Choosing a vet

[Amy & Albee]

Was wondering if everyone has picked out their vet yet? How was your experience?

Albee will be our first pup AND we are new to the area- so finding a good vet was very important to me. With a few recommendations from friends and reading quite a few reviews online, I decided to venture out today to check out the top 2.

Vet A - small clinic with one doctor. Customers raved of personal care and very reasonable prices. I stepped foot into the small, old building located in a busy part of town. I was disappointed to walk into a wall of foul smelling animals. The lady was very helpful- giving me prices of vaccinations and neutering, she also gave me a tour of the facility. The kennels were small, the lights were dim and the smell got stronger as I got back to the clinic.

All in all, I was very disappointed. I really wanted to like this place- the reviews seemed so great. And the vet really seemed like someone who would take a strong interest in each pet. But unfortunately, I couldn't look past the condition of the place. We hope not to board Albee too much - but if we absolutely had to, I wouldn't keep him here.

Vet B - larger 'chain' like clinic. 5 doctors on call and open 5 days a week. Prices were a little bit higher but the facility was clean as could be and it smelled fine! The kennels were spacious and the all the rooms were spotless. As I walked through the tour - I saw a few of the animals being handled, and the techs seemed especially caring. I made our first appointment before I left.

Moral of my story -- I'm glad I checked out the facilities. If I would have gone on reviews alone, I probably would have gone to Vet A. Hoping that our first visit goes okay so we can stick with them for the long haul!

How did you settle on your vet?

[Joan Bollaert]

Cleanliness is a biggie for me as well as up to date facilities.  My vet is very good and caring.  He gets down to floor level to talk to Cooper.  I like that and the personnel working there are very nice.   I wouldn't board him there because it's just too small.    We have another wonderful boarding facility here that I'd use.  I don't travel .... ever, so it probably won't happen much.

I had an English Bulldog, Winston, who stayed there a couple of times years ago.  When I went to pick him up, we walked out the door and then he turned his back to me ,sat down facting the door and wanted to go back in!!  :)   So, I feel very good about that place.

[Amy & Albee]

That's so nice that Winston enjoyed it so much! I too hope our vet treats our guy like her own. We has a couple of dogs on her 'meet the vet' page, so I'm hoping she'll love our guys as well!
I've also been checking out some boarding places in town, more out of curiosity of what is offered. Like you, I can't imagine we wold go somewhere without him!
I'm with you though, cleanliness wound up being he deciding factor.