Now Hear This!
Clients Speak Their Minds...

Back in 1999, I asked viewers what they thought of their vets -- why they go to their vet, what makes their vet stand out in the crowd. We had some great responses in both Part I and Part II of the article. This time, new questions are asked about the client/veterinarian relationship, and next time we will have comments from veterinary staff -- what they think about clients.

FROM CLIENTS

How did you find the vet you currently see?
"Recommendation by friend."
- AMBERFACE
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"I was lucky enough to find two very good vets - one by referral by a breeder I bought a puppy from, and one I volunteered for."
- ROTTZILLA
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Are you happy with your vet? If not, why don't you change vets?
"We are absolutely overjoyed with our vets at the moment...and I do mean the plural. A husband and wife team take care of our girls and each brings different options and viewpoints to the table which is always a good thing."
- CATDRAKKEN
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Does your vet talk you you at a level that you can understand?
"He speaks to me a little below my level of understanding (which is a little annoying), presumably because most clients don't have the same medical background I have."
- AMBERFACE
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"Absolutely."
- ROTTZILLA
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Does your vet seem to really care about your pet, or do you get the feeling that you are just another appointment in a busy day? What does your vet do/say to influence your feeling on this?
"I'll go by the judgment of all three of the pets we've had cared for by him. They adore him, he never seems too busy to talk/listen/do the little things that please animals. He always manages to address our concerns, discusses options and makes recommendations... such as avoiding the recently introduced heartworm injections in favour of heartgard."
- CHAKO2
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"I do feel like I wait too long at both offices. But, by the same token, both vets take a lot of time to explain things to me and therefore, the next client waits also. It is a fair trade to get the quality time I get."
- ROTTZILLA
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Do you feel that your vet listens to your concerns/answers your questions?
"Definitely, and if it's something that's beyond their realm of expertise, they are open to going to specialists for advice. I've had vets in the past who just shrug their shoulders and if it's something they aren't familiar with they act like there's no answer out there and don't bother researching it."
- CATDRAKKEN
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What is the thing that you most like or dislike about your vet?
"Just the wait beforehand. Both vets are patient (with me and my dogs) and understanding of patient fears."
- ROTTZILLA
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"Call backs for routine test results have occasionally been less than reliable. I know the staff is busy with infinitely more important issues, but I requested the test for a reason. So, I'm eagerly awaiting the results."
- AMBERFACE
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"They are very compassionate folks who have done their best to help us take care of our little old lady cat. They know we are willing to go the extra mile so they are willing to as well. They know we are far from the most financially secure family in the world and that we're sacrificing a lot for the care of our pet, so they help us out when they can. They aren't just compassionate with our cat, they are compassionate towards us. They are open towards alternative and holistic medicine on top of everything else. I can't say enough about them...they are wonderful people."
- CATDRAKKEN
Read more from CATDRAKKEN...

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