Whether you’re a new pet owner or have recently moved, finding the right veterinarian for your pet is an important part of their health and well-being. Regular visits to the vet help your pet stay healthy and live a better life. For dogs and cats, that means annual wellness exams, dog and cat vaccinations, dental exams, and clinic visits if your pet becomes sick or injured.
Your veterinarian’s office may even be the place you take your pet to be groomed or boarded overnight while you travel. Aside from the bond you share with your animal, your relationship with your veterinarian is one of the most important you will have as a pet parent.
Choosing a veterinarian is an important decision for your pet, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Read on for tips on how to find a veterinary clinic near you that suits your needs.
How to choose a veterinarian
When choosing a veterinarian, some of the most basic elements to take into account are proximity, cost, and the services offered. A quick Internet search can help you narrow down the list of nearby veterinarians. From there, call or visit their websites to find out what services they offer and if they are accepting new clients.
Almost all small animal veterinarians will care for dogs and cats. But exotic pets and other pets may need a specialized veterinarian. For example, birds should consult an avian veterinarian, while snakes and other amphibians should consult a herpetological veterinarian. Pet-specific veterinarian directories can help you narrow down your vet search.
If you know you will need a new veterinarian in the future, start the search as soon as possible.
Make a list
Create a list or spreadsheet to help you keep track of each vet choice. Make notes for each vet on your list and keep track of the pros and cons of each. Questions to consider include:
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Are you accepting new clients or is there a waiting list?
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What is the driving distance from your house?
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Do business hours fit my schedule?
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Do you accept walk-ins? How do you handle emergencies?
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How much do routine services cost, such as basic preventive care like exams and vaccines?
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Do you charge exam room fees?
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How much do dental cleanings or nail trimming cost?
Knowing this information will help you narrow your search to a veterinary clinic that meets all of your basic needs.
Online search and reviews
Now that you have your list, there are a few other ways to help you make an informed decision. Reviews and ratings on websites like Google, Yelp, and Facebook can help uncover useful information from pet owners who have been to a particular veterinary office.
Pay attention to veterinarians with high ratings and take note of how their clients feel about them. Their experiences can give you an idea of what to expect and help you narrow down your options even further.
ask a friend
One of the most reliable sources of information when searching for a veterinarian is your network of fellow pet owners. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for opinions about your current veterinarian. They will be able to give valuable recommendations based on their own experiences.
Ask them what they like and don’t like about the practice, as well as their overall satisfaction with the care their pets receive. Their firsthand knowledge can help you make an informed decision and find a veterinarian you enjoy working with.
If you recently adopted your pet, contact your shelter or shelter and ask their employees if they have any veterinary recommendations they can pass on.
Current veterinary reference
If you are moving to a new city or out of state, your current veterinarian can help you in your search to find a new veterinarian. Veterinarians typically have a large network and can leverage their connections to provide you with referrals. Your veterinarian may know colleagues in your new area who can continue to provide the same level of care you and your pet are accustomed to.
When should I look for a veterinarian?
Finding a new veterinarian may take some time, especially given the current shortage of veterinarians and clinical staff combined with an increasing number of pets per household. As more people need veterinary appointments, patients must wait longer to be seen. If you know you will need a new veterinarian in the future, start your search as soon as possible to avoid being on the wait list at the office you want to visit.
While it is not always possible to know when it will be necessary to find a new veterinarian, it is possible to plan ahead for these life events:
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Moving: A move between cities may not be a good enough reason to change, but moving to a new city or state certainly is. Start searching for your next veterinarian as soon as you know you’re moving.
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Adopt a pet: Becoming a pet parent for the first time is an exciting time. Try to start a relationship with your pet’s new veterinarian as soon as possible, as many veterinary clinics have a waiting list that you will want to join right away.
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It’s time for a change: If you are dissatisfied with your current veterinarian and want to find someone new, it is best to start the process early before an emergency or illness occurs.
Aside from the bond you share with your animal, your relationship with your veterinarian is one of the most important you will have as a pet parent.
How to find an affordable vet
It is possible to find an affordable veterinarian who provides quality care without spending a lot of money. When looking for a new veterinarian, be sure to ask about price transparency to understand the costs of different services and treatments. Many clinics can offer price estimates for routine services, tests, and diagnoses. This can help you avoid a surprise when you are charged for a service.
During any visit to the veterinarian, it is best to ask them up front about the potential costs involved in caring for your pet. Thinking ahead and talking openly about prices with your veterinarian can help you make more informed decisions about your pet’s healthcare, keeping affordability in mind.
If cost is an issue preventing you from obtaining veterinary care for your pet, check with your Humane Society, ASPCA, shelter, or local clinic to see if veterinary assistance may be available. Both veterinary assistance and low- or no-cost veterinary care are available to help pet owners who cannot afford the full cost of veterinary services.
How to get a veterinary prescription online
Ordering your pet’s prescription online is another convenient option that can save you time and money. To get started, download the Chewy® app so you can check the price of medications, prescription foods, and other over-the-counter products through the Chewy app.
Next, simply ask your vet if you can fill the prescription through Chewy. Once you place your order, the Chewy team will contact your veterinarian to approve the prescription and deliver it conveniently to your doorstep.
(Note: If your pet needs medication ASAP, you may not want to wait for the shipment to arrive, but this may be a good long-term option for refills, especially if your pet has a chronic condition.)
Why Finding a Vet You Love is Worth the Effort
Finding the right veterinarian is important for your pet’s well-being. Use online search tools, read reviews, ask friends for referrals, and enlist the help of your current veterinarian for recommendations. The process may take some time, but your research will help you feel more confident that you have found a compassionate, trustworthy veterinarian who will be there for you and your pet for many years to come.
Cover image: Getty/FamVeld
