How Do I Choose A Veterinarian For My Cat

Your choice of a veterinarian is an extremely important decision that could profoundly affect the quality of care that your cat receives. So how does one go about choosing a vet?

First, you should probably begin by defining your needs. It may help you to compose a list of those things that are a priority for you. For instance, do you need someone in close proximity to your home? If you depend on public transportation or a friend driving you then distance is certainly a very important consideration. Do you prefer an old-fashioned one-veterinarian office, or a multi veterinarian practice with on staff specialists and the latest in diagnostic equipment? Of course there are many practices which fall somewhere in between these extremes - just something to consider while narrowing down your choices.

Does you cat have any special needs such as a history of urinary blockages? Is he diabetic, or have a heart disease? If so, then you need a veterinarian with as much experience as possible in treating that particular problem.

Do you think you want a hospital with all the latest technology like laser surgery, CAT scans, and magnetic imaging? Of course everyone wants the best diagnostic tools, but these machines have to be paid for, and once in a while that causes extra testing and costs that perhaps could have been done without.

What is an "Animal Hospital"? What is a "Veterinary Clinic"?

First, let's discuss the differences between a veterinary clinic and a veterinary hospital: By definition a veterinary "clinic" has a set number of hours in which it is staffed or open and does not provide 24 hour care. A "hospital" is available 24 hours and staffed by either a veterinarian or para-professional staff at all times.

What is an AAHA Hospital?

Some veterinary hospitals are accredited by the [url=http://www.aahanet.org/Stand/Index.html]AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association)[/url] which means that they have fulfilled certain requirements designed to increase the level of care being provided to companion animals. A hospital can be AAHA certified in one, or all, of seven categories- Feline being the one we most care about (the others include Traditional Medicine, Avian Medicine. Emergency Care, Emergency and Critical Care, Dentistry, Surgical, and Ophthalmology).

What is the Difference Between a "Feline Specialist"and a "Feline Practitioner"?

A "Feline Specialist" is a veterinarian who is certified by the [url=http://www.aafponline.org/index.htm]AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners)[/url]- a professional organization of veterinarians who share an interest in providing excellence in the care and treatment of cats. To look for a Feline Specialist in the USA visit the [url=http://www.aafponline.org/findadoctor.php]AAFP[/url] website.

What About Emergency Veterinary Services?

If there is no other emergency facility available near you then a "hospital" might be your best bet. Problems don't necessarily show up during office hours and knowing where the closest 24 hour facility is would be a really good idea. Other owners opt to use a clinic for their scheduled veterinary appointments and visit a designated [url=http://www.veccs.org/hospital_directory.php?PHPSESSID=83f5892e69cac2a5fdc75f54f3a9c63e]emergency facility[/url] near them if needed. If you go this route, make sure you keep the emergency facilities phone number and address somewhere you can find it when you are upset and approaching hysteria.

How Do I Begin Looking For A Veterinarian?

If you have friends or family members with pets, ask which clinic they use and what they like and dislike about the clinic, the vets, and the staff. If you are new to the area and don't know anyone, you might want to go through your phone book to look for possible candidates. You might want to look for a feline specialist if one is available, or a veterinarian in an AAHA Hospital with feline accreditation.

If there isn't a specialist in your area, don't worry - many general practice vets are extremely capable, very concerned with continuing education and they make it a real point to stay informed. Make a list of the 5 or so veterinarians you think are most likely to suit you. Then call the offices and ask a few simple questions over the phone. The receptionist won't have time for an extended conversation, but should be able to tell you their days and office hours, who handles the emergencies after hours, how many vets they have on staff, and whether clients are able to get in the same day or typically have to wait for an appointment. This conversation, besides giving you answers to important questions, will give you a feel for the office. There are not really any right or wrong answers at this point- you're just finding out how they sound over the telephone. Mark off any that rub you the wrong way and continue.

Next, drive by all of the locations and check out the time it takes to get there making special note of traffic issues, parking, and the general look of the place. If getting there is easy, there is sufficient parking, and the building seems well maintained, keep them on your list. If not cross them off.

Can I Ask to Visit The Veterinary Hospital?

Now you have maybe 3-4 possibilities, so call and ask for a tour of the facility. This should be no problem for them but it may need to be scheduled in advance, as they don't need strangers wandering around during surgeries, or during the busiest times of day. I would immediately cross those who won't allow a tour off of your list. You should expect to be shown the reception areas, exam rooms, back room labs and emergency/trauma areas, kennels, cages, and holding areas and at least be allowed to view a surgery room through a window. You want to see cleanliness, organization, professional looking techs and other staff, and notice any odors. It is normal to smell the occasional poops or pees, but the stench of long neglected animal waste should not be present. A slight disinfectant smell is normal. Check where the floor meets the walls for imbedded grime, and look at the counters- has the clutter been there for months? Is the bedding in the cages clean?

After this visit you will probably rule out another one or two places just because something rubbed you the wrong way, or the place was dirty, or you just didn't feel as if they wanted your business. At this point it is time for an actual veterinarian interview. You can now schedule an office call with prospective vets and proceed to ask them various questions that will inform you about their veterinary philosophy.

How Do I Interview a Prospective Veterinarian?

Normally, the price of an office visit is not cheap, but many clinics offer a "no animal present" visit where you can speak directly with the vet without the normal distraction of having a pet in with you to be seen. Many times, this type of office visit will be less in cost than if you were to bring in an animal. If you can only afford to interview one veterinarian, that is fine, but the choice of a veterinarian is difficult and now is the time to think about things so you don't have to second guess yourself or have "hindsight" regrets later on.

You are the primary person in your cats care- you are the observer, the one with the emotional investment and the ultimate responsibility, and you are the one who writes the checks. The veterinarian is the person you hire to help you with the more involved details and aspects of your cats care, but it is important to remember that he/she is still working for you. So it is vital that it be someone you get along well with, who respects your opinions as an observer, and is willing to be open minded to any thoughts or feelings you have about specific methodology (vaccines or raw feeding, for example). It is imperative to establish a good, open line of communication with the vet you choose and to make certain to do your own homework before each visit. You will want to write down questions you may have and ask the vet to address them individually in terms you can understand.

Here is a list of several questions you might think about asking them. Add your own, and write them down. Most of us get nervous around doctors, and a list helps you to keep your thoughts organized.