Changing Veterinarian
So I made an appointment for a heartworm test with a small 1-vet practice that was recommended by some neighbors. He had apparently worked hard to chase down a foxtail in an eye that another vet couldn't find but charged $500 for trying. He is prpbably in his 40's, went to the best veterinary college in the area (UC Davis) althogh it was a few years ago. Their rates are about 15% lower than my old vet for office calls and common procedures. I asked to meet the vet when go in to see if I like him before authorizing my records to be moved over. When I made the appointment I noticed that they had a couple of cats in the office that appeared to been saved from some serious injury at some time and adopted by the vet and his staff. I thought that might be a good sign of a caring professional. Other than that it's been so long since I had to find a new vet I'm not sure what to even look for. Does anyone have any suggestions or questions I can ask? |
|
|
| One question I'd ask is the vaccination protocol they recommend. Some vets still push annual vaccinations. |
6Girls wrote: One question I'd ask is the vaccination protocol they recommend. Some vets still push annual vaccinations. Ditto. That would be the 1st thing I 'd ask. My vet opted to quit giving annual shots to my 2 older ones a few years ago when the recommendation came out from the vet schools. He said he'd been uncomfortable with yearly shots with the older guys for a long time but had no way to get around the lawyers & medical companies until the vet school actually came out with their recommendation at that time. At that time he quit giving yearlies to my 2 older ones & only continues bortadella & of course rabies every 3 years because it's a law. I took my 12 year 7 month old in for his bortadella last Monday & my vet asked how much I took him places other than home! I told him only to his office now that he was getting older & having trouble with steps but otherwise doing OK. I mentioned that my other 2 went to shows & training classes tho' & I had a puppy in a show home that visited for grooming, training & shows. He said once I mentioned that, he felt the need outweighed the risk & we gave it to him. He's alway been pretty good about not wanting to "over do" on my dogs. Told me if any of the places I ever boarded them questioned the shot record, he'd write me a letter. Other than that, I'd be asking what your options are in the case of an after-hour emergency. Make sure either they are available or you are comfortable with the place they recommend in case you ever need to use them. And make sure you feel the vet doesn't mind listening to you & your thoughts on your dogs. As mine said "I don't know it all & I am always learning" |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|