“Finding the right veterinarian is just as important as finding the right family doctor”, said an Idaho Falls Veterinarian. Putting your pet in the hands of an inexperienced or novice vet can have drastic results, and more often than not does more harm than good. So how do you know who to trust?
The following are a few questions you should ask when seeking out a local veterinarian:
Are they reputable?
What are their reviews like? Are people generally satisfied? Customer reviews are often a tale-tale sign as to how you can expect to be treated. Whether they are neglectful with the animals, or are unorganized and make billing mistakes, reviews often bring to light inner struggles from the practice. Reviews are a great first step while investigating who you can trust.
Are they board certified?
Board certification means the veterinarian went to 2-4 years of additional schooling for a specialty area, passing rigorous exams and courses. A board certified veterinarian often specializes in certain areas, such as small/large animals.
How is the staff?
You can often identify red flags on your first visit. Are the staff members frazzled, stressed, or overwhelmed? Or are they cool, calm, and collected? If members of the veterinarian team have too much to handle, they can often be neglectful, forgetful, and may miss crucial details. A courteous, competent staff who can clearly communicate and answer your questions is a great sign.
What are their specialties?
With specialties like nutrition, dentistry, microbiology, and scores of others, make sure your veterinarian has the right education to meet your pet’s needs. Additionally, ensure your vet has the education to treat your specific pet. Some vets do not have the education to treat reptiles or amphibians, exotic mammals, or birds. A common misconception is that all veterinarians treat all animals.
Do your homework and research all you can before choosing a veterinary clinic. Knowing your vet is key to giving your pet the quality care they deserve.
Alice Carroll
Thursday 10th of December 2020
You made a good point that the staff is also important to consider when looking for a good animal hospital. I'm planning to adopt a malnourished cat from an animal shelter soon so it's important for me to get regular checkups for her. That way, I can get advice one how to alter her diet once she start showing improvement on her health.