by Cynthia Wall

Created on: August 13, 2011   Last Updated: November 12, 2011

The relationship you have with your animal’s doctor is as important for his/ her health as the one you have with your own doctor is for yours. And since animals can’t speak for themselves, it’s important to find a veterinarian that not only speaks human language but also that of your pet. You’ll want one who can read body language as well as verbal language. You’ll want one who has experience with whatever kind of pet you have. And most importantly, you’ll want one who can communicate with you, the human. How do you find the ideal animal doctor? Ask questions. 

When a new veterinarian arrives in town or takes the place of a retiring doctor, it’s important to make a meet and greet appointment. Use a routine appointment for something like a needed vaccination to meet the new doctor and assess whether he or she is the right person for you and your pet. If a critical illness or injury occurs, you’ll be much more comfortable with a veterinarian that you already trust, rather than making emergency introductions as your pet lies bleeding or vomiting on an examining table. So take Fluffy or Fido in for annual shots and make small talk. 

1. Introduce yourself and ask questions like: “Where are you from?” “What brought you to this town?” “Did you always know you wanted to be a vet?” “Where did you go to school?” These questions need not sound like the third degree but rather as part of a casual conversation you might have with anyone newly introduced. 

2. Ask if the new veterinarian has specific interests. Someone focused mainly on Cockatiels may not be the best choice for your St. Bernard with hip dysplasia. But before you dismiss someone, tell him or her your specific concerns for your pet and listen to the suggestions made. 

3. Ask what the veterinarian’s philosophy is for optimal health for pets. If it’s something counter to your belief – like raw foods only – you may be butting heads. Rest assured though that most animal doctors are familiar with a wide variety of philosophies and will probably be supportive of anything not proven to harm. 

4. Watch the way the doctor handles your animal. This is a mental question you are asking yourself rather than a spoken one. Is he or she confident and reassuring to your pet? Your pet’s response will answer that question. There are a few vets who are actually afraid of animals (probably due to a bad experience) – one that wants to muzzle your friendly large dog just to examine it is probably not a good match.

5. Ask about fees. If you’re already going to an established clinic, you probably know the prices, but if both the vet and the office are new, it’s best to know the fee schedule before you start. Prices can vary widely in a town. Sometimes, low cost clinics that offer bargain vaccination and spay/neuter fees may be more expensive than private vets on big things like illness and injury. The only way to find out is to ask. 

With these basic questions in mind, it’s time to go shake a hand and let your new veterinarian offer to shake your pet’s paw in return. Hopefully, the two of you will be partners for many years striving to give your pet a long and healthy life.

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