Some people see vets as interchangeable. They’re happy to see whomever is working the day of their appointment, and trust the advice and care they receive. Others prefer to form a relationship with a specific vet, and have continuity of care.
Whether you’re considering changing the practice you’ve been dealing with for years, moving neighbourhoods, cities or even countries, or have just adopted your first pet, these 8 points should help no matter the circumstances.
1) How much does bedside manner count, or are you just happy to have the experience? You can have both!!
2) Would you move heaven and earth and spend as much as it takes to cure your pet, or are heroic measures not your style? This is an important consideration when choosing a vet, because some give you attitude if you decline further treatment and prefer to let your dog go in peace.
I am comfortable saying this, because I’ve experienced that attitude, more than once.
3) Do you ask lots of questions, or just do as suggested? Not everyone likes to be what they perceive as being “second guessed.”
4) Small 1 or 2 vet clinic, or a practice that’s part of a huge conglomerate? There are pros and cons to both, but for me, it’s most important to find a vet I trust and get on with, no matter what practice they’re a part of. BTW, it can affect the price of treatments.
5) How far are you willing or able to travel, and do they have office hours convenient for you?
6) Do you need a practice with boarding facilities, or do you have pet sitters to care for your dog?
7) Some practices offer alternative medicine and a more holistic approach. Is that important for you?
8) What is their attitude towards senior dogs? You wouldn’t imagine this would be an issue but sadly it is. I’ve seen many posts in my FB group, from senior dog parents who have had terrible experiences from vets who obviously didn’t care much for treating old dogs.
I had a very unsettling experience a few years ago with my heart dog Red, and keep in mind I have a fantastic vet!
My vet was away for a couple of weeks, so naturally that’s when Red wasn’t feeling well and needed to see him!! She was older and on various medications, but hardly ready to leave. I took her to see another vet at the practice and had them put her on fluids, which I knew she needed based on experience. While she was in the back, the vet took me into one of the rooms, brought in a vet nurse and started to talk about how old she was, and I should consider euthanasia.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing!!
I was not in denial, nor would I ever dream of letting Red suffer just so she could stay with me.
I demanded he return Red to me immediately, but he kept talking. I literally threatened to call the police if he didn’t give me my dog, so he did. I then called a previous vet practice I used before I moved and I took her there.
When my vet returned I told him what had happened, and needless to say he was shocked. He did a great job of caring for Red and I trusted him completely (something I don’t easily say!), and he didn’t believe she was at that stage.
That other vet’s attitude towards seniors was pretty clear, hence the need to include this as an issue for you to consider.
What’s Your Next Step
Once you’ve determined the important factors and have a list of vets you’re considering, call and ask if you can schedule a short visit to see the practice, and meet the vet.
Don’t be shy to have a look around, take note of waiting area and exam room cleanliness, and pay attention to how the staff at the front desk speak to clients both in person, and on the phone. I found the most incredible vet (not my current one, another amazing vet!), simply by speaking to one of the staff at a practice I was considering.
8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Vet – Conclusion
I rely so much on my vet to help me care for the furry members of my family. I hope these points have helped you become clearer on what’s important to you.
Do you have “deal breakers” when it comes to the vet you trust? What criteria have you used to find the right one? Your experiences will help others caring for senior dogs, so anything you would like to share, please write it in the comment section below.
I help senior dog parents struggling with anticipatory grief and quality of life issues by offering practical tips, advice and one on one support. I am also a Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, helping you navigate through your pet loss journey.
Visit my services page to book a FREE 20 minute discovery call, or email me (Hindy) at hindy.greypawsandall@gmail.com if you have any questions.
I’ve been rescuing and caring for senior dogs since 2009. From vision and hearing loss to obesity, dementia, kidney disease, liver issues, cardiac problems, Cushing’s, mobility challenges and more, you could say I’ve dealt with and learned a lot! In addition to my hands on experience, I’ve taken many courses and earned several qualifications to keep learning how to help senior dogs and they include: Senior Dog Enrichment, Understanding Canine Anxiety (diploma), Care of the Senior Pet (certificate), Pet Bereavement Counsellor (diploma) and I’m a Certified Pet Loss Grief Support Coach.
Great checklist for what to consider when searching for a vet. I’ve been lucky to have some great vets. I did have a couple of bad ones, but they didn’t last more than a visit. We are our fur kids’ advocates and have to treat them at least as well as they treat us, and that includes the selection of a great vet. Nice job, Hindy! I’m sharing with all my pet parents.
This is a great list. In my area, availability is the biggest concern. There’s so few vets and so many pets that even the emergency vets are turning people away. The only vet taking clients right now is the one we’re going to.
I understand exactly what you’re saying. There are only 2 vets in my town, and sadly each was responsible for the death of one of my dogs. I have to go further afield to find someone trustworthy, and I’m sure I’m not alone.
I’m happy to report this vet has been good so far. When Rocco had his heart problems, the ER vet told us he’d die over the weekend, and the best thing to do is let him die alone in their care.
We took him home to die, and they gave him back soaked in his own urine.
He did not die. Our vet got him on a couple of heart medications and we got 6 great, healthy months for him. I believe they saved his life and gave him those 6 months.
Oh my goodness this is shocking!! Did you report that vet to the veterinary governing body? I would have. That person has no business being anywhere near an animal, and heaven forbid alone with one.
We have several excellent vets. Our local vet is outstanding (a real cat guy) but we also had to use a nearby veterinarian specialist when Toulouse had urinary issues. I am guessing that rural areas have it tougher though.
As for the euthenasia thing?? I would give them a piece of my mind! Your dog should be put down? WTH is this. Is it that they assume people do not want to incur the expense of further care? Could that be it?
You’re so lucky you have a number to choose from. No I’m sure it had nothing to do with money, maybe it’s more about the country he was from.
So many important factors when picking a vet. we love ours but she’s retiring so we have been having discussions on what to do next. we like facts, and an open back and forth discussion between us and our vets. and love when the admit they need more information – it’s impossible to know everything so being comfortable enough to admit you need to ask someone else or look something up to confirm is great to us
I have not yet decided on a vet for Nili, should I take her to Layla’s vet or a new clinic as there are quite a few in my area but I want to stick with one that is open 24/7 for an emergency so your check list is making think carefully before i decide. Thanks I needed this
You’re fortunate to have so many options, and I understand the appeal of using one that’s open all hours. I did that when I lived in Florida, but more because they were recommended and very close to my house.
A very important check list! I have always said (and have been so fortunate) that having a strong, wonderful, and trusting relationship with our vet is so very important. Having five Huskies, one who was diagnosed with epilepsy, I was so fortuante that I trusted my two vets completely. They were always willing to listen to my concerns, as well as my “what do you think of adding this…?” If your gut says the vet is not for you, than s/he is not. Find one that instills that care and confidence. Great post! Sharing with my readers!
You have definitely been very fortunate to have not one but two vets you trust. It makes all the difference in the world, and I feel for people who are dealing with a less than good one and just don’t realise it or have nowhere else to go.