How to Choose a Veterinary Clinic for your Pet
Recently I was asked how someone should go about choosing a veterinarian and a veterinary clinic. Funnily enough, it hadn’t occurred to me that this might be a very common question amongst new pet owners, or even seasoned pet owners looking for a change. After all, all of my clients have already found me by one way or another. It did however get me thinking about a few things that pet owners should consider when looking for their perfect match in the veterinary world.
What kind of pets do you have?
Let’s start with the basics. What kind of pets do you have? If you’re a dog and cat owner then the majority of clinics are already prepared to care for your pet. If you have more exotic or variable pets, such as chinchillas, rabbits, birds, and even fish, then your choices will be more specific as not all veterinarians have training with these species. Farm animals are another story altogether, and often require a combination of on-farm and in-clinic visits, and so locating a mixed animal practice is a good place to start. And luckily, most mixed animal practices also see cats and dogs. I should also mention that there are board certified specialists that work in their own practices and on a mobile basis. If your pet requires a specialist, then your veterinarian can refer you to them in the same way that your family doctor will refer you to a surgeon, dermatologist, oncologist, etc.
What services matter to you?
There are some basic services that almost all clinics provide, such as examinations, basic blood work, radiographs (x-rays), soft tissue surgery, dentistry, and so on. There are some additional services that require more time and training that some clinics will offer while others do not. This may include in-house ultrasonography, echocardiography (heart ultrasound), titre testing, behaviour consults, acupuncture, laser therapy, orthopaedic surgery, geriatric pet care, hospice care, and in-home compassionate euthanasia. If there is a specific service that you value in being available at your clinic, then you should take care to ensure that the clinic of your choice provides this service. Most clinics will list their services on their website, but if in doubt, simply contact them to ask.
What kind of relationship are you looking for with your future veterinarian?
Do you want a family doctor for your pet, or would you rather more of a walk-in clinic approach? Both are perfectly reasonable choices, but they each come with a very different experience and set of expectations. For example, if you value a convenient and reliable services for your pet, but you aren’t too concerned about seeing the same veterinarian every visit, then perhaps a clinic with a rotating doctor roster is best for you. Scheduling appointments may be more convenient in terms of more openings for same-day appointments, but you are not likely to see the same doctor every time. If you are instead looking for a long-term relationship with a single veterinarian, one that you can refer to as your pet’s family doctor, then make sure to make this expectation known when making inquiries with a new clinic. In this case, your veterinarian will see your pet through all of their life stages, and will likely get to know you and your family as well. Perhaps you have to book slightly further in advance, but the visits feel more like a reunion with a family friend, than a clinical event. Both scenarios allow your pet to get excellent and professional care, however your experience as a client and caregiver will depend on whether you choose the option that appeals most to you. So, ask yourself whether you want to “go to the vet” or do you want to “go to the vet clinic to see your pet’s doctor.” Vet the place, or vet the person?
What clinic values matter to you?
Every clinic should have a mission, and their mission statement should be a snapshot of who they are, what they do, and what they want to achieve. As a client, do you value a clinic that focuses solely on the compassionate care of your pet? This is pretty important, and it’s ok to say that this is your main focus. However, as we think outside the box of what a traditional vet clinic can offer to their clients, we start to think about what they can also offer to the community and to their own team of healthcare professionals. So consider this: As a client, you can also look for clinics that value workplace wellness, community outreach, and sustainability. You can value clinics that strive for healthy workplace culture, so that they can thrive as professionals and contribute to the health and wellness of you and your pet, as well as to your community as a whole. This is not a selfish ask from a client’s perspective. These clinics do exist, but you just have to know to look for them.
Ask a friend
Finally, and perhaps the most important, is to ask for a referral from a fellow pet owner. Chances are that you already know which pet owner friend you would ask for an opinion. Perhaps it’s a fellow self-proclaimed crazy cat lady. Or maybe you relate more to your friend whose dogs go camping and hiking with them every weekend. Whatever the case may be, do not be afraid to ask your friends to refer you to their veterinarian. It takes some of the guessing out of the process and it also acts as a means for a great introduction when your new veterinarian finds out that their client referred you. Believe me, we love referrals!
