Finding the right veterinary practice is a lot like finding a great GP or hairdresser – you want to feel confident when you book an appointment that you’re going to a place that has you and your pet’s best interests at heart.
There are a lot of different veterinary practices out there, and being one ourselves, we wanted to give you some guidance on what to look for and expect from a great veterinary practice.
The people
Incredible teams are at the heart of any great veterinary practice. Visit a few locations before picking the ideal place that is right for you and your pet, and observe the way the staff talk to each other and to their clients. Pay close attention to how they handle routine checkups, and how they handle emergencies.
You need to feel confident that your pet is in good hands. It’s important to pay attention to the way staff speak to you and how attentive they are to your pet, so you can be sure that they are getting a thorough examination and that they receive the appropriate treatment. A great veterinary team will listen to you, speak openly about your pet, and answer any questions you may have about their health and condition.
If you’re unable to visit a practice directly, reach out and chat to their staff over the phone. Exceptional care, consideration and dedication is exactly what you’re looking for, and a friendly voice on the other end of the phone is often a good sign your pet will receive good care
The clinic itself
A great veterinary practice is well equipped to meet the demands of everyday care for your pet. These include surgical capabilities, and diagnostics like x-rays. Some clinics are more ideal for emergency situations that require further diagnostics to be processed on site, like CT scans and bloodwork.
Make sure when choosing a great veterinary practice that you factor in any access to what your pet may need in an emergency; some folks have a regular vet they visit, and a veterinary hospital they go to for emergencies.
Another sign of a great veterinary practice is how long the staff have been working there. If there is minimal staff turnover, you can be sure that you’ve got a dedicated team of professionals who will look after your pet as if they are their own family.
Accreditation and experience
A great veterinary practice is willing to share their staff’s accreditation and experience. Some veterinary teams have different types of expertise in surgery and treatments, and some will have diagnostic experts on hand to help understand different types of scans and tests. Ask about the expertise at your local clinic so you have a better understanding of what help they are able to provide you and your pet.
Word of mouth
There’s a reason word of mouth is considered the golden standard of referrals. Family and friends are always happy to provide trustworthy reviews about the veterinary practices they visit, giving honest feedback about the care they have received recently and in the past. Listen to people you trust about where they take their pets and start there – chances are, you won’t have to go much further (if at all) to land the right veterinary practice for you and your animal companion!