From the article: Get Your Questions Answered Or Seek A Second Veterinary Opinion
Most of us have experienced the need to find a new vet at some point. Whether you just moved to a new location, adopted a first pet, need to find a vet specialist, or get second opinion for your pets, how did you do it?
In the "old days" people would turn to the phone book, now more often it is Google. Did a friend recommend a vet, or did an emergency situation propel you to finding the nearest veterinary hospital?
Please share how you found your vet and tips for finding a good vet. I would also like to know why you (and your pets!) like your vet or... why you found a new one.
No mention of names or clinics, please. Share your tips
Finding a Vet
- I had met our first veterinarian a year or two before I brought my first puppy home. He had been a patient in the medical office where I worked. He was a wonderful vet, easy to get a hold of, skilled and competent. He welcomed questions and it was a win-win situation for my pup and me. When he moved from the area in 1988 I was faced with the need to find a new vet. We started with the vet who took over the original practice but the level of communication and a few mishaps were enough to quickly send me looking. I asked many friends and received high recommendations over and over for Dr G and we have been happily in the care of this hospital every since. In 2005 we faced a situation where I felt we needed something beyond the skill of our regular vet and so we sought specialty care - again asking and hearing the same name over and over. We now have an amazing specialist when needed and my regular vet and I have a good understanding about this.
- —Guest brrnese
Finding A Vet
- My vet, FK DVM, is the only small animal man in town. Doc C is as old as the hills, still a fine vet, but he mainly does cows and horses. Some like FK DVM, some don't. I think he's ok, but my Maeve Dog loves him and that's what counts, that and he takes good care of her. I used to drive 20 plus miles to see CG DVM, but when he retired thanks to arthritis, I decided to spare myself the ride and go with FK DVM. I still think old Dr. G _ his son, known as young Dr. G, is a veterinary orthopaedic specialist _ was God's gift to small animal practice, but he had a legit reason to retire.
- —Guest Father Daniel
Love my vet
- I'm very choosy because I've worked over 20 years in the veterinary medicine world as a surgical tech and K9 hydrotherapist. I ask a lot of questions and basically interviewed several vets. The vet I take my pets to has been our vet now for almost 15 years. He keeps his practice small in order to provide quality care to each patient, and there is at least a 2-year waiting list of folks who want to be his clients. He uses all his senses when diagnosing, he is the perfect blend between the old-fashioned country vet and the hi-tech modern vet. He takes the time to talk with you, and usually provides options to folks who don't have the financial wherewithal to pay for the hi-tech tests and such. He also rescues animals, takes injured strays and heals them, works with several animal rescues & during Katrina, his clinic was open 24/7 in order to accommodate the animals the rescue workers brought to him. My dogs love to go to the vet - and they adore their doctor.
- —Greytdog
