How to find a good Vet?
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10,950 Posts
I just switched vets...it's hard to find good information. I read all the reviews and comments I could find online, but considered them with a grain of salt. Everyone has different ideas of what is "good!"
The place I settled on has a decent track record and decent reviews. Partly I chose it because it's close to my home. But the other reason was because it's a group practice. There are four vets which means there are four expert opinions to get on any issue, and they can all look at the records and test results. I can almost always get a last-minute appointment if I don't care which vet I see. If I plan ahead, I can get my vet of choice.
The last vet I went to was a solo practitioner. He'd been practicing for a long time, which can be a really good thing. I liked him a lot and he was great with my dog. But he missed her heart murmur. It was discovered when she had her intake exam at the new place. I have to think it might have been found sooner if she'd seen different doctors once in a while.
The place I settled on has a decent track record and decent reviews. Partly I chose it because it's close to my home. But the other reason was because it's a group practice. There are four vets which means there are four expert opinions to get on any issue, and they can all look at the records and test results. I can almost always get a last-minute appointment if I don't care which vet I see. If I plan ahead, I can get my vet of choice.
The last vet I went to was a solo practitioner. He'd been practicing for a long time, which can be a really good thing. I liked him a lot and he was great with my dog. But he missed her heart murmur. It was discovered when she had her intake exam at the new place. I have to think it might have been found sooner if she'd seen different doctors once in a while.
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1,240 Posts
I found Bentley's vet by word of mouth referral. I have a friend who worships her pets. I asked her who her vet was and then set up an appointment for a puppy well check and "interviewed" the vet while he did the exam. He's been fabulous.
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1 Posts
We looked at yelp, read a ton of reviews and also asked friends where they went if they liked them. I already had it narrowed down from what I could read online, take it with a grain of salt but if two people said the same thing about the vet it helps, many peoples reviews said that our vet took time, felt that they cared, didn't over charge and would be honest with what they needed. Then I asked friends and people with pets where they went and this vet kept coming up so I knew it was right. It is so hard to find a vet that you like but if you go and hate it don't go back, keep looking its worth it!
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2,147 Posts
Word of mouth from friends or colleagues with pets is always a good start. Also, if you live near a university or college with a vet school they might also have a vet service open to the public. Our doggies have all been clients of our local university vet school and the level of expertise and knowledge can't be matched. Either way, talk to people and get opinions.
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4,215 Posts
It can be so hard to find a good vet! I know - we just switched. Again.
You can google the clinic's name and 'reviews' and see what other people have said. Like someone else said, I tend to take those with a grain of salt, but if you see a definite pattern with any complaints or concerns, it would probably raise a red flag for me.
Basically, what I've done is just make an appointment and check the place out myself. Even then, it can be difficult finding the right fit, but I think it's better than just listening to someone else's opinion. Pay attention to how they handle and how they treat your dog. Do they take their time? Are the exams thorough? Do they explain things to you and answer your questions, or do you feel rushed? Also, make sure you get copies of their records including exam notes. That can give you a good idea about how thorough (or not) they are.
But even with all that, it can be hard. I thought our previous guy was pretty good, but as it turns out, not so much!
You can google the clinic's name and 'reviews' and see what other people have said. Like someone else said, I tend to take those with a grain of salt, but if you see a definite pattern with any complaints or concerns, it would probably raise a red flag for me.
Basically, what I've done is just make an appointment and check the place out myself. Even then, it can be difficult finding the right fit, but I think it's better than just listening to someone else's opinion. Pay attention to how they handle and how they treat your dog. Do they take their time? Are the exams thorough? Do they explain things to you and answer your questions, or do you feel rushed? Also, make sure you get copies of their records including exam notes. That can give you a good idea about how thorough (or not) they are.
But even with all that, it can be hard. I thought our previous guy was pretty good, but as it turns out, not so much!
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168 Posts
I had the same thing with my previous vet. Single practice and could never get an appointment in the evening. I work during the day and he was open only 2 nights. This new place which is really close to where I live is open 6 days a week and has 6 doctors and open until 8pm each night. Thanks for your help.
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618 Posts
As mentioned, don't be scared to switch vets. When it comes to your pups health, you want to make sure he's in good hands and will get the attention he needs when he needs it.
We have switched vets twice so far. My girlfriend doesn't like the idea of it cause you would rather the dog become comfortable with one vet, but I tell her the same thing. If we have to question the vet or if their hours don't fit our schedule, there's nothing wrong with changing.
If you know any fellow dog owners, ask who they use. If there's a dog park in your area and you take your dog there, that's a good place to start. Just be aware, everybody knows "the best vet". So take names and do some research online. Find out where they went to school, if they are continuing their education, whether they belong to any organizations or boards, and things like that.
Our vet now has all sorts of animals from horses and lamas to dogs, so we feel like he can relate to how we feel when JJ is sick being he's been there before. The specialist we went to for JJ's eye just happened to have 2 Golden's of his own. Number 7 and 8 for him. We don't pick a vet based on whether or not they have dogs, of course, but it just feels like they can understand more sometimes. At the end of the day though, you want to make sure they are qualified, well educated, and will to work with you and your dog to fix whatever the problem may be, pets at home or not.
We have switched vets twice so far. My girlfriend doesn't like the idea of it cause you would rather the dog become comfortable with one vet, but I tell her the same thing. If we have to question the vet or if their hours don't fit our schedule, there's nothing wrong with changing.
If you know any fellow dog owners, ask who they use. If there's a dog park in your area and you take your dog there, that's a good place to start. Just be aware, everybody knows "the best vet". So take names and do some research online. Find out where they went to school, if they are continuing their education, whether they belong to any organizations or boards, and things like that.
Our vet now has all sorts of animals from horses and lamas to dogs, so we feel like he can relate to how we feel when JJ is sick being he's been there before. The specialist we went to for JJ's eye just happened to have 2 Golden's of his own. Number 7 and 8 for him. We don't pick a vet based on whether or not they have dogs, of course, but it just feels like they can understand more sometimes. At the end of the day though, you want to make sure they are qualified, well educated, and will to work with you and your dog to fix whatever the problem may be, pets at home or not.
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