How do you choose a new vet?

[Jess041]

Well, I guess I have been very fortunate, in that every time I have asked to meet and speak with a new vet specialist, saying I only want a few minutes of their time, at a time convienent for them, I have never been denied.
Sometimes it is just a phone interview. One that stands out, is a reproduction vet, that I ended up changing to from one that I had used for years.

I think part of good practice management is being accessible to your clients, or willing to shake the hand of a prospective client.

Not trying to stir the pot, but do you think a vet might have made a point to see you because they knew you were a breeder and would be bringing in a decent amount if business from future litters or dogs you acquire?

This may sound terrible, but when I wanted to scope out the vet that some co-workers had recommended, I ended up taking my cat in for a check-up and shots. It doesn't mean I don't love or care for my cat and would take him just anywhere.. but he was due for all that stuff and this vet had come highly recommended from several co-workers.

 

[Caro]

I recently changed vets. My previous vet wasn't too bad but he was not great at managing Deska's arthritis. I had tried other vets and they were okay too. How I picked this vet was I went when the dogs weren't sick and talked to the main vet about how she could handle Deska's condition. I was impressed by her focus on case managing complex conditions and the sorts of things she could do or suggest (the consult didn't cost me anything either). This one was also well known at the dog club and one of her nurses also worked for Deska's specialist so I had heard good things about her before I went.

I do also prefer a vet that has behavioural qualifications (or someone in the practice who has quals), one that has a good relationship with specialists and supports alternative medicines for dogs - like physio, acupuncture and herbalism.

 

[celloyogi]

Interesting comments, very useful. I wonder if most people put this much thought into checking out their own physicians ? We have had potential clients come in to "check" the place out and I think this is a good idea. We don't typically have requests to meet with the docs without an appointment or pets. Personally, I think it is asking a lot of a vet to meet with you without paying for his services. From some of the posts here it seems that some vets do this, but it just isn't practical many times. Most practices operate by appointment only and try really hard to stick to their schedules so that the person who has reserved this time is seen at that time. Then you have emergencies which can't really be scheduled. Sometimes we have clients come in and expect to meet with a vet. without an appt. . The docs always do this but someone always winds up waiting because of this. I don't mind waiting if there has been an emergency but I wouldn't want to have to wait because somebody is shopping for a vet or thinks they are special and don't need an appointment. I like to see how the vet handles my pets and how they handle me. I like a multi- vet practice because each doc has a different area of expertise and interest. I like to have options. Word of mouth is great but you have to remember that everyone has a different perspective and POV concerning personalities and cost/value expectations.

As far as asking to meet a vet ahead or outside of a scheduled appointment, I wouldn't suggest showing up out of the blue. Call ahead, ask if there's time, and if so, when, and make it clear you only want five minutes or less (and then stick to that, don't try to take 15 minutes and get free medical advice). If a vet has time for that, great. If not, I'd still stop in and talk to the front desk staff. If I had a strong enough recommendation from other sources, I would be comfortable enough not seeing the vet ahead.

If I were looking for a new vet for a pet with a particular behavior problem, I might consider scheduling an appt for the vet to sit down and talk, sans pet, paying whatever the regular office visit charges are. If I don't like the way the vet deals with me or talks about my pet, I won't have subjected him/her to the stress of a trip to the vet.

As for whether people spend this time finding their own doctors, I know I do but I also know many others don't. I worked in a family medical practice for years and we had a lot of patients who found us because they drove by and saw the sign, or because their insurance assigned us as their primary care provider.

 

[mellie]

Well, I guess I have been very fortunate, in that every time I have asked to meet and speak with a new vet specialist, saying I only want a few minutes of their time, at a time convienent for them, I have never been denied.
Sometimes it is just a phone interview. One that stands out, is a reproduction vet, that I ended up changing to from one that I had used for years.

I think part of good practice management is being accessible to your clients, or willing to shake the hand of a prospective client.

It is good business to be accessible, and I don't mean any offense to you and the way you approach a new vet. . Breeders do get special consideration and understandably so.

 

[dblock]

I can't really offer any advice but, if anyone is near South Philly, and are actively looking for a new Vet I highly recommend Companion Pet Hospital, They opened up a few months after I brought Beau home. He was still quite a mess and what impressed me about them was everyone of the staff came out to meet Beau and they sat on the floor and gave him cookies to coach him to go into the clinic. In addition, they are very, very responsive to not only Beau needs but, mine. I love, love, love my Vet


I had a vet prior to them opening who told me to shove Beau' medicine (he had really bad kennel cough) down his throat. (Seriously) And he blew me off about my concern that Beau hadn't barked at all for two months. And this was not a young doctor, he was an old timer. Rude, Rude, Rude

 

[Tabitha]

I had a vet prior to them opening who told me to shove Beau' medicine (he had really bad kennel cough) down his throat. (Seriously) And he blew me off about my concern that Beau hadn't barked at all for two months. And this was not a young doctor, he was an old timer. Rude, Rude, Rude

Sounds like my vet!

 

[Laddie's Mom]

I choose my vet via friends and how my pet likes him/her after the first visit. In the states, I had a lot to choose from, but here, in this small area, the closest one is 20 miles, it is a good thing she is good, I really like her, she is one of the best I have actually had for my pet. Steve uses this place too for his kitty, it has a great staff.