The relationship between doctor and patient is a huge part of the healthcare process. The doctor needs to provide a knowledgeable, precise, caring, trustworthy experience for the patient, and, in turn, the patient needs to be able to work well with the doctor. The same goes for your pet--the only problem is that Fido can't tell you which vets he likes and which he doesn't (and if he could, he'd probably tell you he doesn't want to go to the vet at all!). That's why it's important to give your animals a helping hand and use a few smart tips to pick the best pet doctor.
What to Look For
If you searched "vets near me" in hopes of finding a doctor who could offer trustworthy, comfortable healthcare that makes you and your pet feel at ease, then you're on the right track--but there's an easier way. All you have to do is determine what you want in a vet and then see which doctors fulfill the requirements. Sometimes, though, that's easier said than done. What makes a good vet? Our pet care experts have been asking the same question, and they gathered a list of big-picture traits that define a reliable, trustworthy ally in pet healthcare.
The first thing that any good vet must have is accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association. This is a guarantee of medical excellence, allowing you the peace of mind that you and your pet will be in expert hands. It also suggests a high level of experience and education in the staff, which can make a big difference--both for your pet and for you. (Trust us--it's always a relief to have someone who can answer all your questions and help you understand everything.)
Next, a good vet should have strong beliefs. You wouldn't trust your pet's healthcare to someone who doesn't care about animals! Veterinarians should value the contributions that all animals make to our society and to our lives, striving to improve pet welfare, community involvement, and "pet parent" education. You might think that it would be difficult to figure out what an animal hospital's beliefs are, but if the vets are proud of their values, then it will show in everything they do.
Finally, your goal should be to find a vet who you can work with. Communication is a crucial part in the doctor-patient relationship, but since Fido can't speak human, it's up to you to explain concerns, problems, health history, and more. Your vet must, in turn, be able to communicate diagnoses, ideas, and instructions.
The Specifics
Choosing the best vet for your pet isn't all about big-picture traits. Here are a few other details that may seem small at first--but they make big differences!
- Services. It's not impossible to work with a vet who doesn't offer a wide variety of services, but it's certainly not ideal. You want to find an expert who has access to all the necessary equipment and has the right knowledge to provide any care necessary.
- Staff. A good animal hospital functions like one big team. Everyone should be knowledgeable, caring, and professional. Do the vets work well with their assistants? Do the assistants know what they're doing? Is the staff at the front desk helpful, efficient, and friendly?
- Fear-free. At the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing: your pet's health. This means that trips to the doctor should be as comfortable as possible, and, when a vet has fear-free certification, you can rest assured that your pet will be healthy and happy. By using a combination of unique pheromones, specially designed rooms, and pet-loving experts, a good vet clinic will make sure your animal is never uncomfortable.
Interested in more tips for choosing a vet? Searching "vets near me" hoping to find the perfect pet doctor? Contact us today!
