Finding a vet

[Erin]

My new puppy is suppose to be seen by the vet within the first 48 hrs I take ownership. Any criteria in what to look for in a new vet? Need to call ASAP. Thx all!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'd ask neighbors and friends ior relatives in your area for referrals. 

[Erin]

I've tried...everyone gives me a different answer. This one might be trial and error?!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

If you are getting different recommendations I would ask them what it is about their vet they like.  Find someone whose philosophy matches your own and check references on line and then decide.  You can always change later.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I looked at reviews as well as a recommendation by a relative. I also needed something convenient. My vet practice was sold 6 months later, which didn't make me too happy. I have stayed though, because I haven't found anything else that would be worth switching to. Mine also has several vets within the practice, so if you don't click with one you can ask for a different one. I went through 2 before I found one both Annabelle and I  agreed on. They also have both appointments and walk-in hours if you want. The original vet didn't offer that option, it was strictly walk-in. I have used both options. They also partner with an emergency/specialist practice if you need that service.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

For me, it is important to have a forward thinking Vet who will respect my choices and decisions regarding medications, interventions, vaccinations, knows something about 5 star food choices or Raw and mostly agrees to disagree, but be respectful anyway.  We went through a few Vets to get where we have been for the past 5 years, but I was very new to dog ownership. I learned a lot with the first one and using the local Pet Smart Vets.  That was awful. They had one way of doing things and it generally didn't always feel like the best choice for my pet but more dictated by corporate and "this is how I do it".  

I also require that the Vet give me prescriptions that I can take to my drugstore or Costco to fill at a much lower cost. No Vet should have a problem doing that as far as I'm concerned.  Do your doctors sell you the drugs they prescribe? 

Just some food for thought.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Try doing a search in the "Search DoodleKisses.com" window (upper right corner of this page) for Gloversville, NY, and you will find some DK members to ask about their vets.

[Adina P]

We just picked the practice that was closest and it worked out, luckily.  I like my vet and trust her.  But for the initial required check, you can just pick at random and then decide later if you want to stay there or not.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I have heard horror stories about using the vet services of a certain pet store chain. I wouldn't sign up for any plans without doing your own research if you are thinking of going that route.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with you. I wouldn't use those vets if they were 100% free.

The store clinics also do not do 3 year vaccines or titers. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

If you have a Specialty Pet store in town (one that sells the better quality foods) I would try asking them what they know about the local Vets.  The staff of the Specialty Store that I use seems to have heard a lot about local vets from their customers....they know "the good and the bad".  That's one place to start.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Also, check the state veterinary board to see if the vet has any sanctions.  On vet we saw had three sanctions - two resulted in death.

[Stella]

Once you have asked around and got some suggestions, check out the clinics websites for the services they offer, look at their opening hours, see what qualifications the staff have. When you have narrowed it down to a few clinics, go to visit each one (I did this without calling first or making an appointment, just don't pick a Saturday morning when they are likely to be busy!), explain that you are getting a puppy and would like to know more about their clinic. Good clinics should be happy to talk to you, provide info and sometimes goodies for your new puppy, and should be willing to show you around the whole clinic, including the back room / kennel area. Ask about their emergency cover - do they provide emergency cover, is it done by just their staff or in conjunction with other local clinics? If they require you to leave your pet overnight, does a member of staff stay? (You would be surprised by how many clinics leave your pet unaccompanied overnight). Hope this helps!!