How do I choose the right vet for my dog?
It's important to choose a veterinary hospital before you need one, so it is
good that you are starting to look before you adopt your dog. Ask family,
friends, neighbors and the animal shelter 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? Is there gas anesthesia? If
it doesn't meet your expectations, turn around and leave.
Hospitals that are accredited by the American Animal
Hospital Association (AAHA) meet high veterinary care standards. Each hospital
voluntarily completes a detailed evaluation of its services and equipment. Then
a trained practice consultant thoroughly inspects the hospital to make sure it
meets AAHA's high standards in the areas of:
*Dentistry
*Emergency Services
*Pain Management
*Patient Care
*Surgery & Anesthesia
*Contagious Disease Protocols
*Radiology Services
*Laboratory Services
*Pharmacy
*Client Service
*Staff Training
*Human Resources
*Patient & Staff Safety
*Pet Medical Records
*Examination Facilities
*Housekeeping & Maintenance
Approximately 12 percent of the small animal veterinary
hospitals in the United States and Canada are accredited AAHA members.
In addition to the facility, you'll also want to make sure
the veterinarian meets your expectations. It's important that you and your dog
are comfortable with the doctor. The veterinarian should be able to communicate
with you and make you feel comfortable asking questions. Even if the doctor is
highly qualified, if you don't hit it off, you may need to go elsewhere.
Finally, when choosing a veterinary hospital, make sure the
office hours and payment policy are convenient for you. Ask for a hospital
brochure or welcome letter that explains the hospital policies and procedures.
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