Finding the right veterinarian for you and your pets is no easy task. You want someone who takes the time to get to know your pet and answer all of your questions. There are many factors to consider in order to find the best vet possible. From credentials to experience to location, there are a lot of different things that can make one vet better than another. However, there are five important things you should know about your potential vet before making an appointment or signing on with them. Here are some tips for finding the right veterinarian for you and your pets. If you're in the K-W area and would like a good Kitchener veterinarian that provides experienced, compassionate veterinary care, please contact us, we'd love to have you!
Do your research to find the right veterinarian
The first step in finding the perfect vet is to do your research. Drive by the veterinary clinic to see what it looks like. Check out their website to see if they have everything you're looking for.
If you're already signed on with a vet, take this opportunity to do more research on them. For example, ask yourself if this veterinarian offers 24-hour emergency care or what their hours are like. Ask which emergency animal hospitals they work with so that your pet may receive care after hours if they do not offer 24-hour veterinary care.
This research will be vital to choosing the right vet for you and your pets because each vet is different in what they offer and how they provide service. You want a veterinarian who will be able to meet all of your needs so do your homework before making an appointment!
Ask questions to understand the veterinarian's experience
If you're considering a vet for the first time, it's important to ask questions about their experience. A good vet will have a lot of experience and be able to answer any question you have. Multi-doctor practices are good because even though you may only deal with one doctor, rest assured that difficult cases are discussed behind the scenes during regular daily rounds.
Don't be afraid to ask about the vet's experience with specific procedures or professional interests. Every veterinarian has a different level of expertise and interests, so it's important to know what you're signing up for. You don't want to take your pet to a vet who isn't familiar with the breed or who doesn't have experience treating their type of condition.
Check for credentials and licenses
It is also important to ask about the vets' credentials. This would include how many years they've been practicing as a vet and what degree they hold – such as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. A veterinarian's education and experience can play a large role in the care they provide, so it's important that you find a vet that has been well qualified.
In addition to this, it's also crucial that you make sure your potential vet has the license and certifications necessary to perform veterinary care. Make sure they are licensed to practice veterinary medicine in your province or state and that there have been no previous disciplinary hearings or restrictions to their license. By making sure your potential vet is properly credentialed and licensed, you can be confident in their work and know that they'll be capable of providing adequate care for your pet.
Don't let location deter you from selecting a good veterinarian
Yes, a veterinary clinic that is close to you is convenient but explore veterinary practices within a 1/2 hour driving distance. If you've found a perfect vet but is half an hour away, this is much better than settling with a veterinarian that you do not feel comfortable with just minutes away. If you've found a perfect vet but it's not in your immediate vicinity then this may be the best option for you and your pet. For example, your perfect veterinarian is in Kitchener but you live in Waterloo or Cambridge. The short travel distance and time will be well worth it for you and your pet.
Trust your instincts
It's important to remember that a veterinarian is a professional and most professionals want to do what they can to make their patients and clients happy. If you feel like your vet isn't listening or doesn't seem interested in answering your questions, it might be time to find a new vet.
Surprisingly, many people don't realize they're entitled to ask as many questions as they'd like when it comes to choosing a veterinarian. You deserve to know about the animal's condition and the treatment plan before agreeing on anything. That way, you can make an educated decision about what steps you would like taken and whether or not the vet is someone who aligns with your values.
We hope this article guides you in the right direction when it comes to selecting a veterinarian for you and your pet. If you are looking for a veterinarian in Kitchener, please reach out to us as we'd love to have you part of our family!