How should I go about choosing a vet?

Question

for my new baby kitty.

Answer 1

Running Bear!

I starred your question as it is an excellent one! It is great that you are taking the time to learn what to look for in finding the best vet possible for your new baby kitty. ConCATulations on your new friend, and may you have many, many years of a wonderful relationship.

What I look for in chosing a veterinarian is someone who loves cats, to begin with. I want someone who will take the time to really listen to what I have to say, and will take the time to answer me, and give me answers and suggestions that are both accurate and not demeaning.

I also appreciate a practitioner that is not out to "sell me something" that I don't need, and is up to date with all the new vaccine protocols and feline medicine. We found a really fine one after much research, and trying several in our area.

In fact this is such an important question that I wrote an article on the subject, explaining how I chose my veterinarian and the reasons for that choice. So as not to repeat myself, visit:

http://frequentlyfeline.blogspot.com/200...

I hope this helps, and good luck to with your new kitty.

Troublesniffer

Owned by cats for over 40 years

Former breeder of Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese

Freelance writer and blogger for http://www.petside.com/

Answer 2

Look at the following things.

1.) Check friends and family to get recommendations from them. Make sure to check with people who have cats and not just dog owners.

2.) Call around. Or visit in person. Ask for a tour. Check to see how long the vets and staff have been there. That is a very good sign. If the staff loves working there the clients probably enjoy the place too.

3.) Find out if all your needs can be met there. How late are they open? Do they see emergencies during normal hours? Do they board pets? Do they groom?

4.) This is one most people won't know to suggest. Look for a hospital that is AAHA (American Animal Hospital Assocication) Accredited. The older the accreditation the better. This association has strict requirements that the facility and staff have to meet in order to hold membership.  

Answer 3

Ask around. Not all vets are specialists for cats. Ours is and even advertises it. Small animals only.

Answer 4

Do you have any friends whose pets have a vet and are they happy with the services rendered?  Call a local veterinary hospital/ clinic, explain you need a feline vet and would like to visit their establishment.  During the walk through does the establishment stink or is it a clean healthy smell?  Is the waiting area neat and clean.  Do the staff wear appropriate attire for an animal hospital/ clinic?  Do they board animals, is the boarding area clean?  These are just a few questions you should be concerned about.

Think, if I were the pet would I like it here if . . .  

All the best

Answer 5

Interview the doctor and ask for a tour of the clinic. Ask what equipment they have, who they refer specialized cases to, what hours they are open and who sees the kitties after hours, is a good place to start..

Answer 6

The way I went about it is talking to friends and co-workers who have animals and getting their opinions on various vets.  I then tried the ones that sounded good and narrowed it down to two.  One is my main vet and the other is for emergencies if the first one is not available.  You'll know just by how they interact with the kitten if they are right.  Hope that helps.

Answer 7

Do any of your friends or neighbors have animals ? Ask them who they go to. Chances are if they are a pet lover and didn't like someone they will tell you why?

Word of mouth is always good and trusting - I have done the same with my children's doctor's as well as our pet's.

Location is always important in the event of an emergency.

After hours

How 'friendly' they seem - I have had Vets and staff treat out animals better then my kids doctors have treated them.

Most of all why your friends/neighbors go to a certain vet.

Answer 8

Since I have one cat, seven dogs, and three horses, it depends on what I need the vet for. My regular vet takes care of all of my animals unless there is a special need. Recently the horse you see I my Avatar foundered. My regular vet came out and tended to the problem until it became more serious. She then referred me to an Equine specialist, who took over the case. A very dedicated group of veterinarians, admitted him to the Equine Hospital where he received state of the art Equine treatment. After an eight day stay, he was released to return home. That was in June, and they are still keeping an eye on him. For a new kitty, I would look for the same dedication for care and treatment. Best of luck to you