Selecting the Right Veterinarian

As a pet owner, selecting the right veterinarian for you and your pet is a crucial decision and looking for the right vet can take some time. It would be nice if the closest veterinarian to your house was the right choice, but that often is not the case. You may find it helpful to look for a veterinary facility that is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association, otherwise known as the "AAHA". The American Animal Hospital Association sets standards for quality pet care in veterinary hospitals. These accredited hospitals voluntarily uphold the association's rigid standards in all areas including surgery, pharmacy, laboratory, exam facilities, pet health records, cleanliness, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesiology.

You can also ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers about their veterinarians. If you hear about one that sounds right, don't wait for a pet health crisis to visit. Schedule a visit with the doctor, tour the facilities, and meet the staff. When you find the right vet, it will simply feel right. Next, it is necessary to find out if your pet agrees. Arrange for a simple check up and watch how your pet reacts to the vet and the rest of the staff. Watch how the staff interacts with other owners and their pets that happen to be in the office at the time. Don't be afraid to sever the relationship if you are not happy. There are other veterinarians in your town and one is just right for you and your pet. Make sure you shop around; your pets deserve to have a veterinarian they feel comfortable with, just the same as you.

For help finding an AAHA-accredited veterinary facility near you, click here, for the American Animal Hospital Association.