So, you’re about to take the leap and get a dog. Congratulations! A lot went into that decision. You’ve spent hours weeks and months researching the right dog breed for you and your family. You’ve counted the cost. You’ve considered the time it will take. You have prepared for your pooch by buying all toys, equipment, and swag she
needs when you take her home on “gotcha day”. You’ve got a kennel, play toys, a dog bed, dog food, a bowl, a collar and a leash, etc. Her room looks nicer than yours!
You’re going to love your sweet new companion. But have you carefully considered how to best safeguard her ongoing health and wellness? Specifically, have you spent time researching the right veterinarian for your new dog? Your dog’s vet is the doctor to whom you are going to entrust your new dog’s health and wellness throughout their lives.
So what should you look for when you are choosing a veterinarian? Here are a few suggestions.
1. Ask for recommendations.
It’s says a lot when a friend you know and trust speaks very highly of their vet. Ask your friend specifics: What is the vet’s general availability? How does the vet respond to questions? What’s the vet’s bedside manner with dogs and humans?
2. Check credentials.
Ask prospective veterinarians about their education and licensing. Most states require that vets, like other medical professional are overseen by state regulatory and licensing bodies. For example, in Illinois, the Department of Professional Regulations oversees veterinarian businesses. You can do a licensing look up for Illinois here. Check to be sure prospective veterinarians have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM or a VMD), which takes four years to earn, and other relevant experience.
3. Have a chat with your prospective vet.
According to this excellent article by the American Kennel Club, you should try to find a vet that shares your personal philosophy on the care of your dog (holistic, preventative strategies, etc.). Make a visit to meet with a prospective vet – even before getting your dog -- and have an honest conversation about your respective views.
4. Take a tour of vet offices.
The AKC article above suggests observing the vet office in action – the way that staff interact with other dogs and humans. Note the office’s orderliness and cleanliness. This may say a lot about the vet business conducts its affairs and care for your dog.
5. Get Breeders’ Recommendations.
Pets Web MD suggests here that if you are purchasing the dog locally you can ask your breeder for a vet recommendation. And if you are purchasing the dog from outside your area, try calling local breeder clubs of the dog you are purchasing. Club members will likely have strong recommendations based on the their dog breed and the breeds needs.
6. Consider special requirements for special needs dogs.
If your dog has specific health and wellness challenges, consider vets that (1) either have a specialization that might meet your new dogs needs, or (2) have an affiliation with a specialty clinic to which they regularly. Remember that if you utilize a specialty clinic, you will still likely need a vet for your dog’s everyday needs. You want to be sure there is good three way communication between you, your vet and the specialty clinic to ensure that everyone knows what the plan is to help your dog and what everyone’s assignments are. This coordinated approach helps provide your dog with the best possible care and helps to avoid costly duplication of services and/or testing.
7. Consider Office, Hours, Location, and Payment Options.
As the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) states here, “Location, office hours, payment options, and the range of medical services provided are all important considerations” because they impact the degree to which you will be able to take your dog in for routine care. If the vet is too far away or the office hours do not align with your schedule, this then may require that you take time off at work in order to take in your canine companion. Under work and financial time pressures, dog owners may forego or limit the preventative care we do for their dogs and only utilize the vet when there is an emergency. Remember, good preventative care is essential for the health and well being of the dog.
8. Consider Costs.
Dog ownership can be expensive. As the AVMA suggests, it is appropriate ask a vet clinic about their costs for a routine visit, immunizations, testing. Also, inquire about payment plans that may available if they should be needed.
If you have resolved to get a new dog, it is never too soon to start your research, talk to your friends, neighbors and colleagues, local breeders, call local veterinarian offices and set up to schedule a tour.When you dog arrives you can rest assured that your dog will be well cared for and you can spend the time enjoying your new canine friend!
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