what is the best way to get a vet for my dog.I would like to get one,but not sure how to do it.Any suggestions

Answer 1

if there is a petsmart by u there is a banfield hospital inside the petsmart. they are very good.

also, ask your friends or neighbors that have a vet, and ask them........word of mouth is the best........

Answer 2

There are several ways

First: ask any family, friends, or coworkers who have pets who they use. Ask lots of questions, what is the vet like (talkative, not talkative), are they happy, have they heard anything bad about this vet or that vet and as you talk to more people go back to the first people and re-ask the same questions.

Second: use the phone book and call. See how the receptionists are on teh phone, are they too busy or too rude to even give you the time of day? I picked my vet because the lady that answered the phones was the nicest lady I have ever talked to. I figured, if she was so nice and happy it had to be a good place (and I was correct!). Ask them how long it is to get an appointment - if they say they don't have anythign open for 3 weeks - find another vet!

Third: call local shelters or rescues or better yet, visit them and see who they like. They need vets - a lot - and knowing who they like/don't like can be eye opening

Fourth: call or visit dog trainers or boarders - who do they recommend and why?

Fifth: after you have your list, drive to each vet (the list shouldn't be long . . . maybe 3 names will keep coming up). Walk in and say you are just looking - get a feel of the techs walking around, the staff, and the establishment. If the place is falling down, get out.

By then, you will have narrowed it down to one vet and it's probably the perfect fit for you!

Answer 3

The best way I have found to get a good vet is to go to "dog places" NOT petsmart or petco. Like in my area we have a Responsible Pet Owner's Alliance, so I started hanging out at their functions when I moved here and asking people who they went to and if they liked them and then I'd ask other people's opinion on vets I'd heard about. Every now and then you find a real gem who's owned about a million dogs and been through the same number of vets and knows when one is on the up and up and when they're talking crap...THAT is the person you listen to. Otherwise, just keep all of your dog's records on you until you find the one you like. With moving and an issue my girl had that I wasn't getting satisfactory answers for from a lot of vets, I've been to 14 vets in the last 2 1/2years. Pay attention to the people that have had extremely sick animals and who their vets are and listen to what they say about how their vets responded. They might still like their vet, but you can tell a lot by their stories.

Answer 4

gosh, some people are kind of rude aren't they? If this is your first dog, I would ask the person you got him from (assuming you trust their judgement) for the name of their vet. If not, you can ask other dog owners you know which vet they use. Ideally, you want to find someone close to home (before everyone starts screeching- if its a huge mission to get to the vet, you will be much less likely to go). Get a few different recommendations just in case you don't get along well with the first one. Like any other profession, some are better than others. Your dog should be seen at least once a year for checkups, worm checks and vaccinations. If money allows, your regular vet should be doing this, as it will make it much easier for them to spot a change in your dog if they know its history. If your budget is very tight, most municipalities offer discounted vaccinations and routine things like spay/neuter service at discounted prices. But you should still have the name and number for a vet to go to in the event of emergency or illness.

Answer 5

This is what I've done in the past when I move to a new area. I ask other dog owners who they use, why they like that particular vet, what they have used that vet for, what the fees are, any negative experiences or feedback? Most of the time I get several people that recommend the same vet....that's the one I go to. This system hasn't failed me yet.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Depends on where you live. If it is a small community you probably don't have a lot of options. If you live near a college or university, check and see if they have a vet program. You can use their clinic for services and generally the fees are lower/
Ask friends or relatives who they use, contact the shelter or humane society and ask them for a list.
Make sure when you take your pet you and your dog are comfortable with the vet you have chosen, if not keep looking.
Good luck and give your dog a pat on the head for me

Answer 7

Ask friends who have pets what vet they use. Call some vet offices and ask questions. Ask to see their hospital and to meet the vet. Find out how they handle after hours emergencies etc. If you try a vet and don't like them. Find another and ask that your records be transferred.

Answer 8

Start talking with other dog owners in your neighborhood and ask them which Veterinarian they use.

Most likely,you will learn of three of five Veterinariary office with good recommendations.
I suggest that you contact each office and then choose the one that provides the best options for you with respect to hours,availability of veterinarians,emergency services,fees,and whatever else is most important to you.

When you call each veterinary practice,explain that you are getting new dog and would like to know what usually happens on the first visit,and what vaccine protocols they follow.

People with new dogs,especilly puppies,have many questions.The veterinarian and his or her staff will want to answer all your questions Thoroughly,and therefore may charge more for the initial visit. Inquire about the standard fees for different types of services so you know where you'll stand financially.

Also ask about their emergency call policies.Do they see emergencies after hours,or provide an emergency number that you can call to have a veterinarian or technician call you back? Or they refer all emergencies to a local(or not so local) emergency hospital?

These are all important question to consider when choosing a vet.

Normaly as soon as you perchase a dog,schedule a visit to your chosen veterinarian.This is so that your veterinarian can check out your dog as soon as possible in case he or she needs immediate care.


Hope this information is good enought for you to find a right,good helpful ,Veterinarian for your preciour dog.

Good day to you & your dog.

Answer 9

ask for recommendations from your friends visit a few until you find one you are comfortable with there are 3 vets in the town i live in but i drive an hour to one in another town that i feel gives my animal the best care and they have emergency service365 days a year as well as boarding, trainers and puppy day care choosing a vet is as important as choosing a pediatrician in my opinion

Answer 10

Look for local vets around your area from the phone book...or you can ask friends or family member who have pets about who they would refer (the best way). Call each prospective vet and ask them questions about their practice and that way you will get a little back ground about each one before chosing who would be the best match for your pet. Good luck!

Answer 11

I would ask your friends if they have dogs hat vet do they use and do they like there vet! But if none of your friends have dogs I would use yellow pages or go to a near by animal hospital!

P.S. Good luck with your vet search!