How to choose a veterinary clinic and veterinarian?

Good health is the foundation of a happy life. But it is formed not only from the genetic data of the pet and the quality of care for him, but also from regular monitoring of the state of the body. Unfortunately, most often they turn to a veterinarian when there is already a problem, and this is wrong. Firstly, diseases are easier to prevent than to treat, and secondly, in an emergency there is no time for choosing specialists – here you turn to someone who is closer and more accessible.

The correct approach is when the veterinary clinic and the veterinarian are chosen in advance, in a calm atmosphere, and preferably even before the pet enters the house. Having decided on a specialist in advance, you will be able to bring your pet for the first examination in a comfortable environment and calmly observe it in the future.

How to choose a veterinary clinic and veterinarian? Let’s look at the main criteria.

How to choose a veterinary clinic?

What qualities should a good veterinary clinic have? What to look for when choosing? Take note of these points:

• Legality

The clinic must be registered with the regional veterinary authority. The presence of registration indicates that the clinic meets the standards and can offer veterinary services. Illegal or semi-legal clinics, for example, cannot provide rabies vaccinations. Be careful!

• License availability

If the clinic is engaged in the storage and sale of medicines, it must have an appropriate license. Pay attention to this.

• The appearance of the building

It is not necessary that the clinic be new and look like a castle. But at least it should be clean. If you find it unpleasant to be in the clinic, it is better to look for another option.

• Equipment

The latest equipment in the veterinary clinic will be a huge plus. The more equipment, the more tests and procedures can be done right on the spot. The minimum set for the clinic is an ultrasound machine and an x-ray.

• Team of professionals

The ideal choice is a clinic where not only general practitioners work, but also highly specialized specialists.

• Service

Call the veterinary clinic and evaluate the degree of knowledge of the information of consultants. How quickly did the consultant pick up the phone? How knowledgeable is he about the services? Does he know the cost of procedures? Can he quickly answer questions about the work schedule of specialists? Is it polite enough? All these points may seem insignificant at first glance, but in the future it will be unpleasant to work with incompetent staff.  

• Sterility

Pay attention to the staff: do the staff look neat enough? Veterinarians must wear gloves and gowns. The operating room should have special lighting, sterile operating tables and containers for instruments. But how to find out about the conditions of the operating room? Look at the pictures on the walls of the clinic. Usually you can see footage from the admissions and operating departments on them.

• Hospital and infectious diseases department

The presence of a hospital and an infectious diseases department with isolated places for pets is a huge advantage of the clinic. If necessary, you can leave your pet right here, in reliable, familiar hands. You don’t have to take it to the place you hear about for the first time.

• XNUMX/XNUMX emergency assistance

Health problems are annoying. And even more frustrating when urgent help is needed at night. In such cases, panic inevitably overwhelms: where to call, to whom to run? But if you find a clinic that provides round-the-clock care, you will be calmer.

• Reviews

Don’t forget about reviews. Ask people what they think of this veterinary clinic. Read what they write about her on the Internet. Of course, you should not trust strangers 100%, but knowing about the reputation of the clinic is also useful.

• Placement Locations

The closer the clinic is to home, the less stress for the pet and the more convenient it is for the owner.

The clinic is understandable. Now let’s talk about the vet.

How to choose a veterinarian?

• Relevant Education

The specialist must have a completed veterinary education and have a permit for veterinary practice. Otherwise, how can he be trusted with a pet?

• Training courses / seminars

Veterinary medicine is not a static science. It is always evolving, new knowledge appears regularly. Therefore, a good specialist is always learning. Pay attention to the walls. Usually they hang diplomas, certificates, information about internships. Look at the dates. The most “fresh” certificates should be no more than two years old.

• Communication skills and willingness to answer questions

A good doctor tries to work in tandem with the owner of the pet. He will listen carefully, answer questions, explain the meaning of terms, tell you what treatment and why he prescribes. Those days when doctors were authoritarian figures and ignored questions, fortunately, are passing. Run from these doctors!

• Love to the animals

A good veterinarian treats pets with care. He tries – as far as possible – to reduce the level of stress. Does not make sharp and rude movements, does not ignore the suffering of animals. Of course, medical manipulations can hardly be called pleasure, but it is much more pleasant to contact a sympathetic doctor.

• History taking, individual approach

A good doctor does not pour out diagnoses half a turn. He must carefully examine the pet and collect an anamnesis: ask about lifestyle, care, health characteristics, previous treatment, etc. If necessary, he will prescribe tests and build an individual treatment regimen for a particular pet.

• Feel free to ask colleagues for advice        

A good doctor is not one who “knows everything himself”, but one who does not hesitate to seek help from a more experienced colleague or narrowly specialized specialist. After all, the health of his tailed clients is at stake.

• Reviews

As with veterinary clinics, reviews help build an opinion about the doctor.

Well, now you are ready to choose the ideal clinic and doctor?