How did you choose what vet clinic to go to?

Question

How did you choose which vet clinic you like best? Was it because of the location? The prices? The service? Or something else? Just curious.

Answer 1

Location is a big thing, but recommendation from friends family is key.

:)

Answer 2

Many factors. I prefer a clinic where a small group of vets work together, as opposed to a single vet's office, simply because in a group practice it is usually easier to be seen on short notice if your animal is sick or injured.Vets who work alone often don't have that flexibility, and you end up seeing a stranger at an emergency clinic most of the time. And if it is 3 or 4 vets as opposed to a whole army of them, they communicate alot with each other and most of them will get to know your animals.

Location and hours of operation should also be a consideration, because no matter how great your vet is, it won't help if you can't get to them. Of course if an animal needs highly specialized treatment I will see a specialist about it, no matter what it takes to get there, but for ongoing care I like someone I can get to easily.

A good vet will also take time to answer all your questions and explain everything to you in however much detail you want. They will be willing to discuss different treatment options, and won't make you feel like a loser if you decide, for whatever reason, not to pursue expensive and/or aggressive treatment. They won't overbook their schedule, so they can take the time it takes to do their job well. Here's a simple example: my former vet wanted to charge me about $700 for a set of X-rays, saying the dog would need to be put under general anaesthesia for this. Sure, it makes his job easier and makes him more money, but it's a nasty hit to the wallet, not to mention the increased risk to the dog. The clinic I stuck with got a perfectly fine set of x-rays for $200, because they were willing to take the time to do them without the anaesthetic, which really shouldn't be necessary with a calm and gentle dog like mine. My dog was in serious condition and I told them that they could use the anaesthesia if it was the only way, because those x-rays had to be done no matter what, so they could have done it too. That they tried (and succeeded) to do it with the dog awake before resorting to anaesthesia is just one example of what it means to really care about the animals and their owners.

In the end, trust your gut. If you feel that the vet genuinely cares, and what they say and do makes sense to you, you are most likely in good hands. If you feel uneasy, run!

Answer 3

Ask other pet owners. The most expensive is not necessarily the best. Location and office hours are something to consider also for emergencies. I use three different clinics. One for my cat, another for the dog and one for my turtle. I choose Vets that take a genuine interest in the well being of my pets. Also check their background on websites in your state..

Answer 4

Generally a vet is chosen because of experience with the
breed. A purebred pet keep is expensive because of theory.
Actually all dogs and cats live outdoors, have no life, and no
property, to cost, so depending on the type the clinic needs
previous experience with the breed. I built 8 clinics so that works.

Answer 5

My animals have been going to the same vet for years. It is certainly not the closest vet but we love them. Their prices are affordable. Best of all, they are very friendly and helpful. When my dog was in the hospital from eating chocolate the vet called everyday with updates.
I would choose a friendly and knowledgable staff over anything else.

Answer 6

I have 4 dogs and 2 vets I use. The one I use because of the price and my 2 dogs like him very much and he is very good and thorough. The other I use because he has more experience in Great Danes and Chihuahuas and their specific health issues so I felt he would be a better choice. It's always best to interview each prospective vet and allow the dog to meet him/her before deciding. A good vet will not have a problem with you setting up a meeting before or after regular office hours to do a meet and greet and a Q&A with them.

Answer 7

Well, for my cats and dogs, it's the clinic I work for. There are 8 doctors, so if I have an emergency(during normal hours), there's always at least one vet that can look at my dog for me on short notice. Our clinic is also probably the best equipped(latest technology in x-ray, ultrasound, lab, laser technology in surgery) one in the area, access to a 24 hour emergency clinic(minutes away in case something happens at night when a vet is not there), well-trained and knowledgeable staff, and good doctors(one of whom specializes in bone surgery). I also like that the animals are closely monitored(24 hours a day there is a technician there), they are catheterized and maintained on gas anesthesia during surgery/dentals, and pain management is very important. Basically everthing you could want in a vet clinic...well, it's not cheap, but my pets are worth it!

For my horses, I use the vet I like the best and is easily accessible. Actually, there are two doctors at the clinic now, so one is almost always available to talk to. I do have to trailer to her, but she is always available for emergencies and knows when she thinks I can handle a problem myself or if I need help. And she likes that I can take care of a lot of problems myself, instead of wanting to nickel and dime me for things that she knows I am capable of doing. They will also see my small animals if needed.

Answer 8

Our location played a part in the decision, but talking to other pet owners that we knew was, by far, the most help to us. We did find some difference in prices and ended up with the least expensive being a vet that we and our pet really liked.

Answer 9

I chose the vet I've stayed with for several reasons. The primary one is that she's very, very good with the dogs - compassionate, genuinely likes the dogs, and she's extremely knowledgeable. Besides standard care, she's certified to do acupuncture and chiropractic work which is the reason I went to her in the first place.

Besides that, she's honest - she agrees that dogs do not need shots every year. She's the one who told me the drug companies have now acknowledged that fact. She acknowledges that dogs over 10 don't need any more shots and that's very important to me since I lost a dog from getting his annual booster shots.

She's not the type of vet who believes that since she's the vet, she's always right - she's always open to discussion and willing to listen to input from the person who knows my dog best - me.

Her clinic is not the closest to me nor the cheapest - just the best.

Answer 10

I chose my vet first because of location (with 3 dogs I didn't want to be driving all over the city). I went in to meet with the staff before making any appts. I liked the receptionist, techs, and vets, so I went ahead and made an appt for a checkup for one of the dogs. They've been going there for over a year now, and I have no complaints. They didn't even charge me for the follow up visits after one of the girls got stitches!

Answer 11

Well I personally went to two before ending up at the vet I am at now.

You should always care about service. It doesn't make just your own experience better but your pet's too. One place I went to dropped my dog off a metal table, my dog limped for the rest of the day, and the vet had the nerve to blame me for it.

Then should come money. As much as you love your pet if you spend too much then you won't be able to afford your pet. If it is too much try to find another place that is close and you like, If it is a little further that is okay.

Just make sure that your pet is taken care of. Afterall they are your friend/family