A veterinarian is your pets second best friend.  Remember, the worst time to look for a vet is when you really need one.  A veterinarian should also have good people skills.  Usually a veterinarian works with a team of professionals so you would want to evaluate the teams competence and caring.  You also must make sure that their fees are within your budget.  The best way to find a good veterinarian is by starting with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, groomer or animal shelter worker. Check the yellow pages under “veterinarians” or “Animal Hospitals,” you may be able to find important information about the hours, services and staff.  Some veterinarian hospitals are members of the American Animal Hospital Association which signifies that the hospital has pursued and met the AAHA’s standards in areas such as quality care, facilities and equipment.  Before choosing a vet, ask yourself these important questions:

1.  Is the facility clean and comfortable?

2.  Are there technicians and other staff members on hand?

3.  How many veterinarians are in the practice?

4.  Are appointments required?

5. Do they provided emergency round the clock service?

6.  Is the staff caring, calm, competent and courteous?

7. Do they communicate effectively?

8. Do the veterinarians have special interests such as geriatrics?

9. Are X Rays, endoscopy, ultrasound and other tests done in house?

Choose a vet early on in your pets life. Make sure you are comfortable that you’ve made the right decision. Remember your veterinarian is not only there to administer pet medication.