How about cleanliness? The office, exam rooms and general appearance should be spotlessly clean. - How about the examination rooms? Are they free of barriers that separate you from medical staff? - Are the waiting rooms and examination rooms comfortable? Are there magazines, and even refreshments to help pass the time more comfortably? - Is the practice family-focused? Does the Vet allow the family into the exam room, including children? - Does the Vet take the time to answer questions? If you've brought a young animal for a first visit, does the Vet take the time to explain the important milestones in the pet's life, so you'll know what to expect? - Does the Vet make suggestions to help you with training issues such as destructive chewing or housebreaking? - Does the Vet make it easy to purchase meds, as needed? - Does the Vet seem to care about you and your feelings? It's nice when your Vet develops a warm relationship with you. Is there appropriate smiling, or cheerful talk taking place during your visit that helps you relax, and make you feel more respected as a person? - Some Vets are not people-persons. And if this is true in your case, are there others in the practice or office who make up for this shortcoming? (Even the receptionists and Vet Techs). Sometimes it is best to overlook the Vet's personality... for an otherwise TOP reputation for surgery, diagnostics or a specialty treatment that your pet needs...(It's all about your pet's needs, first and foremost. If your pet is ill, is an exotic pet, or has other special needs - shopping for personality may be silly. Choose experience and competence first if your pet has special needs, please.How do you feel when you leave the vet's office? Do you feel well taken care of? You should ALWAYS have a sense of comfort and trust in your Vet. If you don't feel positive about things, try another vet. Veterinarian Selection means you will also benefit from the resources of the office: A well-run practice will give you leads on pet rescues, events at your local humane society, good trainers, pet walkers, and more. Your Vet's recommendations, and the recommendations of the office staff can be very helpful.
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