Does Your Vet Offer An Emergency Service?
Yearly veterinary checkups are extremely important to the health and happiness of your beloved furry or feathered friend. Having a good vet is going to make the world of difference when it comes to how your pet feels about visiting the clinic. The worst possible time to “shop” for a veterinarian is when you need them the most so do all of your research ahead of time so you will not be pressured into settling for whoever is available.
Here is a list of some things to consider when you go to choose your pet’s second best friend:
Ask for referrals: the best way to find a good veterinarian is to ask people who take the same approach to pet care as you do. A friend, neighbor, family member or animal shelter worker may have a suggestion based on experience with their own pets. A search on the internet or yellow pages will at least get you an idea of the number of veterinary clinics in your area, but it is still a good idea to read up on ratings and reviews to make sure that other people have had pleasant experiences.
Schedule a visit to meet the staff/veterinarians: get a tour of the clinic, talk to the staff, and find out their policies and philosophies. When looking for animal care London has some of the finest vets in the country.
Here are some questions or concerns you should ask or look for when you are visiting the clinic for the first time:
1 Is the facility clean and inviting? How about well-organized and laid-out?
2 How do you set appointments and also are they required for emergencies?
3 How many veterinarians and technicians are available?
4 What types of animals do they specialize in?
5 Is the staff caring, calm, competent and courteous, and do they communicate effectively?
6 Are the veterinarians specialists in specific areas also?
7 Are X-rays, ultrasound, blood work, EKG, endoscopy and other diagnostics done in-house or referred to a specialist?
8 Are there emergency services available and if not, who do they work with/recommend?
9 Is location and parking convenient to your needs?
10 What are the fees? Are there payment programs? Are there discounts for multi-pet homes?
Once you find a vet that you are comfortable with, it’s a great idea to take your pet in for a casual visit. For more information, read here. Allow them get comfortable within the clinic, the veterinarians and their staff. Bring treats along to help your pet associate the practice with a pleasant experience. In the end, both you and your pet will be happy you took the time to find the best veterinarian you could.
