Choosing a Veterinarian
Choosing a vet for your cat can be a difficult thing, and it intimidates many pet owners. Before going anywhere, an owner should do their research to determine the best veterinarian and practice for their animals.
Get Referrals
Referrals from friends or co-workers are often the best way to find a vet. These are people that have experienced the clinic themselves, and are happy with it. You can also check the local newspapers, the Better Business Bureau, and area publications for referrals or reviews.
Get Referrals
Before calling the vet’s office, look into their practice yourself. Some will specialize in cats only, or small animals, while others mainly see birds. Still others will see anything from rats to dogs to cows. Be sure that if the vet treats things other than cats that they have the credentials and skills to give your feline the attention it deserves.
Get Referrals
You can learn a lot about a vet’s practice by speaking to the receptionist that answers the phone. If the receptionist is rude or short with you, it may be a good indication of how you will be treated when you get there. You should be able to get details from the receptionist like what kinds of hours the vet is in service and if they take emergency walk-ins.
Ask about prices for a few basic things like vaccinations, spaying or neutering, to compare to other clinics. You may also want to know about the payment policy. Do they require full payment at the time of service, or will they take a payment plan? Most clinics will accept insurance, but if you have pet insurance, check that first. Then find out how soon you can bring you cat in for an exam. In most areas, vet clinics can get a pet in for wellness exams within a week.
Get Referrals
Oftentimes, it will be hard to really see what the vet experience will be like until you go in for the appointment. You may find you wait a really long time in the exam room to be seen, or that the doctor doesn’t seem to listen carefully to your concerns. It’s never too late to try a different vet if one doesn’t suit you for some reason. It’s important to keep looking until you are completely happy with your vet and their clinic.
