What To look For In A Veterinary Practice
- Is the facility clean, comfortable and well-organized?
- Are appointments required?
- Are there technicians or other professional staff members?
- How many veterinarians are in the practice?
- Are dog and cat cages in separate areas?
- Is the staff caring, calm, competent and courteous, and do they communicate effectively?
- Do the veterinarians have special interests such as geriatrics or behavior?
- Are X-rays, ultrasound, blood-work, EKG, endoscopy and other diagnostics done in-house or referred to a specialist?
- Which emergency services are available?
- Is location and parking convenient?
- Do fees fit your budget, and are discounts for senior citizens or multi-pet households available?
What Questions Should You Ask When I’m Selecting a Vet?
Although your questions may vary depending on the reason for your visit, you can use the following list as a guide:
- How are overnight patients monitored?
- What sort of equipment does the practice use?
- Does the vet refer patients to specialists?
- How are patients evaluated before anesthesia and surgery?
- Does the practice have licensed veterinary technicians on staff?
- What is the protocol for pain management?
- Is the practice AAHA-accredited?
What If I Have Problems with My Vet? Can I Switch?
Don’t worry about leaving your current vet if you have concerns about the quality of care. Most veterinary practices, like all businesses, expect clients to come and go. Before you leave, remember to ask for a complete copy of your dog’s health records to be mailed or faxed to you or your new vet.
What To Do When You Have A Issue With Your Veterinarian
If you feel that your veterinarian isn’t meeting your needs as a client or the needs of your pet as a patient, it may be time to find a new one. But sometimes simple misunderstandings cause conflicts, which you and your vet can resolve by talking things out and looking for solutions.
If you can’t resolve a fee or treatment dispute with your vet, you may contact the ethics and grievance committee of your local or state veterinary association and/or the American Veterinary Medical Association.
For serious issues of medical competence, you may file a formal complaint with the Veterinary Licensing Board in your state.
And finally, you can take up the matter as a civil suit with your attorney.
We love your input or comments so let us know below
Information Source: Dog House, Humane Society, WebMD Video: American Animal Hospital Association
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